News

Ecumenical and interreligious

Please find more ecumenical and interreligious resources at ELCA.org. Categories include: ELCA full communion partners, bilateral conversations, formation, LERN Network, conciliar bodies, inter-Lutheran and interreligious relations.

Declaration on the Way This is a unique ecumenical text that draws on 50 years of Lutheran-Catholic dialogue in preparation for the 500th Reformation anniversary coming in 2017.

From Conflict to Communion (The Lutheran World Federation)

SPANISH LANGUAGE: ORACIÓN COMÚN: Del conflicto a la comunión: Conmemoración conjunta luterano–católico romana de la Reforma en el 2017

Joint Common Prayer Lutheran-Catholic Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017 (The Lutheran World Federation)

From Conflict to Communion, Study Guide (Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod and the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh)

Service of Common Prayer: ELCA Conference of Bishops’ Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Liaison Committee and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Committee 

On Thursday, March 2, 2017, the ELCA Conference of Bishops’ Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Liaison Committee and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Committee co-hosted a Lutheran-Catholic service of common prayer in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The service followed the Common Prayer liturgical guide, developed for the joint ecumenical commemoration held in Lund, Sweden last October 31, and based on the Lutheran-Catholic dialogue report, From Conflict to Communion. To view the pre-recorded live webcast, click on the title link above.

Renewing Covenant

For an example of the continuing work between the Lutheran and Catholic church, visit Renewing Covenant, a website dedicated to fostering relationships and partnerships between Lutherans and Catholics and to promote more positive conversations that build towards unity.

World Communion of Reformed Churches

The year 2017 will mark 500 years since Martin Luther nailed his 95 thesis to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany, sparking the Protestant Reformation. The WCRC has information and events specific to the year-long commemoration.

Episcopalian

Reformation Resolution

On January 28, 2017, the Episcopal Diocese of Washington (EDOW) approved a Resolution in observance of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation during its convention. Created by the Ecumenical and Interreligious Commission, the Resolution is included on the EDOW website under Ecumenical Relations, Ministries & Networks.

The Resolution is as follows:

Resolution 1:  Resolution on Observance of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation

Resolved, that the One Hundred Twenty-Second Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington appreciates the faith and courage of Martin Luther, whose ninety-five theses on the “power and efficacy of indulgences,” posted on 31 October 1517, sparked widespread movements for reform of church and society.

Resolved, that the Convention celebrates the gifts that The Episcopal Church’s full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America provides to our parishes, schools, and people.

Resolved, that the Convention encourages each parish, school and university chaplaincy of the Diocese of Washington, in observance of the Anniversary, to invite a Lutheran congregation or institution to a worship service, educational or social event, service project, or other joint activity.

 

Presbyterian Church, USA

Reformation Sunday commemoration suggestions

Reformation Resources

Luther and Contemporary Interreligious Relations: From the ELCA Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations  This ELCA Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations produced a resource that offers four of Martin Luther’s key theological principles to support a more positive approach to inter-religious relations.

Articles on Jewish relations. This article includes the “Declaration of ELCA to the Jewish Community” and “Guidelines for Lutheran-Jewish Relations.”

Wartburg Theological Seminary: Connections: Faith and Life This resource contains four units addressing: Living Faithfully (The Ten Commandments), Living Confidently (The Apostles’ Creed), Living Spiritually (The Lord’s Prayers), Living Freely (The Sacraments).

Luther Seminary: Word & World, Spring 2016, Reformation Now