15 years ago the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church signed the “Joint Declaration on Justification.” What memories do you have of that day when on behalf of the Lutherans you signed this important document? “It was October 31, 1999: we were able to sign before entering the 21st century, thanks also to John Paul II. It was not that easy to get there, there was a strong debate even within the Evangelical Church, in Germany in particular. I became aware of the importance of this act when I saw in the Church of St. Anne (Augsburg) people who came from all over the world. I felt a great sense of gratitude, freedom and hope. In the afternoon of the same day a group of founders and leaders of movements and communities, Evangelicals and Catholics, met for the first time. It took place in the small town of Ottmaring, together with Chiara Lubich and others. What was born there I would consider “a miracle”: the path of “Together for Europe“, which generated a deeply felt and experienced communion between movements and communities very different from each other.” What has changed in these 15 years? “It put an end to the mutual condemnations of the 16th century, and prejudices have fallen. I think this is the most important thing. Now we can meet as brothers and sisters. The fact that the Methodist Churches signed the same document in 2006 also highlights its importance. Unfortunately, since then the churches have not made any further steps, but on many questions we can say that we are together on the road; in parishes and communities we live in this hope.” What is the significance of the document “From conflict to communion”, signed once again by both Churches, in the prospect of the anniversary of the Reformation? “It’s an ‘inventory’ of the Catholic-Lutheran dialogue globally. It was only possible for this document to be born on the basis of the Joint Declaration on Justification. It is an account of the current situation that emphasizes what unites us, not concealing the points that still divide us. I am very grateful for this document because it puts us in a global dimension and gives an important opening out, particularly in view of the Jubilee of 2017, which we hope Lutheran and Catholic Christians will commemorate together. ” Your wishes for 2017? “What should emerge is that we show the world that as Christians we go together to Christ. This is not to make Luther a hero, but to focus on the content of the Reformation: How can we announce to the world today the Gospel of grace that God is with us? It would be nice if in 2017 we could make a common and public confession of Christ, and to live on many levels a true unity in Him.” What do these meetings of bishops of various churches mean for you after participating in them for many years? “It was Bishop Klaus Hemmerle who put me in contact with the Focolare Movement. These meetings are like ‘road signs’ that show us a way. It is very enriching being able to meet with brothers of other nations and churches. For example, I am struck by what my brother bishops are experiencing in the Middle East. In our dialogue – away from the glare of the press and the media – I can learn and share their suffering but also their vitality. We live a deep communion and pray together. Of course there is always the pain of not yet being able to celebrate the Lord’s Supper together – but it’s always a great joy to see the brothers again. It is at a level of deep spiritual communion, unique one would say, as it is unique for a lay movement to summon the bishops to meet. It’s wonderful for us to be given this opportunity by the Focolare each year. It is an experience of communion, and this has a great meaning. And together we are journeying “.