AUGSBURG, OCT 31: Putting aside five centuries of theological differences, Roman Catholic and Lutheran Church leaders on Sunday signed a declaration ending the dispute over salvation that sparked the Protestant reformation and led to the thirty years war.The 700 guests at Augsburg's Lutheran Church of St. Anna's and more than 2,000 observers in a nearby tent watched, applauded and hugged each other as officials from the two bodies stated that both churches believe that the salvation of individual Christians is "justified" by God's love alone, not by human efforts.
From the Vatican, Pope John Paul II welcomed the signing as a "milestone along a difficult path full of joy, union, and communion among Christians.""For the first time in centuries we are walking on common ground together," said Bishop Christian Krause, president of the Lutheran World Federation.While Lutherans believe salvation is based on faith alone, Catholics believe that people's actions can make a difference to reach heaven.
After 30years of consultation among theologians, the two sides announced in June that they would sign the agreement to unite their beliefs on justification.
The signing ceremony included representatives of 12 countries.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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