Lutheran viewpoint

The theme for this year’s annual week of prayer for Christian Unity is based on the values that bound together the early Christian community in Jerusalem. The prayers and reflections around the 2011 theme were prepared by a group of Christian leaders in Jerusalem who say it’s not difficult to see how the situation of the first Christians in the Holy City mirrors that of the church in Jerusalem today. Among that group of Christian leaders was Mounib Younan, who is head of the World Lutheran Federation and Lutheran bishop of Jerusalem. My colleague Philippa Hitchen spoke to Bishop Younan in Jerusalem during her visit there last week.

The Lutheran leader says when it comes to the ecumenical dialogue Christians of all denominations should concentrate on what unites them, rather than on the points of contention. At a recent audience with Pope Benedict he said they spoke about the situation in Jerusalem and the plight of Christians in the Middle East and Bishop Younan says the Lutherans "would like a concerted effort" involving all Christian demominations to tackle these issues.

Bishop Younan also referred to the upcoming 500th anniversary in 2017 of the start of the Reformation saying "we don't want to celebrate it without the Catholics" and adding that he was "very touched that Pope Benedict responded positively" to his proposal that this anniversary should be celebrated together and that there should be a Common Statement issued together at this time.
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