In 2015, the Bishops Committee for Ecumenical & Religious Affairs, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America published “Declaration on the Way: Church, Ministry & Eucharist.” Specifically, it identifies 32 statements on which Lutherans and Catholics have reached consensus regarding doctrines, while acknowledging that not all differences have been resolved.
In so doing, the result of 50 years of dialogue, conclaves and conferences between these two bodies has moved toward a unity heretofore thought impossible when Martin Luther first published his 95 Theses (points for debate) and created division within the church.
And, as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, it is felt that by making this journey toward full communion, Catholics and Lutherans will “strengthen their ties of common action at every level … for prayer, dialogue and shared service to those who live in poverty and on the margins of society.” In other words, a shared commitment toward all, but especially those most needy.
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