Catholics Should Learn from Luther, Pope Says in New Interview

Catholic Culture ^ | 10/28/16

[marshmallow]

Pope Francis said that Catholics can learn a great deal from Lutherans, in an interview published as he prepared for a trip to Sweden to join in commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

The Holy Father’s latest interview appeared in the Italian Jesuit journal Civilta Cattolica. The Pope was interviewed by Father Ulf Jonsson, the editor of a Swedish Jesuit magazine, Signum.

Speaking about what Catholics should learn from Martin Luther, the Pope said: “Two words come to my mind: reform and Scripture.” He explained that Luther set out to reform “a complex situation” in the Church, but because of political considerations his effort caused “a state of separation, and not a process of reform of the whole Church.” Regarding Scripture, he said, “Luther took a great step in putting the Word of God into the hands of the people.”

Speaking more generally about ecumenical relations, the Pontiff said, “Personally, I believe that enthusiasm must shift toward common prayer and the works of mercy” rather than concentrating on theological discussions. “To do something together is a high and effective form of dialogue,” he said.

Responding to questions about the objections that were raised to a papal Mass in Sweden, the Pontiff said that he deliberately avoided scheduling a Mass on the same day as the ecumenical prayer service that he will lead, to “avoid confusing plans.” He added: “The ecumenical encounter is preserved in its profound significance according to a spirit of unity; that is my desire.”

[onedoug]

Missouri Synod I understand is relatively conservative. I went to one such small church in NW SC that wasn’t sure they were even going to let me in, not being in full communion with their eucharistic theology.