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                                  VIS-Press releases   
      
   POPE RECEIVES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF GERMANY   
      
   VATICAN CITY, 24 JAN 2011 (VIS) - This morning in the Apostolic Palace of the   
   Vatican, Benedict XVI received a group from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of   
   Germany, who have come to Rome for the close of the Week of Prayer for   
   Christian Unity.   
      
   Addressing the group in German, the Holy Father recalled how dialogue between   
   Catholics and Lutherans began fifty years ago and how, despite the fact that   
   theological differences persist in certain fundamental fields, great progress   
   has been made towards unity, and the foundations laid for a spirituality and   
   communion experienced in the faith.   
      
   At the present time, the Pope remarked, some people feel that the goal of full   
   and visible unity among Christians seems to be getting further away. In this   
   context he noted that he shared the concern of many Christians that the fruits   
   of ecumenical efforts are not sufficiently visible. Nonetheless, he went on,   
   ecumenical dialogue under the guidance of the Holy Spirit continues to be a   
   fundamental instrument for overcoming obstacles, and he reaffirmed the   
   important contribution of theological debate to help understand outstanding   
   questions.   
      
   Benedict XVI also spoke of the need for a shared position on questions   
   concerning the defence and dignity of human beings, and on the great issues   
   that regard the family, marriage and sexuality.   
      
   Finally, he pointed out that 2017 will mark the five-hundredth anniversary of   
   the publication of Martin Luther's 'Theses', which gave rise to the division   
   between Catholics and Lutherans. In this context, he insisted that for both   
   sides the commemoration should be characterised not by triumphalism but by an   
   ecumenism which highlights the shared faith in the One and Triune God. That   
   date will also be an opportunity to reflect on the causes of division and to   
   undertake a purification of heart. At the same time, the Pope continued, it   
   will be an occasion to evaluate the 1500 years that preceded the Reform, the   
   patrimony of which is shared by both Catholics and Lutherans.   
      
   The Holy Father concluded by calling for prayers to the Holy Spirit for help in   
   continuing the journey towards unity, without resting on the laurels of what   
   has already been achieved.   
   AC/VIS 20110124 (370)   
      
   SUMMARY   
      
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    * Origin: Sursum Corda! BBS =Meridian, MS= bbs.sursum-corda.com (1:396/45)