Catholic-Lutheran dialogue says both churches 'wounded' by separation

Published: 2004-05-06

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Catholic and Lutheran churches are "wounded" in their ministries and communities by the lack of full communion between the two ecclesial traditions, said a new common statement of the U.S. Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue. The statement recommended that "each church recognize that the other realizes, even if perhaps imperfectly, the one church of Jesus Christ and shares in the apostolic tradition." It also recommended a mutual recognition, at least partially, of each church's ministries. It argued that the different emphases on bishop and presbyter (priest or ordained minister) in the two traditions should be seen as complementary and mutually challenging, and not in themselves church-dividing. The dialogue recommended that Catholic and Lutheran leaders and people increase their interaction and collaboration on a wide range of activities, from joint action by church leaders to working together locally on service and social action, catechesis and evangelization. Titled "The Church as Koinonia of Salvation," the statement was completed during the April 22-25 meeting of the dialogue in Milwaukee and was released in May.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .