Christians are called to become ‘more credible witnesses of unity,’ Pope tells Finnish Lutherans

January 18, 2016

Greeting those who took part in an ecumenical pilgrimage organized by the Lutheran church in Finland, Pope Francis said that dialogue that has laid “a solid basis for a growing communion of life in faith and spirituality, as your relations develop in a spirit of serene discussion and fraternal sharing.”

“In our dialogue, differences still remain in doctrine and in practice,” the Pope acknowledged in his January 18 remarks. “This must not discourage us, but instead spur us along our journey towards ever greater unity, not least by working to overcome old ideas and suspicions.”

“In a world frequently torn by conflict and marked by secularism and indifference, we are called to join in professing our faith in Jesus Christ, and thus to become ever more credible witnesses of unity and promoters of peace and reconciliation,” he added.

 

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Further information:

• Udienza alla Delegazione Ecumenica della Chiesa Luterana di Finlandia in occasione della Festa di Sant’Enrico, 18.01.2016 (Holy See Press Office)