This is the second of two local stories talking with religious leaders about the Reformation. The first article ran last Saturday, Aug. 26, and focused on Catholic and Lutheran leaders reflecting on 500 years of division, and their commitment to working together in the future.
As Catholic and Lutheran clergy in our area work toward celebrating what the denominations have in common, friendships have formed. Many are already looking forward to what might happen in the future, long after the upcoming 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s protest against the Catholic church which launched the Protestant Reformation.
The Rev. Steve Ramsey, pastor at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Arlington, hadn’t known The Rev. Scott Woods, associate pastor at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Findlay, until he made his acquaintance through the discussions pastors are having to plan shared activities and discuss what they have in common.
“Five-hundred years ago we had one of the biggest church fights of all time,” Ramsey said. “And out of that fight has come many, many blessings.”
Both denominations have carried on and done great things. So if God could use a fight like that and have good come out of it, “what could God do if we actually worked on reconciliation?” Ramsey asked.
“From Conflict to Communion: Together in Hope,” a joint commemoration of the Reformation led by both denominations’ bishops, will be held at 3 p.m. Sept. 10 at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 750 Bright Road.
Another service will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at First Lutheran Church, 109 E. Lincoln St., featuring couples in which one spouse is Lutheran and the other Catholic, and clergy who started out in one denomination and now belong to the other.
Oct. 31 marks the actual 500th anniversary of the Reformation. When northwestern Ohio Catholics and Lutherans wake up Nov. 1 — or in 2018, or in another 500 years — where do they want to be?
Click here to read the complete article online at thecourier.com.