Representatives of the Lutheran federation and Catholic Church jointly signed the declaration Oct. 31, 1999, in Germany, officially stating that there is consensus between Lutherans and Catholics on basic truths related to the doctrine of justification.
“It is our heartfelt view that the fifth anniversary of the declaration signing calls for celebrations and for renewed study around the world,” write the Reverend Ishmael Noko, general secretary of the Lutheran federation, and Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, in a joint letter.
A key phrase of the document, in paragraph No. 15, states: “Together we 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 receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping and calling us to good works.”
Yet, Noko and Cardinal Kasper point out that substantial work remains to be done before full agreement could be reached on the significance of justification.
