“The Reformation of the Sixteenth Century was one of the world’s most influential events for the history of North America.”

The North American arm of a multi-year project to highlight and celebrate the relevance of the Reformation as a movement of renewal and change was launched in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 21-22, 2010.

Meeting at the Emory University Center for the Study of Law and Religion, Dr. Herman Selderhuis, the International Director of the Refo500 project), introduced staff and key North American leaders.

Dr. Selderhuis, President of the Theological University in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, commented: “The Reformation of the Sixteenth Century was one of the world’s most influential events for the history of North America. The shaping of a new way of life, of religion, of doing politics, of education and commerce resulting from Martin Luther’s message has not only affected the way in which North America developed over the centuries, but is more than ever relevant for people of the 21st century.”

A complete list of the Refo500 Project Partners is available on their website at www.refo500.com.

Each of these, along with all the other project partners, will guide, coordinate, and begin creative and memorable exhibits, lectures, conferences, publishings, and media events, etc., illustrating the vitality of the Reformation. In addition, Dr. David W. Hall, former director of Calvin500, was appointed as the North American Director for Refo500.

One publishing partner has already been identified (with others to join): Reformation Heritage Books of Grand Rapids, Michigan, represented by Dr. Joel Beeke. Also Witte Travel of Grand Rapids is the official travel project partner for these events; Witte Travel was represented by Jan Peterson-Wayward and Dan Hermen.

Project Leader Karla Apperloo summarized Refo500 as a project that “wants to make connections between the past and the present, and also between partners working together. This Atlanta meeting shows perfectly how it works.” Others are invited to join with Refo500, and the website contains information on upcoming events and conferences.

Contact: Dr. David Hall
[email protected]

For additional information:
Karla Apperloo, Project Leader Refo500, tel. 06 11808278
Dr. Herman Selderhuis, Director Refo500, tel. 06 15375958