Toward Greater Unity

As the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation begins, we celebrate the fruitful ecumenical dialogues between Catholics and Lutherans. While overcoming differences and being drawn together through joint service to neighbors, many have learned that what unites these two churches is greater than what divides them.

Drawing on 50 years of national and international dialogue, Lutherans and Catholics have written Declaration on the Way: Church, Ministry and Eucharist – a unique ecumenical document that marks a pathway toward greater unity. The Declaration on the Way is both an expression of the consensus achieved by Lutherans and Catholics on the central topics of church, ministry and Eucharist and an indication of differences remaining to be resolved. Thus the declaration makes more visible the unity Catholics and Lutherans share as they approach the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in October 2017.

“Five hundred years ago wars were fought over the very issues about which Lutherans and Roman Catholics have now achieved consensus,” said the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). “The declaration is so exciting because it shows us 32 important points where already we can say there are not church-dividing issues between us, and it gives us both hope and direction for the future.”

Join with the Rev. R. Guy Erwin, bishop of the Southwest California Synod of the ELCA, as he explores the declaration and its meaning for this time and place. Bishop Erwin earned a doctorate and two master’s degrees at Yale University and his bachelor’s degree at Harvard University. He engaged in seminary studies at Yale Divinity School and the universities of Tubingen and Leipzig in Germany. Prior to his election as bishop, he was the Gerhard and Olga Belgum Professor of Lutheran Confessional Theology at Cal Lutheran. 

Admission is free. Sponsored by the Division of Mission and Identity in recognition of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Livestream and On Demand video recording available at www.CalLutheran.edu/live.