Lutherans and Catholics Continue Ecumenical Dialogue

The president of the LWF and the Salvadorian Roman Catholic Archbishop discussed the differences and similarities between the two faiths, and called on the “spirit of ecumenism” to unite the two bodie

In an effort to improve the ongoing dialogues between the Lutheran and Roman Catholic faiths, the president of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) met with the Salvadoran Roman Catholic Archbishop for a “cordial, honest conversation” about differences and similarities in the two faiths.

“We had a very cordial, and I believe honest conversation. We begun to talk about the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification. It is always good as a Lutheran leader and a Roman Catholic leader to begin by affirming what we have in common,” said Bishop Mark S. Hanson, president of the LWF and head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

“The task of the dialogues is to work on the theological issues that continue to divide us,” Hanson said, adding that despite the differences, they are united “also embrace a spirit of ecumenism.”

The Salvadorian Archbishop Monsignor Fernando Saenz Lacalle said the meeting was crucial for the spirit of ecumenism between the two.

“The visit was very interesting in that Hanson is not only a person who has left a mark within the Lutheran communion but also in the Christian world,” said Lacalle.

Lacalle also took note of the upcoming anniversary of the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, a statement that was signed by both the LWF and the Catholic Church to be true in 1999. The agreement, which took place in Augsburg, Germany, was the fruit of more than 30 years of bilateral dialogues, and symbolized a “consensus in basic truths concerning justification.”

“In brief we considered (during the meeting) the importance of October 31 when we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification,” Lacalle added. “I believe that the more we are faithful to the evangelical spirit the more we are united.”

According to the LWF release on Sept 17, several other Lutheran leaders were in attendance, including: the Bishop Medardo E. Gmez Soto of the Salvadoran Lutheran Synod (SLS); LWF Vice-President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Rev. Victoria Cortz Rodrguez; and Rev. Martin Junge, LWF Area Secretary for the Latin American and Caribbean region.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.