MARTIN Luther King, during the Middle Ages, caused a split in Christian history by exposing abuses existing in the medieval Church. Pope Francis travelled to Sweden last November 5 where he stood side by side with Lutheran leaders at events that commemorated the Reformation. His bold and genuine gesture represents a new moment in Catholic-Protestant relations, and validates the Catholic Church’s sometimes hesitant journey towards Christian unity.
This is what I read in the UK magazine The Tablet. Francis has reinforced the ecumenical approach that insists that dialogue with Protestants must be open and genuine, with each side prepared to learn from the other.
After hearing testimonies from across the world of what the Churches were doing to help migrants, save the planet and build peace, Francis stresses that there is now “more that unites than separates” Catholics and Lutherans.
One area where there are hopes for change is in sharing Communion between the Churches. During his sermon in a Swedish Cathedral, Rev. Junges said it was time for Catholics and Lutherans to share “tables – yes tables – where we can share bread and wine, the presence of Christ”. The Pope who has in the past indicated openness in this area, veered away from the topic in his official speech but the issue is addressed in the joint declaration he later signed.
“We experience the pain of those who share their whole lives, but cannot share God’s redeeming presence at the Eucharistic table”, the carefully worded text explains. “We acknowledge our joint pastoral responsibility, to respond to the spiritual thirst and hunger of our people to be one in Christ”.
The Pope said: "With certitude we acknowledge that the Reformation helped give greater centrality to Sacred Scripture in the Church’s life." He went on to explain that Martin Luther’s position that Christians are saved by grace alone, "challenges us to remember that apart from God we can do nothing."
"With the concept ‘by grace alone’, he reminds us that God always takes the initiative, prior to any human response, even as He seeks to awaken that response," the Pope said. "The Doctrine of Justification thus expresses the essence of human existence before God."
This the most positive language a Pope has used in relation to Luther. Francis is determined to trumpet the closeness that already exists between Christians.
"When it comes to ecumenism the first step is diplomacy," a former Lutheran leader of the Swedish Church said. "That you acknowledge that the other is there and maybe, that the other Church is more or less a real Church, even if you don’t share all its opinions."
The Pope’s visit was a dramatic, clear acknowledgement of the Lutherans, their Churches and their traditions. And it also showed that, despite the differences, Catholics and Protestants can do business together.
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