Justification
From left: Bishop Dr. Christian Krause and Edward Idris Cardinal Cassidy signing the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ) |
In 1999, Lutherans and Roman Catholics reached historic agreement on a divisive issue that dates back to the sixteenth century.
The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ) asserts that the past condemnations issued by both churches do not apply to their teaching as set forth in that document. Instead, the JDDJ considers the notion of salvation itself. We are saved by God's grace through faith alone rather than by our own efforts. At the same time, the question arises about the spiritual significance of our "good works."
From left: The Rev. Dr. Ishmael Noko and Bishop Dr. Walter Kasper signing the JDDJ |
A final JDDJ draft was submitted to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) and LWF member churches in January 1997. Official responses were provided from both in June 1998. Certain aspects then had to be examined before the announcement was made, in June 1999, that agreement had been reached. An "Official Common Statement" was agreed on, to which an "Annex" of clarification was attached.
 Joint Lutheran-Roman Catholic Press Conference, 11 June 1999, Geneva, Switzerland. The Rev. Dr. Ishmael Noko, LWF General Secratary, and His Eminence Edward Idris Cardinal Cassidy, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity |
The JDDJ was signed on Reformation Day, 31 October 1999, All Saints Day eve. The ceremony took place in Augsburg, Germany where the confession of the same name was presented in 1530 by the Lutheran reformers in an unsuccessful attempt to resolve the conflict with the Roman Catholic Church. Eight signatories represented the LWF at the JDDJ signing ceremony: the President, General Secretary, Treasurer and five Vice-Presidents. They included men, women, bishops, pastors and laity, representing the seven LWF world regions.
The PCPCU President, and Secretary, were the JDDJ signatories for the Roman Catholic Church.
