justification
By ERIN PIROUTEK
Associate News Editor
For centuries the disagreement between Catholics and Lutherans has hinged on the Doctrine of Justification. Traditionally Lutherans have emphasized that salvation is by faith alone, while Catholics maintained that good works are necessary for salvation. On October 31, 1999, representatives of the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation signed their first ever joint doctrinal statement, "The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification." The statement acknowledged a basic doctrinal agreement on the theological issue of how God justifies, or saves, people.
Two principle architects of the document, Cardinal Edward Cassidy, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and George Lindbeck, a Lutheran professor of historical theology at Yale, presented "The Joint Declaration: A Significant Ecumenical Achievement," at Notre Dame last night.
Cassidy explained the history of the document, his views on the ecumenical success of the document and his hopes for the future. Then, Lindbeck, who was one of 60 "delegated observers" from other Christian communities at the Second Vatican Council from 1962-65, responded to Cassidy's speech, supporting Cassidy's remarks while adding his own thoughts about the future of Lutheran-Catholic relations.
"From the beginning of the formal Lutheran-Catholic dialogue, the Doctrine of Justification has been an important topic," said Cassidy, noting that the document is the result of decades of dialogue between the churches.
"These illusions can be shattered, … these illusions of separateness," said Lindbeck.
The Joint Declaration has reached completion at a particularly appropriate time, according to Cassidy.
"For Catholics, this achievement enhances our celebration of the jubilee year," said Cassidy.
The declaration expresses a doctrinal agreement between Catholics and Lutherans while respecting the diversity of individual religious traditions.
"The Joint Declaration is not a confessional statement, nor is it a compromise document," said Cassidy. The declaration states the basic truths that both faiths hold. It also shows that they don't contradict each other.
Cassidy quoted key passage of the Joint Declaration: "Together [Roman Catholics and Lutherans] confess: By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and received the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping and calling us to good works."
"The same truths may be expressed in different traditions in diverse forms," said Cassidy, explaining that diversity of expression may enrich faith, but cautioned that it also may wound relations between different faith traditions.
Cassidy also focused on the role of the Holy Spirit in the preparation of the Joint Declaration, as well as in future dialogue between religions.
"It is certain that we can and must cooperate by the power of the Holy Spirit," said Cassidy.
Both Cassidy and Lindbeck emphasized that although the Joint Declaration is a significant achievement, both Lutherans and Catholics must continue their efforts to reach the goal of full communion.
"We have not reached the end of the road by any means," said Cassidy.
"The withdrawal of condemnation in the Joint Declaration is only a first step," said Lindbeck.
The document, in addition to clarifying the Doctrine of Joint Declaration, brings up new issues.
"The Joint Declaration itself sets before us a number of questions that await our joint attention," said Cassidy, specifically mentioning the sacraments, ecclesiology and the ethics of the Joint Declaration. He noted that the realization that Catholics and Lutherans can overcome a major difference is a positive sign for future communion.
"There is one saving action of Jesus Christ," said Cassidy, noting that the salvation described in the Joint Declaration should be the cause of continual celebration for members of both faiths.
All News Stories for Tuesday, April 18, 2000
