Together in Christ — An Ecumenical Study for Lutherans, Roman Catholics, and other denominations

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) have developed joint material entitled Together in Christ — Lutherans and Catholics Commemorating the Reformation, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. The process of developing these resources has been an occasion of dialogue and of a deepening of relations between our two communions in Canada. Over the course of two years, a joint CCCB-ELCIC working group has been diligently planning on how to encourage our faithful to prayerfully reflect on the past 500 years; to offer thanksgiving to God for

the progress made in our efforts toward reconciliation; and to pray for pardon and peace wherever our words or actions have fallen short of what Christ demands of us as Christians. Together, we are seeking to be people of reconciliation striving toward Christian unity.

One part of this material is a five-part parish study which is to be used in individual segments or as a five-session series by local Lutheran, Catholic, joint or ecumenical study groups. The study covers the 500-year arc of history from the 16th Century Reformation until now. The resource is designed to bring Catholic and Lutheran parishes together to facilitate conversation, study and prayer. The resource touches on some of the events and theological questions surrounding the Reformation and the advancements in reconciliation which have occurred over the past 50 years.

We at Messiah Lutheran Church in Prince Albert invite you to join us for this study in the month of May and June. The first session starts on May 17 and then every Wednesday until June 14 at 7pm to 8:30pm. This invitation is extended to all Christian communities and churches in our area, but especially Lutheran and Roman Catholic communities. We are confident that this study and the conversation it creates can strengthen and deepen the relationship between different Christian traditions. By the end of our studies, June 10 at 3pm, we will gather together for an Ecumenical Prayer service that takes place here in Prince Albert at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Come join us. Hear the story from both sides, participate in the conversation and take a step toward a reconciliation. All are welcome.

Check out the study resources beforehand. Here’s a link to the material: http://www.cccb.ca/site/eng/commissions-committees-and-aboriginal-council/national-commissions/christian-unity-religious-relations-with-the-jews-and-interfaith-dialogue/documents/4634-together-in-christ-lutherans-and-catholics-commemorating-the-reformation