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The Lutheran World Federation
Lutheran World Information |
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| 31.10.1999 |
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| Reformation Day in Augsburg was historic |
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Thousands witness signing of “Joint Declaration” celebrations
AUGSBURG, Germany/GENEVA, 31 October 1999 (lwi) – “Reformation Day in Augsburg 1999 was an important step towards our churches’ common witness,” was the fitting description the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) President Bishop Christian Krause gave to a much and widely debated event, a moment in time after more than three decades of what was at times very difficult dialogue between representatives of the LWF and the Roman Catholic Church’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) — the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification.
Bishop Krause was addressing about 700 worshippers representing mainly Catholic and Lutheran church leadership, Orthodox and Protestant lay and clergy from across the world as well as political representatives invited to the Lutheran Church of St. Anna on 31 October 1999 to witness the historic signing of the Joint Declaration.
Krause reiterated that for the first time in centuries Christians were again setting foot on common ground, and affirming agreement in an area where 469 years ago, a breach in relations had occurred on the question of how God is related to humanity and humanity to God.
In reference to the more than 30 years of dialogue since the Second Vatican Council that have characterized the “stage” celebrated in Augsburg, Krause reiterated what he had said earlier when he addressed journalists during the press conference on 29 October, that it was important that Catholics and Lutherans have approached each other, listened to each other and prayed with each other. “Trust and hope have increased. And we have learnt that that which binds us together is stronger than what distinguishes or separates us from each other,” he said, adding that theological discussions should and must follow for many problems still await careful attention and require prudent clarification.
The LWF President, who is also the bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brunswick, Germany, added that consensus in words becomes credible in doing things together and in the joint efforts of “our churches, where we meet and help human beings in physical and spiritual need.”
When the Catholic Bishop of Augsburg Dr. Viktor Josef Dammertz welcomed representatives of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the Roman Catholic Church among other guests to the Catholic Cathedral of Augsburg, he emphasized that the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, although stating a consensus found in fundamental questions on a central point of the 16th century schisms, did not nearly mean the much yearned unity, but an important step on the arduous way to an ever increasing unity between those who believe in Christ.
Bishop Dammertz said it was significant that the declaration was signed in Augsburg, the city of the Confessio Augustana (1530), the city of the conclusion of religious peace (1555), the city of parity regarding the co-existence of Protestants and Catholics (1648) and the city where every year, since 1650, the Festival of Peace is celebrated. The Cathedral, the point at which festivities for the signing celebrations began on 31 October in the morning was significant. Citing several historical points associating the Cathedral with critical moments in the movement of the Reformation, the Catholic Bishop summarized by saying that the place where the 16th century breakup as well as efforts for agreements have become quite intense “will today begin the common path of reflection and conversion that together we wish to follow.”
Dr. Ernst Oeffner, the Evangelical Lutheran Church regional bishop for Augsburg and Swabia, likened the signing of the declaration to embarking upon a new road while at the same time remembering the common beginning of the road. The signing ceremony, he reiterated, “is not an end point but a colon”, an indication that the ecumenical dialogue must continue with theological effort in order to achieve better understanding and reconciliation. He noted that while Eucharist-sharing remains “our goal” further steps can be taken on more common worship on a regular basis, more common initiatives in the congregations and more common action in public life” as a way of deepening “our faith which - as we officially confirm today- is common in its central elements.”
He recalled a question posed by Pope John Paul II in the Augsburg Cathedral in 1987: ‘Why should we have separate paths in those areas where we can already walk together?’ Surely, “there is more that unites us than separates us,” the Lutheran bishop concluded.
In his homily delivered at the Lutheran Church of St. Anna, where the actual signing took place the President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) Edward Idris Cardinal Cassidy said the Joint Declaration has brought new life and hope to entire ecumenical movement “as we come to the end of the second Christian millennium. However, we must build on that hope” particularly in Europe where there is the challenge of renewing efforts to evangelize many “who have wandered far from their traditional faith. He however, noted that “our divisions are a great impediment” to the task before us.
Referring to St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, in which the apostle explains the necessity of laying foundations around the corner stone that will support and hold firm a new edifice, Cardinal Cassidy said it is symbolic that those gathered in Augsburg to witness the signing of the declaration would continue “that building” on the foundation which has been laid, that is Jesus Christ and His Gospel.
Cassidy added that the task entrusted to those witnessing the celebration was “not only to continue building” but they also had the added duty of seeking to repair the damage that has been done to that building by the storms, conflicts and at times human-made earthquakes. He added that as “we give thanks for that we have made, let us realize that the road ahead is still long and difficult but so full of joy.” The experience of Augsburg can help Christians to move forward and claim that joy and share it with millions of others.
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