October 31, 1517, was the date Luther chose to make his thoughts public, which ultimately led to a profound theological reform that caused the Christian church to refocus on the complete forgiveness of sins through the work of Christ.
On June 25, 1530, the Lutherans read and signed their theological confession in the city of Augsburg. Immediately, this document became the confession of faith for many churches dissenting from Rome. The congregations began to be known as the "churches of the Augsburg Confession." Today, many centuries later, this document is considered the "constitution" of the Lutheran Church, for being Scripture and an ecumenical confession of faith.