CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Memorable scenes from the classic 45-year-old movie "Martin Luther" are being used to highlight a new educational video on the 16th century German reformer. Lutheran Film Associates (LFA), a partnership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, has released "Luther Legacy," a four-part series.
"Over the years we discovered that the 'Martin Luther' movie served educational purposes far beyond its long tenure as a cinema feature and television movie," said Robert E.A. Lee, former head of LFA, who produced and directed "Luther Legacy." "Churches of many denominations were able to use it as a teaching tool, first in 16mm form and then on video."
"This new production is simply a way of making it convenient for teachers and pastors to present the film's dramatic moments for discussion. Many who know little about Martin Luther's role in history as a theological giant may discover that his legacy has a relevance to their faith today," said Lee.
Bill Whitney of CBS News is a member of Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA), Wyckoff, N.J., and hosts the new video's 15-minute segments -- "Who was Luther and What Was Driving Him?" "How 95 Arguments Triggered a Revolution," "A Rebel on Trial: 'Here I Stand'" and "The Protestant Movement Under Way." A leaders' guide accompanies the tape.
Louis de Rochemont Associates produced "Martin Luther" in Germany for U.S. Lutherans in the early 1950s. Niall MacGinnis, a British actor, portrayed Luther from a script by Allan E. Sloane in association with Lothar Wolff, the producer, and two Luther scholars, Theodore Tappert and Jaroslav Pelikan.
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
