Dear Editor
MARTIN Luther’s Protestant Reformation is an event that seems locked in a proverbial time capsule, even though the very existence of the tens of thousands of Christian denominations today tell the silent tale of one man’s revolution against the powers of the day.This past week, Pope Francis left his home to mark the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in Sweden, the first Pontiff to ever do so. Even criticised by many Roman Catholics for the move, the trip detailed meetings with senior Lutheran leaders and even historic discussions, the most we have had in history between Rome and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).
The question today we should ask is not whether or not Luther was right. Most agree he was, but the Christian church is in a continuous effort to a continuous reformation, much of what Luther, a former Roman Catholic priest, started back in the day. He nailed his famous 95 theses on the church door at Wittenburg, Germany. His discontent with the Church of Rome back in the day included corrupt popes and senior church leaders. Then there were the doctrinal differences whereby Luther uniquely interpreted certain forms of scriptures. By and large though, he was right on many issues, including the clerical abuse and exploitation of the faithful back in the day. His actions might have very well pushed Rome to change her unsavoury ways and restore the church to the true principles of the Gospel.
But with 500 years of the Reformation, I do believe the Lutheran Church someday will return to the Roman fold. Pope Francis has initiated that process, albeit how lengthy and time-consuming the process might be. But the healing has begun to restore cordial relations between the two churches. Pope Francis himself has expressed that desire for that unity which once existed.
In Guyana, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana (ELCG) planned a grand celebration on Sunday, October 30, to commemorate this historical fact. The event was held at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Lutheran Courts, New Amsterdam, Berbice. While every opportunity should have been extended to ease the tensions between the two churches and reach out in this healing process, I am not sure whether the Roman Catholic leader or leaders were extended an invitation to this celebration. However, President David Granger was there as well as Region Six Chairman, Mr. David Armogan. I’m not sure how significant those choices were. But every effort should be seized for inter- religious and inter- denominational dialogue between every religious organisation, especially between the fractured relationships caused by history between the Lutherans and the Roman Catholic Church.
Many Catholics are amazed by the bold and dynamic move by Pope Francis by returning to Sweden to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of one of the greatest religious revolutions mankind has ever known— to reconcile leaders of the man who ‘splintered’ Christianity with leaders of Rome. A bold step forward indeed, as we too here at the local level must do our little part to foster Christian unity.
Regards
Leon Suseran