Dialogue between Lutherans and Roman Catholics

A door has opened. Will our generation clarify the relationship between the Lutheran Church and the Roman Catholic Church? We have gradually moved from protest and power struggle, through consultation and dialogue, to an invitation to move together as Lutherans and Catholics to deepen understanding and strengthen bonds of friendship.

On October 31, 1999, the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification was signed by representatives of the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church. This was the culmination of 30 years of dialogue and a milestone in the history of the ecumenical movement. Justification by faith through God's grace, a cornerstone of Lutheran theology, no longer divides Protestants and Catholics. Several texts relating to this dialogue including the Joint Declaration itself can be viewed at the Vatican site and at the Lutheran World Federation site.

Justification by Faith through Grace, Study Resources for Congregations and Parishes has been prepared by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. This resource can be ordered from the Publications Service of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, 90 Parent Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1N 7B1. Phone: 1-800-769-1147. Fax: (613) 241-5090