The joint declaration has an important pastoral dimension. The document encourages Lutheran and Catholic parishes to find ways to be more hospitable to each other. In families where Lutheran-Catholic marriages are part of the landscape, the declaration formalizes already lived-out relationships. The fact of Lutherans coming together and finding agreement on a doctrine with Catholics that separated them for more than 400 years is another manifestation of grace. I have never known anyone who could imagine all the good things that come from ecumenical efforts, but I know thousands who fear to take the step. It is virtually a denial of the faith not to try to enhance the visible unity of the church.
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