500 Years Since The Reformation: Germany Prepares For Celebrations And Events

WITTENBERG, GERMANY - OCTOBER 20: A statue of 16th-century theologian Martin Luther stands on Marktplatz square on October 20, 2016 in Wittenberg, Germany. In 1517 Luther nailed his 95 theses to a door of the nearby Schlosskirche Church. Next year will mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation that Luther set in motion and that led to the creation of successful Protestant movements in history's most significant challenge to the Catholic Church. Celebrations and events in Germany will begin later this month and continue globally through next year. Luther's translation of the Bible made it accessible to a much broader audience. He also spoke out against the practice of indulgences and the sale of relics, and also argued that a place in Heaven is possible not by good deeds but through faith. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)