06/25/2026
Today, on June 25th, we Lutherans celebrate the presentation of the Augsburg Confession to the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V. This statement summarizing the belief and practice of the reformers was based on Martin Luther’s theology and written by Philip Melanchthon. Many of the German princes signed the document, confessing that this, too, was their statement of faith. They presented it to the Holy Roman Emperor at Augsburg on June 25, 1530, where it was read in German so that the German people could understand it. A Latin translation was also part of the document that was presented. Catholic authorities rejected the Confession just a few short weeks later. Melanchthon defended it in the Apology to the Augsburg Confession (1531). The Unaltered Augsburg Confession of 1530, as well as the Apology, were both incorporated into the Book of Concord in 1580. This important document was presented and defended by lay people (the princes and Melanchthon), who demonstrated to Charles V and the pope that they were willing to die for the sake of the Gospel and the confession of the faith contained within the Augsburg Confession.
Let us pray: “Lord God, heavenly Father, You preserved the teaching of the apostolic Church through the confession of the true faith at Augsburg. Continue to cast the bright beams of Your light upon Your Church that we, being instructed by the doctrine of the blessed apostles, may walk in the light of Your truth and finally attain to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” Amen.
Description adapted from and prayer quoted from “Treasury of Daily Prayer,” p. 463
Image: “Diet of Augsburg” by Christian Beyer, woodcarving ca.1500’s. Public domain.
