Coming to Terms with the Reformation

The quincentenary of the Reformation in 2017 challenged different actors or subjects (such as civil societies, states, and churches) to come to terms with "the" Reformation. This article argues for gaining an awareness of the constructive character of the word "Reformation", so that "coming to terms with the Reformation" will mean different things depending on the particular meaning of "Reformation," and, of course, depending on the different acting subjects. The article focuses mainly on how the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the Roman Catholic church addressed and answered the challenge of a common commemoration and celebration of the Reformation on a global level, especially with a view to previous centenaries that led to serious religious conflicts between Protestants and Catholics. The article analyzes how ecumenical dialogues allowed for a common perception by Lutherans and Catholics of the theological and spiritual gifts of the Reformation for the whole church, and how distinguishing this meaning of "Reformation" from another meaning of "Reformation" that denotes the sequence of events leading to the split of the Western church was the basis of the historic ecumenical prayer service with Pope Francis in Lund (Sweden) and the leaders of the Lutheran World Federation on October 31, 2016, commemorating the Reformation both in gratitude and lament and committing themselves to continue on the journey from conflict to communion.