Pastor Heiner Bludau: “The Pope in Lund is a significant gesture that encourages a climate of reconciliation”

Over the past years the painful chapter of Catholic-Lutheran relations underwent a rapid, positive development. After 500 years of clashes, bitter arguments and even wars, the commemoration of Luther’s Reformation will bring together, for the first time ever, the Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation on the occasion of the celebrations in Lund, Sweden, starting on October 31 2016 and ongoing throughout 2017, in a climate of dialogue and reconciliation. This would have been “unconceivable” a few years ago. It’s a “sign that dialogue has moved forward.” In addition, there is a Pope who says I am going because I want to be present. It’s a significant sign. If the Pope goes to Lund it can’t be said that we are not ready, that joint celebrations are not possible.” It’s the opinion of pastor Heiner Bludau, provost of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Italy, Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Community in Turin.

What does the Pope’s presence in Lund mean to the Lutheran faithful?

Lutheran churches have regularly celebrated the centenaries of the Reformation for the past 500 years. These celebrations often turned into protests against the Catholic Church. For example, in 1617 the first centenary of the Reformation was celebrated just before the outbreak of the Thirty Years War, obviously against Catholics. The last one, in 1917, the fourth centenary ahead of the outbreak of World War I, turned into a national celebration of Germany.  The recurrence of the Reformation was thus used to strengthen personal identity against that of the ‘opponents’”. The celebrations of 2017 opened the possibility of celebrating this event in a climate of dialogue for the first time in history, whereby this celebration can truly be a great celebration of Christ. We come together at the centre that is Christ, regardless of our differences and without wanting to say that we are different (if not better) than others. However, I cannot speak on behalf of all Lutherans. There are many Lutheran Churches. On our part, as Lutherans in Italy, the Pope’s visit highlights the fact that the Lutheran Church worldwide is not marginal as it is in Italy.

In the light of today’s Catholic Church with a Pope like Francis, do you think that Luther would propose his Reformation even today?

It’s a good question with no easy answer. Although today we are closer, differences in our respective Churches remain; we have not yet achieved perfect harmony. The Catholic Church has 7 sacraments, we have only 2; the Catholic Church has the adoration of the Saints while we don’t; the role of the mother of God is different in the two Churches; the Catholic Church has a Pope while Lutheran Churches are autonomous, there is no hierarchy; pastors can get married, there are women pastors – just to mention some of the differences. Nonetheless, in today’s completely different world, I think that Martin Luther would raise different challenges. The challenge of our times consists in the loss of faith of many people. The point of reference being the Gospel, the Good News of the love of God, a Reformation today would have a completely different meaning compared to 500 years ago. The present divisions between Churches is the most serious mistake that ought to be overcome. Reforming today’s Churches thus means finding new ways for joint Christian witness. Perhaps the question does not involve a common institution representing all Christians, for institutions are always linked to power. And power could be misused. Today it involves mutual understanding and shared action. I greatly appreciate the concept of reconciled diversity, an expression used also by Pope Francis. In a plural world also the Church can be plural. But what’s important is to be reconciled in our diversity.

50 years of Catholic-Lutheran dialogue. What do Luthrans expect from Rome? Do you think that inter-communion is possible? And to what extent could it be important? As I said I cannot speak on behalf of all Lutherans. In my opinion sharing the sacrament of the Eucharist is a focal aspect of the process towards unity. Art. 7 of the Augsburg Confession, a fundamental document for Lutheran Churches, states: “This is the assembly of all believers, among whom the Gospel is preached in its purity and the holy sacraments are administered according to the Gospel. To the true unity of the Church it is enough to agree concerning the doctrine of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments.” Therefore for us the preaching of the Gospel and the celebration of the (two) sacraments represent the foundation of the Church. From our point of view, unity must envisage these two points. Consensus has already been reached in terms of the doctrine, notably as regards justification. The question of the Eucharist remains an open issue. I am aware that there is a different understanding of these aspects in the Catholic Church. However, I’m not expecting co-celebrations. My proposal consists in Eucharistic hospitality.

Do you think that something will change after Lund? What does the future of dialogue look like? 
I don’t think that something will change after Lund. I cannot say whether there will be changes at doctrinal level. But perhaps other kinds of changes will occur. The Pope’s visit is a very powerful gesture. The Pope will take part in the opening of the ceremony commemorating the Reformation! This gesture will inspire all of next year’s celebrations. There will be joint celebrations: this gesture ushers in a climate of reconciliation. This atmosphere would have been unthinkable two years ago.

Inside the Catholic Church some remarked: “there is nothing to celebrate but only to repent for the division.” But today we can repent together and celebrate together. This is a powerful sign.