Lutherans Responding to Crisis: 1529 and 2001

Abstract

This paper explores the events of The Siege of Vienna in 1529 and the terrorist attack of 9/11/2001. In both situations, Lutheran voices responded to the two crises: Martin Luther in 1529, and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in New York City in 2001. While both attacks share certain features, each one is unique. Likewise, the response of the pastors who were involved was unique. The events and responses of these two situations may give some guidance to pastors and congregations as they seek to serve their own distinct ministry contexts especially in times of crisis.