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GLOBAL EXHIBITION OPENS IN SYDNEY TONIGHT

Announcement posted by St Andrew's Cathedral Choir of Boys and Men 08 Aug 2017

“#HereIstand - Martin Luther, the Reformation and its Consequences”. To be officially opened by His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales, as part of German Week Sydney.

Keen to discover more about “The Reformation” and Martin Luther’s involvement?  Why was the sharing of knowledge – through the written word and music – so important to so many?

It is fitting that the poster boy of the Reformation – Martin Luther – is being commemorated with a poster exhibition at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney’s CBD – part of a global showcase observing the 500th anniversary of Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church in Germany.

The Very Rev. Kanishka Raffel, Dean of Sydney, invites anyone, especially those interested in history and Protestant Christianity, to come and discover what framed the Reformation and to take inspiration from the life of the man who did not bow to corrupt authority or prevailing opinions: Martin Luther.


OFFICIAL OPENING TONIGHT – FREE EVENT - ALL WELCOME

This thought-provoking exhibition will be officially opened by His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales this evening at a free event in the Cathedral starting at 6pm.    

All are welcome at the exhibition opening, co-hosted by the Consular General of Germany as part of “German Week Sydney”.  

Tuesday 8 August 2017
6:00pm for 6:15pm start  
St Andrew's Cathedral
Crn George & Bathurst Streets, Sydney

With the Reformation also referred to as a “singer’s movement”, music will be central to the official opening, with the St Andrew’s Cathedral Choir of boys and men performing two Bach Cantata highlights and leading a well-known hymn: 

Now thank we all our God (Cantata 79, Bach, arr. Cobb)
Erschallet, ihr Lieder (Cantata 172, Bach - sung in German) 
A Mighty Fortress is our God (congregational hymn)

One of the readings will also be delivered in German and The Rev Dr Mark Thompson, Principal of Moore College, will give an address.

The exhibition will then continue at the Cathedral until late September 2017.


ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

#HereIstand reflects the most important events in the history of the Reformation, and its effects up to the present day.

“By considering the dynamics for reform that took hold after Luther published his 95 theses, we can better understand the far-reaching consequences of Luther’s actions in the 16th Century,” commented the Dean.

“We are delighted that the Cathedral is involved in this exhibition – encouraging Sydneysiders and visitors alike to be part of an ongoing global conversation. 

“Luther’s role in translating, printing and sharing the Word of God directly to and with the people was central to the Reformation, however there are many more outcomes from Reformation history that have continuing expression in modern society”, said the Dean.

“We hope that those who visit the Cathedral take some time to view these beautiful, informative posters to discover why the Reformation happened, and reflect on its importance.”

While this very modern exhibition - comprising 30 carefully researched information graphics -  is self-guided in design, Cathedral volunteers will be available to answer questions.

Martin Luther’s biography forms the point of departure for an investigation of the environment the people of the Reformation lived in, putting the Reformation in context and highlighting its impact.

The period between 1520 and 1530 was a time of upheaval, including for gender roles. Today it is often forgotten that women played a role in the Reformation. With an examination of the spread of Protestantism in the USA, the exhibition also considers what the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr has in common with his namesake.


A MEDIA REVOLUTION

In the 16th century, Martin Luther shrewdly used the media of his time: the printing press.  Movable type enabled a new kind of communication as one text could become a thousand in no time – be it scripture or a songsheet. Now 500 years on, technology is again playing a central communications role, with this entire exhibition having been downloaded and printed locally, reflecting the changing face of printing.

A particular highlight of the exhibition is the inclusion of images of Luther memorabilia, many of which can be viewed online or, like the posters, can be downloaded and printed on a 3D printer – in affect bringing the museum to the people!

If the Reformation was happening today, would Luther prefer Twitter, Facebook or Instagram?

Share your thoughts on the Reformation on your preferred social media networks using the hashtag #HereIstand.


EVENT DETAILS

“#HereIstand - Martin Luther, the Reformation and its Consequences”

St Andrew’s Cathedral, Cnr of George and Bathurst Streets, Sydney NSW 2000

(Above Town Hall Station)

8 August 28-September 2017: 10am-4pm Monday-Friday*

*Please note: St Andrew’s Cathedral School assemblies and regular services may restrict access at times. The poster exhibition will also be available to view prior to regular evensongs, held twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays from 5.15-6pm.


Exhibition initiated by the German Foreign Office and the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany with the support of Moore College, the German Lutheran Church, Johanniter Order, the Goethe Institute and the German National Tourist Board.