A Lutheran bishop knocked on the massive bronze doors of a Catholic cathedral as the sun dipped low Monday evening.
A Catholic archbishop waited inside to open the door and welcome him.
The ritual moment in Omaha symbolized unity between the two faiths and was the start of an ecumenical prayer service commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
Lutheran Bishop Brian Maas and Catholic Archbishop George Lucas presided during the service that drew hundreds to St. Cecilia Cathedral.
The service was one in a series of local events commemorating the Reformation and marking five decades of the two faiths working toward unity.
“With joy we have come to recognize that what unites us is far greater than what divides us,’’ said Lucas, leader of the Omaha Archdiocese.
Maas delivered a similar message in his sermon.