What is in this document? Why should Lutherans care? Or do they care? Why should Catholics care? Or do they care? In the coming weeks, this forum endeavors to review the document in the light of Scripture. Is this document a step in the right direction? Is it nothing more than a "feel-good" compromise document? Do the synods not participating (WELS, ELS, LC-MS, among others) have a valid right to stay away from this document? Or are they persisting in needless factionalism and schism?
In preparation I have found several links to documents pertaining to the Joint Declaration. You will find the links in a category called "Called to Common Mission/Joint Declaration." Please feel free to visit the links and read what has already been said. Unfortunately, the links are heavy on Lutheran emphasis and light on Catholic emphasis. This was not planned. I had hoped to include Rome's response as well, but have found a lack of interest in it on the part of Roman Catholics. Even the Vatican's own site contains neither the Joint Declaration nor any commentary on it. If anyone finds Catholic materials pertaining to the Joint Declaration, please share them (and the links) with me so that we can get both sides of this issue.
In finding no Catholic response, apart from the statement by the U.S. bishops, I wonder if Lutherans are making more of this document than Catholics and why. If there are any Catholics visiting this site, please register your thoughts and opinions on this matter in the discussion section.
May we all grow in the grace and knowledge of God as we study this document under the light of Scripture. The first point will be studied next week.
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