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Dr Jean-Daniel Plüss, co-chair of the Lutheran-Pentecostal Study Group, brings greetings to the Eleventh Assembly. © LWF/Erick Coll

24.07.2010

“We Recognize Ourselves as Children of the Reformation”

Co-chair of Lutheran-Pentecostal Study Group Brings Greetings

STUTTGART, Germany, 24 July 2010 – “This is the beauty of the worldwide Body of Christ, that we have been given different gifts,” said Dr Jean-Daniel Plüss, co-chair of the Lutheran-Pentecostal Study Group to the Eleventh Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) today. Bringing greetings on behalf of the Pentecostal churches, he said that we can be good stewards, learn from one another and encourage one another through the power of Christ which unites us all.

This year the publication, “Lutherans and Pentecostals in Dialogue,” was published. It documents the progress achieved so far by the Lutheran-Pentecostal Study Group and making the case why it is desirable that a formal dialogue between Lutherans and Pentecostals be established by the LWF. “For us Pentecostals, too, there is the wish to engage in further discussions with Lutherans, as we recognize ourselves as children of the Reformation,” Plüss said.

It was in the 1990s that the LWF first expressed a desire for dialogue with “classical Pentecostals.” The Lutherans believed that such dialogue “would help them to better relate to Charismatic believers among their own ranks,” Plüss said. The first meeting took place in 2004 and since then, through ongoing discussions, “bonds of trust” have been established. Within this context, “burning issues”, for example the problem of proselytism (or “sheep stealing”) were addressed.

The power of the Holy Spirit will transform us, he said. “This power transforms us; this power reunites families and brings people together in the bond of love ... One day, the power of God will bring us together and make us one in Christ.” (259 words)

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