Soochow Celebrates 500th Anniversary of Protestant Reformation Led by Martin Luther

Do you know how far Soochow University’s motto can be traced back? It all began half a millennium ago, when Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation, and its impact on the University find expression in many ways. SCU marked the 500^th Anniversary of this influential historical event as well as commemorated Martin Luther from October 27 to November 6 with  a grand celebration.

Jointly held by SCU’s Chaplain’s Office, the Library, the Department of Music, the Bible Society from the Department of German Language and Culture, and Goethe-Institut, the celebration included a memorial exhibition, a symposium and a concert that helped SCU students, faculty, staff and alumni gain a better understanding of the breadth of Martin Luther’s impact on diverse spheres, especially on SCU.

The opening ceremony on October 27 was joined by distinguished guests including Director of School Board Song-Chang Tang, SCU President Wei-Ta Pan, Vice President Pao-Cheng Dung, and Pastor Jian-Zong Chen of The Methodist Church, Pastor Cheng-Dao Xu, Chairman of Bible Society, and Tai-Yin Yang, Chairwoman of Board of Deacons at Christian Church.

President Pan considered Martin Luther a distinguished monk whose far-reaching implications of the Protestant Reformation influenced the establishment of SCU. In fact, SCU is one of the thirteen universities built by the Protestants in China at the end of the nineteenth century. Even more closely relevant is the school’s motto “Unto a Full-grown Man,” which came from the New Testament. Pan emphasized that one may seem insignificant but could change the world, and that SCU always encourages its students to learn from this philosophy and carry on the spirit.

The Protestant Reformation bequeathed to the world a variety of concepts that are still deeply relevant today, including plurality in society, freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, literacy and universal education, and the rise of both rationalism and science.

The Year 2017 is a significant milestone in human history as it marks the 500th anniversary of the Martin Luther’s religious reformation—a day for people to look back into history with deep introspect. May the world continue to carry forward the spirit of the Reformation, and embrace challenges with no fear for changes and stride ahead with a dauntless heart.