Representatives from five global Christian communions, including the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), gathered Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ). This historic document, originally signed in 1999 by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the Roman Catholic Church, has since become a foundation for deepening relationships among churches worldwide.
Participants in the anniversary conference included representatives from the Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed traditions, engaging in lectures, joint study and discussions on the contemporary significance of justification. In reflecting on the JDDJ’s impact, Reformed theologians underscored the integral link between justification and justice.
As the WCRC’s executive secretary for communion and theology stated:“The doctrine of justification cannot be seen divorced from the reality of injustice, oppression and violence in today’s world. God’s justification is both a ‘declaring righteous’ and a ‘setting right.”
The conference highlighted the JDDJ’s evolution from a bilateral agreement to a multilateral platform for ecumenical engagement. Prof. Theodore Dieter, a former director of the Strasbourg Institute and one of the original drafters of the JDDJ, provided insights into the theological discussions that shaped the declaration and its enduring influence on church relations. Reflecting on biblical witness, Methodist Bishop Emeritus Walter Klaiber emphasized that justification remains a central issue for all Christian traditions. Discussions also explored how different denominations express theological concepts in their respective languages and cultures. Catholic theologian Prof. Annemaria Mayer led a session on navigating ecclesial differences and the pastoral implications of consensus agreements like the JDDJ.
Looking ahead, participants acknowledged the challenges and opportunities in proclaiming the gospel across diverse cultural contexts. Prof. Dirk Lange, LWF assistant general secretary for ecumenical relations, noted: “The JDDJ is not simply a doctrinal statement; it is a confession. It is an act, a commitment and a prayer. A confession always points to the Gospel and calls us to unity. How can our confession be known in the world?”
As the WCRC continues its commitment to ecumenical dialogue, this anniversary gathering reaffirmed the shared journey toward deeper communion, emphasizing that theological agreements must be lived out in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation.