From Conflict to Communion: Including Common Prayer

by Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity, Lutheran World Federation, Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity

In 2017, Catholics and Lutherans will jointly look back on events of the Reformation 500 years ago. At the same time, they will also reflect on 50 years of official ecumenical dialogue on the worldwide level. During this time, the communion they share anew has continued to grow. This encourages Lutherans and Catholics to celebrate together the common witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the center of their common faith. Yet, amidst this celebration, they will also have reason to experience the suffering caused by the division of the Church, and to look self-critically at themselves, not only throughout history, but also through today's realities. 'From Conflict to Communion' develops a basis for an ecumenical commemoration that stands in contrast to earlier centenaries. The Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity invites all Christians to study its report both open-mindedly and critically, and to walk along the path towards the full, visible unity of the Church. This edition is Including Common Prayer.

Genres: Theology

112 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2013

Reviews

[Rick Stuckwisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book was only recently called to my attention and recommended to me; otherwise, I probably would not have discovered it, nor would I have been likely to read it if I had. Not being a fan of the Lutheran World Federation, I was skeptical about what I would find. But I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. Not that I would concur with everything presented in this modest volume, but I was impressed by the balanced, objective, and even-handed approach that it takes. As as summary of Lutheran and Roman Catholic dialogues and the current state of the relationship between the churches, it is well done and helpful. It does a nice job of highlighting points of convergence and agreement, without shying away from points of disagreement. Greater clarification is needed in some areas, especially with respect to Justification and various practices touching upon it. But this is worth the time to see where things stand and how they are perceived by various participants on each side.