wfn.org | LWI 2009-021 Reformation Jubilee in 2017 Must Have Clear Ecumenical Dimension

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Reformation Jubilee in 2017 Must Have Clear Ecumenical Dimension

Hanover Bishop Kässmann: Bible Is Reformation Focal Point

AUGSBURG/GENEVA, 26 March 2009 (LWI) - The bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover Dr. Margot Kässmann has
issued a strong plea to "give the jubilee of the Reformation a
clear ecumenical dimension." 

On 26 March in one of the main presentations at the Lutheran
World Federation (LWF) consultation "Theology in the Life of
Lutheran Churches: Transformative Perspectives and Practices
Today," the regional bishop insisted that, despite their
disagreements and their specific identities, the Roman Catholic
and Lutheran Churches have more things in common than things that
separate them. 

"In a secular society, a common witness of Christians is of
eminent importance," Kässmann told consultation participants. The
closer the church is in its presentations to the public, the
theologian asserted, the better it is listened to as a church. 

With regard to the 2017 Reformation jubilee, Kässmann feels it
is extremely important that the event is used as an opportunity
for critical reflection. "I am convinced [that] the churches of
the Reformation in Germany, as well as Lutheran churches
worldwide, are strong enough not to blind out the dark sides of
their great founder," Kässmann explained. 

"The Bible is the focal point of reference for the Reformation,"
the theologian insisted. For this reason, she hoped that during
preparations for the Reformation jubilee fresh orientation from
the Bible will be sought out. She also hoped that Christians, in
Europe especially, will once again find a common language. 

More than 120 theologians from across the globe are taking part
in the consultation "Theology in the Life of Lutheran Churches:
Transformative Perspectives and Practices Today" in Augsburg,
Germany, from 25 to 31 March under the auspices of the LWF
Department for Theology and Studies, in collaboration with the
Institute of Protestant Theology of the University of Augsburg.

More information on the consultation is available at
http://www.lutheranworld.org/What_We_Do/DTS/DTS-TLC_Augsburg.html

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