Here We Stand

Here We Stand: Reforming Anew
Catholics and Lutherans in Dialogue
Saturday, September 9
8:30 a.m-1 p.m.

To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, Catholics, Lutherans and other interested people will gather in the Gorecki Center at the College of Saint
Benedict to address the challenges this day’s title suggests. The words “Here I stand” are often

Dr. Kathryn Johnson

attributed to Martin Luther, as he strongly affirmed his belief in the saving power of God’s mercy. For us today, “here we stand” can both affirm Catholic and Lutheran traditions, beliefs and practices, and pose a series of questions: Where do Catholics and Lutherans now stand in relation to each other? Can we stand in unity in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Can we work together for justice, nonviolence, mercy and hospitality, in a world hungry for these Gospel values? In other words, to what new reformation do our churches and our world call us?

Abbot John Klassen

We’ll address some of these questions guided by Dr. Kathryn Johnson, director for ecumenical and inter-religious relations for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Her keynote address, “What Difference Does This Anniversary Make?” and the response of Abbot John Klassen, OSB, of Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minn., will bring to light the gifts of the Spirit to both religious traditions, throughout their history and at this moment—gifts we can offer to each other and to the world through concrete, united action.

Bishop Donald Kettler

Bishop Jon Anderson

Bishop Donald Kettler of St. Cloud and Bishop Jon Anderson of the Southwest Minnesota Synod of the ELCA will open and close the day
with prayer. There will be time throughout the day for conversation and questions for the speakers. We’ll continue our dialogue at lunch as we break bread together. The day will end with prayer, ritual and song.

You may register online, but hurry because registration for this event is limited.
Questions? Contact Sister Eunice Antony at (320) 363 8927 or eantony@csbsju.edu

Co-sponsored by Saint Benedict’s Monastery, Collegeville Institute, Diocese of St. Cloud, Saint John’s Abbey, Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in cooperation with Southwestern MN Synod of the ELCA.

[Related events this weekend are being held Friday, September 8, at St. Mary’s Basilica in Minneapolis and Sunday, September 10, at Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville. For more information, contact Carla Durand at cdurand@csbsju.edu]

Mara Faulkner, OSB