Germany: ” “a common witness ” “

Achieved at the end of a long debate within the Lutheran confessions and bilaterally with the Catholic Church, the joint declaration on the doctrine of justification, signed at Augsburg on 31 October 1999, represents not only a resolution of the main theological controversy that triggered off the Lutheran Reformation in the sixteenth century, but also ratifies the ecumenical progress made by the various confessions. On the eve of the Prayer Week for Christian Unity (18-25 January), SIR interviewed Msgr. Paul Werner Scheele , bishop of Wuerzburg, and president of the Ecumenical Commission of the German Bishops’ Conference. In Germany, following reunification, the numerical relation between Catholics and Evangelicals has also changed. At the present time, out of a total population of over 82 million inhabitants, there are 30,420,000 Protestants and 28,700,000 Catholics. It should be recalled that almost 20% of the population declares itself agnostic, while 4.4% is represented by Moslems, the majority of them of Turkish nationality or descent. What importance does ecumenical dialogue have today? “Today, as in the past, ecumenical dialogue is necessary. It forms part of the elementary duties of Christians. Together with the Pope, we too affirm that dialogue has its place in the Churches’ commitment to holiness. It is therefore a dialogue that sanctifies”. Two years after the joint declaration of the doctrine of justification, what’s the state of relations between Catholics and Evangelicals? “The joint declaration showed how close are the reciprocal bonds that bind Catholics and Lutherans together, emphasizing the growth in unity in Christ. At the same time the declaration is a contribution to the common witness we Christians owe to the world. This joint responsibility, furthermore, has been endorsed by numerous pronouncements on questions of life and faith. Today it is clear to many that the joint declaration will produce yet further results in the future”. What is the contribution that the Churches can make to Europe? “All Christians are called to contribute to the promotion of Europe. For on them depends what spirit will inspire and propel this Continent in the process of being constructed. An important step towards a common Christian commitment at the European level is the ecumenical Charter jointly drawn up by KEK and CCEE and promulgated at Strasbourg last April. In Germany various initiatives are being taken, aimed at the Charter’s practical application”. After the tragic events of 11 September is a climate of greater solidarity and collaboration between Christians evident in Germany too? “What happened had a profound impact on many Christians. Many ecumenical meetings and services took place in the aftermath of these events. Altogether there was a growing consciousness that we Christians have the task, according to the Letter of Peter, ‘of giving an account of the hope that is in us’ and thus helping to overcome the anxieties and open a more positive prospect for the future”. On issues of bioethics, are there shared positions between the Churches? “We are in the midst of debate on the matter; it is therefore more than anything the different positions that are emerging. Among believers, just as among scientists, numerous conflicting opinions are being voiced on these issues. At the same time, however, a basic consensus is taking shape between the Churches on the need to protect the human being from the first moment of his existence”. What preparations are being made in Germany for the Week of Christian Unity? “Year after year the celebrations of the ‘Week’ succeed in bringing together a large number of faithful. Both at the national and at the local level, their preparation represents a good opportunity for the Churches to draw closer to each other. This year in particular we will focus on the theme of peace and on the relations between the religions.” Patrizia Collesi