‘From Conflict to Communion’: Major strides

By Peter Finney Jr.

Archbishop Gregory Aymond and Lutheran Bishop Michael Rinehart commemorated the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation – as well as the sweeping signs of unity between Catholics and Lutherans since the Second Vatican Council – with a prayer service Oct. 23 at St. Louis Cathedral.

The Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation on Oct. 23 brought Catholics and Lutherans to St. Louis Cathedral to share the advances toward unity since Vatican II.

Archbishop Gregory Aymond, right, said: “The purpose of tonight is to ask God’s forgiveness for the lack of dialogue that took place 500 years ago. We ask for God’s mercy as we pray and work toward the unity that God calls us to.” Lutheran

Bishop Michael Rinehart, left, said: “The world desperately needs to hear the Gospel, that the way of Jesus is the only hope for this violent world that seems set on self-destruction. That is what is at stake for us – a common witness of the Gospel that transcends our differences. May the love of Christ be our mark and our guide.”