On Oct. 31, 2016, we will make history. Lutherans and Catholics from around the world will come together for the anniversary of the Reformation. The Lutheran-Catholic commemoration will take place in Lund, Sweden, with a Common Prayer service lead by Pope Francis, The Lutheran World Federation President Bishop Dr. Munib A. Younan and its general secretary, the Rev. Dr. Martin Junge.
Launching the 500th Reformation anniversary in 2017, a joint Lutheran-Catholic commemoration will take place in Lund and Malmö, Sweden, on Oct. 31, 2016. The Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church (Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity) are hosting the event, highlighting solid ecumenical developments and the joint gifts received through dialogue.
Pope Francis, The Lutheran World Federation President Bishop Dr. Munib A. Younan and its general secretary, the Rev. Dr. Martin Junge, will lead the Common Prayer service in Lund and the event in Malmö in cooperation with leaders from the Church of Sweden and the Catholic Diocese of Stockholm.
This historic event will bring together Lutherans and Catholics from around the world to commemorate the Reformation and look to the future.
Ways you can participate
As members of the ELCA, we are committed to fostering unity among God’s children for the sake of the world. Your gifts are needed to help continue this mission and help support the joint ecumenical commemoration of the Reformation. Your gift will help open doors to new possibilities, strengthen relationships, promote peace, reconciliation and joint diaconal work around the world.
Find resources:
- "From Conflict to Communion," a guide for common commemoration of the Reformation
- "From Conflict to Communion" study guide
- "Common Prayer: From Conflict to Communion"
- "Declaration on the Way," a unique ecumenical document on unity between Catholics and Lutherans
- "Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification"
- Discover other events and resources the ELCA is lifting up at ELCA500.org as we prepare to observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
- JOINT STATEMENT on the occasion of the Joint Catholic-Lutheran Commemoration of the Reformation
