Zenit.org reports that Pope Benedict XVI encouraged Catholics and Lutherans to overcome divisions, as they did in 1999 with the historic Joint Declaration on Justification. This occurred during the visit of an ecumenical delegation from Finland, which visited the Vatican today on the occasion of the feast of the country's patron, St. Henrik. Lutheran Bishop Mikko Heikka of Espoo and Catholic Bishop Jozef WrÃbel of Helsinki headed the delegation.
"These visits are an occasion for further productive work, as well as for a deepening of the spiritual ecumenism, which prompts divided Christians to appreciate how much already unites them," the Holy Father said in his address in English to his guests. "The present Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue Commission in Finland and Sweden builds upon the substantial accomplishment of the Joint Declaration on Justification," signed in Germany in 1999. "The commission is continuing to study the achievements and practical implications of the Joint Declaration. In this way it seeks to address the still existing differences between Lutherans and Catholics concerning certain questions of faith and ecclesial life while maintaining fervent witness to the truth of the Gospel. We are especially aware that unity is a grace, and that we need continually to ask the Lord for this gift. Let us thank God for all that has been achieved so far in Catholic-Lutheran relations and let us pray that he may fill us with his Spirit, who guides us towards the fullness of truth and love."
# posted by Ivars: 7:31 PM ikrafts@msn.com
