There should be more focus on Lutheran/Catholic agreements

[rug]

by Pat Perriello | May. 16, 2013

A strong and vital official dialogue between Catholics and Lutherans continues yet remains one of the best-kept secrets in Christianity. The common understanding of the doctrine of justification is a case in point.

The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification was approved by the Catholic church's Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Lutheran World Federation in 1999. The doctrine of justification by faith is at the core of Christian belief and has long been a major sticking point between Catholics and Lutherans.

The fact that both denominations now share the same belief on this doctrinal issue is pretty amazing. Yet how many Catholics or Lutherans are aware of this fact? I don't know about Lutherans, but I'm pretty sure you would be hard-pressed to find a Catholic in the pews who is aware of this joint declaration.

Another example of how poorly we have done in sharing and updating the Catholic faithful is in the area of Scripture study. Catholic Scripture scholars have made major advances in understanding both the New and Old Testaments. These advances have brought about entirely new spiritual insights and opportunities for individual and group reflection. Yet the majority of Catholics continue to understand the Gospels as essentially historical accounts of the life of Jesus. It illustrates once again our failure to help the faithful grow into an adult understanding of their faith.

http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/there-should-be-more-focus-lutherancatholic-agreements

[IrishAyes]

1. Very edifying. Thank you.

I knew there was an ongoing effort at mutual understanding but was totally unaware of the latest developments. The Anglicans are heavily involved also, to the best of my knowledge.

As an aside, it was always my own belief that we are justified by faith but duty bound to good works as well. Otherwise 'faith' is dead. In other words, justified by faith but known by our works. Hard if not impossible to separate the two.

[hrmjustin]

2. The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America are in full communion.

There is always one Bishop of each denomination at the ordination of a bishop in both churches.

[IrishAyes]

3. Cool!