February 25, 2010. Pastor Jens Martin Kruse of the Lutheran Church in Rome, is looking forward to the pope’s visit on March 14th.
Jens Martin Kruse
Pastor, Lutheran Church of Rome
“We hope this will be great celebration of faith. It’s a joyous occasion, that Lutheran’s and Catholics are able to pray together. This is probably a sign that ecumenism is alive in Rome.”
During the visit, the pope will recite a speech about one of Saint John’s writings, while pastor Kruse will talk about the letter Saint Paul sent the Corinthians. They’ve also selected several works of music including some from Mozart, Bach and Mendelsson to play throughout the ceremony.
Jens Martin Kruse
Pastor, Lutheran Church of Rome
“For us, music is very important, that’s why our choir will sing three beautiful pieces, the community will sing our hymns and then the two homilies will be given: one by the Pope and another by myself. Then he’ll meet with the community council.”
Lutherans in Rome have invited the pope on the occasion of the 25th anniversary since John Paul II’s historic visit to this church. A commemorative plaque hangs as a reminder of the first time a pope walked into a Lutheran Church.
Since that visit, the relationship between both has grown.
Just a few months ago, the 10th anniversary of the doctrine of justification was celebrate. The agreement the Lutheran and Catholic Churchs’ recognized that acts of faith are necessary for salvation.
Jens Martin Kruse
Pastor, Lutheran Church of Rome
“They found a way to explain the relationship between faith and good works, because Luther also said that faith can’t exist without good works. But what he was actually saying is that good works are done when one is already a believer. If someone is faithful, typically they do good acts.”
The guest of honor to attend the visit, is none other than the Lutheran community of Rome. It’s made up of about 500, mostly German, worshippers.
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