wfn.org | Reformation Day in Augsburg is historic

[FRANK_IMHOFF.parti@ecunet.org (FRANK IMHOFF)]

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 are
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" being celebrated
today, Krause reiterated what he had said earlier when he addressed
journalists during the press conference on 29 October in Augsburg, and
during other interviews with them, that it is 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.

Krause, who is 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.

Welcoming representatives of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the
Roman Catholic Church among other guests to the Catholic Cathedral of
Augsburg, the Bishop of Augsburg Dr. Viktor Josef Dammertz, said 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, does 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 is significant that the declaration is 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 the signing celebrations begin in the
morning is 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 "Joint Declaration on
the Doctrine of Justification" 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" but 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 - first of all
the mutual invitation to the Lord's table and the mutual recognition
connected to this as being Church of Jesus Christ," further steps can be
taken on more common worship on a regular basis, more common intiatives
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 of the "Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of
Justification" 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 the whole of the
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 evangelise many "who have
wondered far from their traditional faith." Cardinal Cassidy 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 today to witness the signing
of the "Joint Declaration" 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 today is "not only to continue building" but they also have
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.

(The LWF is a global communion of 128 member churches in 70 countries
representing 58 million of the world's 61.5 million Lutherans. Its
highest decision-making body is the Assembly, held every six or seven
years. Between Assemblies, the LWF is governed by a 49-member Council
which meets annually, and by its Executive Committee.)

[Lutheran World Information is the information service of the Lutheran
World Federation (LWF). Unless specifically noted, material presented
does not represent positions or opinions of the LWF or of its various
units. Where the dateline of an article contains the notation (lwi), the
material may be freely reproduced with acknowledgment.]

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Lutheran World Information
Assistant Editor, English: Pauline Mumia
E-mail: pmu@lutheranworld.org
http://www.lutheranworld.org/