As Christian communions mark the 25th anniversary of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ), General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt (left) and Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations Prof. Dr Dirk Lange (right) share insights on its ongoing impact in shaping theological dialogue and fostering engagement for the common good. Photos: LWF/Albin Hillert (left), LWF/S. Gallay (right)
The enduring impact of justification by faith and its relevance today
(LWI) - When it was signed in Augsburg, Germany, in 1999, the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ) was hailed as a milestone in Lutheran-Catholic relations, a document that resolved one of the most divisive and tragic conflicts of the Reformation period.
On the basis of that agreement, Lutheran and Catholic theologians found new impetus, working together to produce a 2013 text entitled ‘From Conflict to Communion’. That landmark document looked forward to a joint commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation by the pope and Lutheran leaders in the Swedish cities of Lund and Malmö - an event that would have been unthinkable just a few decades earlier.
Since its original signing, the JDDJ has been affirmed by Anglican, Methodist and Reformed church leaders, making it into a unique multi-lateral platform for ecumenical engagement. But as Christian communions mark its 25th anniversary, what hopes are there that it can continue to shape and inspire a deepening of both theological dialogue and practical engagement for the common good?
To answer that question, we turned to the two leading ecumenists at the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), General Secretary, Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt and Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations, Prof. Dr Dirk Lange.
First of all, could you share what this anniversary means to you?
AB: The signing of the JDDJ was a milestone in ecumenism, particularly for Lutherans and Catholics, representing the overcoming of one of the most divisive theological conflicts from the Reformation era: the doctrine of justification. For both Lutherans and Catholics, and indeed for all Christians, this doctrine addresses the core of our faith: how we understand salvation and our relationship with God. Seeing how far we have come since then in mutual understanding and shared purpose is truly moving. Without the JDDJ, it would also have been very difficult to have a joint commemoration of the Reformation anniversary by Catholics and Lutherans together, as we witnessed in 2016 in Lund.
How does the doctrine of justification as outlined in the JDDJ shape the church’s role and mission in the world today?
DL: As a Lutheran, justification by grace through faith is at the heart of our theology. It is both the lens through which we understand our faith and the foundation of our Christian identity. As Luther put it, it’s the article by which the church stands or falls. This captures two seemingly contradictory truths that Luther expressed beautifully: “A Christian is a free lord of all, and subject to none” and “A Christian is the most dutiful servant of all and subject to everyone.” For us, justification means that we are freely justified by God’s grace alone, not by our own works or merits. This understanding liberates us to serve our neighbors and to seek justice in the world, connecting our faith to concrete action. This core message is more relevant than ever today, in a world where people often feel pressured to “earn” their worth or their place in society. The JDDJ calls us to counter these messages by affirming that we are enough, solely by God’s grace. It is at the core of the LWF’s vision: liberated by God’s grace.
Over the years, the JDDJ has expanded to include other Christian communions. What has this multilateral engagement meant?
AB: Since its initial signing, the World Methodist Council, the Anglican Communion, and the World Communion of Reformed Churches have joined this shared theological understanding. Most recently, the Old Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Union in Utrecht has expressed interest in joining the JDDJ, showing its continuing appeal. Each communion has brought its own rich tradition and unique perspectives, like the Methodists’ focus on sanctification and the Reformed emphasis on justice. This has deepened our understanding of justification and its implications, especially in addressing issues like justice, reconciliation, and human dignity. I think this has also reflected a broader call to serve as witnesses to God’s grace and to work together as Christians for the common good.
How would you respond to people today who struggle with the term “justification” or find it hard to relate to?
DL: This is a critical point. In many contexts, “justification” can sound legalistic or outdated. Yet, the concept is profoundly relevant, especially when we consider how today’s attempts at self-justification or proving oneself often revolve around personal success, achievements, wealth, and/or status. We see this phenomenon in the prosperity gospel movement and fundamentalist approaches that present long “to-do lists” to believers as proof of earning God’s grace. The JDDJ reminds us that our worth isn’t something we have to earn: it’s freely given by God’s grace. In a world that can feel ungracious, this message is both revolutionary and comforting. Our world can sometimes seem less and less willing to forgive and reconcile. Yet, it is into this broken and divided context that God enters and offers hope in Jesus Christ. The challenge is to express this grace in language that resonates today—how we talk about forgiveness, righteousness, and reconciliation must be dynamic, relevant, and accessible.
Reflecting on 25 years, what would you say have been the most significant achievements and challenges in the journey of the JDDJ?
AB: One of the most significant achievements in the JDDJ has been the introduction of the methodology of “differentiated consensus”. This methodology allowed us to come together across theological differences while preserving the integrity of our respective beliefs. This approach has proven crucial in dialogues beyond the JDDJ, offering a model for other ecumenical efforts such as in the recent and historic Joint Statement on the Filioque produced by the Lutheran-Orthodox Commission. The 2019 Notre Dame Consultation brought together the five world communions to explore how we can implement this consensus and witness more effectively together. Yet, challenges remain, particularly in effectively translating this shared doctrine into our daily witness.
Finally, looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of the JDDJ and its impact on ecumenism?
DL: My hope is that the JDDJ continues to inspire Christians globally to engage deeply in God’s reconciling work. We are reminded that unity is a journey, a commitment to sharing, learning, and growing together as one body in Christ. Recently we were able to pursue this at the Synod of Bishops on Synodality in Rome where the LWF, the World Methodist Council, the Anglican Communion, and the World Communion of Reformed Churches participated alongside Catholic delegates, not only as observers but as participants with a voice.
AB: I hope we keep finding new ways to communicate the message of grace and unity in our churches and in public life, countering narratives that fracture and isolate. Our ongoing and upcoming dialogues and ecumenical collaborations give us unique opportunities to make this vision a reality.
