Denomination Relations: Lutherans

In this new weekly series, Jason Scott will look at particular Christian denominations, their history, where they and the Catholic Church agree and where they disagree.

In “Denomination Relations”, we explore the history, shared beliefs, and differences between Catholics and other Christian denominations, seeking to foster understanding and unity. We begin with the Lutherans, a major Protestant group born from the 16th-century Reformation, offering a chance to reflect on our common faith while addressing our divides.

Where Do Lutherans Come From?

Lutheranism began with Martin Luther, a German Augustinian monk who in 1517 wrote his “95 Theses” challenging the sale of indulgences in the Catholic Church, among other points of protest. He dispatches them to his local archbishop — an act famously, though likely fictionally, portrayed as him nailing them to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg.

That moment and its fall-out sparked the Protestant Reformation. Luther emphasised salvation by faith alone (sola fide) and his doctrine of Scripture as the sole authority (sola scriptura).

Excommunicated in 1521, his teachings led to the formation of Lutheran churches, especially in Germany and Scandinavia, now represented globally by the Lutheran World Federation.

Where Do We Agree?

Catholics and Lutherans share the heart of the Christian faith: the Trinity, Christ’s divinity and humanity, and the resurrection as our hope. We both affirm the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds, a unity often celebrated in ecumenical gatherings. We also agree on baptism as a means of grace, the Lord’s Prayer, and the central role of worship in Christian life — a foundation that calls us to one table, much like the Eucharist does for the East and the West.

Where Do We Disagree?

Differences remain, rooted in Reformation disputes. Lutherans hold to Scripture as the only infallible authority, while Catholics balance Scripture with Tradition and the Magisterium, leading to disagreements on the role of authority — Lutherans lean more towards individual liberty and personal interpretation, while Catholics view hierarchical authority, headed by the papacy, as necessary and ordained by God.

The sacraments also divide us: Lutherans recognise only Baptism and the Eucharist, believing in Christ’s real presence “in, with, and under” the bread and wine, while Catholics uphold seven sacraments and transubstantiation. Lutherans also generally allow married and women clergy, whereas the Catholic Church demands priestly celibacy (with certain exceptions) and makes no provision for women priests.

Recent Steps Towards Unity

Catholic-Lutheran relations have seen encouraging progress in recent years. In 2017, Pope Francis joined Lutheran leaders in Lund, Sweden, to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with a shared prayer service, signalling a new era of dialogue.

The 2023 joint study “Growing in Communion”, released by the Vatican and Lutheran World Federation, delved into shared sacramental theology, particularly the Eucharist (Lutheran World Federation, 2023). This focus on the Eucharist reveals its role as the source and summit of our faith, uniting us in Christ’s one body despite historical divides.

As Catholics, we remain committed to this path of reconciliation and unity, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognising the Church as Christ’s unifying body. The Eucharist is central to our ecumenical hope, pointing towards a future where we might celebrate together in full communion, while we stay anchored in our Catholic tradition, seeking common ground without compromising our beliefs.

Join us next week as we explore our relationship with the Anglicans. And as always, trust the plan.