An Invitation from Bishop Burkat to Together in Hope: Lutherans and Catholics Mark Reformation Anniversary

Lutherans and Catholics will mark the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation with an ecumenical seminar and worship. The event – 1517-2017, From Conflict to Communion—Together in Hope – features a seminar highlighting the common commemoration between Lutherans and Catholics for this anniversary. The Rev. Donald McCoid, bishop emeritus of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, and Dr. John Borelli of Georgetown University will lift up the significant theological progress promoting recent movement toward unity in Christ between Lutherans and Catholics. Bishop Emeritus McCoid served as the Executive for Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) from 2008-2016. He served as the Bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod from 1987 until 2007. A renowned Catholic theologian, Dr. Borelli is Special Assistant for Catholic Identity and Dialogue to President John J. DeGioia of Georgetown University. He is also the Coordinator for Dialogue and Relations for the Jesuit Conference of the United States and Canada. After lunch we will worship together following the Service of Repentance and Reconciliation held in October 2016 led by Pope Francis and Bishop Munib Younan President of the Lutheran World Federation in Lund Sweden. The Rev Dr. Peter Donahue, President of Villanova Univerity and an Augustinian priest (like Martin Luther) will be the preacher. Bishop Claire Burkat will be the liturgist, along with lay and clergy participants. Cost for the day is $15 including lunch.