The Finnish Lutherans have been in Rome again on their annual pilgrimage to the Holy See (a significant idea in itself!). In his speech to the visitors, the Holy Father said:
You mentioned in your address the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, now ten years old, which is a concrete sign of the brotherhood rediscovered between Lutherans and Catholics. In this context, I am pleased to note the recent work of the Nordic Lutheran-Catholic dialogue in Finland and Sweden on questions deriving from the Joint Declaration. It is greatly to be hoped that the text resulting from the dialogue will contribute positively to the path which leads to the restoration of our lost unity.
Does anyone know anything about this? I think he is referring to their current round of discussions “Justification in the Life of the Church”, mentioned in this 2004 report from the PCPCU, but I can’t find anything more about it on the net. Sounds interesting.
The JDDJ is accepted by by neither traditional Lutherans nor Catholics and it totally confuses sanctification and justification.
Christine
It is accepted by the Holy See and the Lutheran Church of Australia, which is good enough for me.
That’s the point, and the problem.
Christine’s comment is rather holier-than-thou by suggesting traditional Lutherans and Catholics do not accept the Joint Declaration, thereby implying that the minority traditionalists, both Catholic and Lutheran hold a superior view. The Declaration is recognized officially by the Roman Catholic Church and by major Lutheran denominations around the world, including the largest American denomination, the ELCA. Apparently, Christine adheres to a righteous branch that does not.
But cheer up, when Rome and the ELCA establish “full communion” you can have the benefit of this:
http://www.herchurch.org/
Are you aware of the ALCC? Anglo-Lutheran Catholic Church (www.anglolutherancatholic.org) – Lutherans in the US doing something similar to what to describe.
I really wish I had seen this thread two months ago, but hopefully someone here will still read my response.
The ALCC, of which I am a bishop, has indeed petitioned Rome for complete reunion. However I can guarantee that the outcome Christine seems to envision is not likely. We adhere already to all the Catholic Magisterium teaches, and have each signed a statement (The Mandatum) vowing to not teach, preach, or publish any doctrines contrary to Roman Catholic teaching.
If anyone here wishes to read it, our petition can be found online at http://www.stmichaelsalcc.org/News.dsp.
Peace and grace,
+Ed Steele
ALCC
Here is the text spoken of by the Holy Father, in English:
http://www.svenskakyrkan.se/default.aspx?di=415137