Cornerstone for a new future

We began a new millennium with a historic milestone. On Reformation Dayu 1999, the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification was signed in Augsburg, a German city with historic connections to Lutheran-Roman Catholic relations.

In 1530 Augsburg's civic leaders joined others in presenting the Augsburg Confession of their Lutheran faith to Emperor Charles V When conflict over the Reformation threatened all of Europe, the 1555 Peace of Augsburg provided a framework for co-existence. After nearly a century more of Reformation and Counter-reformation, Augsburg became one of the sites for a treaty that ended the Thirty Years' War in 1648.

What better place to sign a document that Pope John 11 has labeled a "milestone" on the road to reconciliation between Lutherans and Catholics. Journalists have already dubbed it the "Augsburg Accord."

Justification, the action of God that bridges the gulf to sinful humanity, was a stumbling block in Martin Luther's day. It was one of the key issues between Lutherans and Catholics. The "Augsburg Accord" has turned justification into a cornerstone on which further cooperation can be built.

Some "ELCA moments" at Augsburg:

* It was heartening to see ELCA theologians who played key roles in producing the declaration get ringside seats at the signing ceremonies. John Reumann, Michael Root, Eugene Brand, Bill Rusch and Dan Martensen were among those honored.

* Pastor Susan Nagle, Montclair, N.J., read one of the lessons at the ecumenical vespers service on the eve of the signing ceremony. It happened to be the 50th anniversary of her baptism.

* ELCA representatives agreed that the procession through Augsburg's streets brought an emotional high. "It was powerful enough to hear us singing as we walked," one said, "but I started to cry when the crowds along the way joined in."

* Despite the best efforts of TV executives to keep the signing ceremony on a strict time schedule, excitement won the day. When representatives from each side completed the first four signatures and embraced each other, applause broke out. It didn't stop until all 10 people had signed.

When asked about the role of faith and works in salvation, Cardinal Edward Cassidy, the principal Vatican representative, smiled and said: "When the Lord asks me, 'Did you do any good works in your life?'I can say, 'I signed the Joint Declaration."'

Copyright Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Jan 2000
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