Acta Francisci Pp. 1261

aside all conflict. We recognize that we are freed by grace to move towards

the communion to which God continually calls us.

Our commitment to common witness

As we move beyond those episodes in history that burden us, we pledge

to witness together to God's merciful grace, made visible in the crucified

and risen Christ. Aware that the way we relate to one another shapes our

witness to the Gospel, we commit ourselves to further growth in commu-

nion rooted in Baptism, as we seek to remove the remaining obstacles that

hinder us from attaining full unity. Christ desires that we be one, so that

the world may believe (cf. John 17:21).

Many members of our communities yearn to receive the Eucharist at

one table, as the concrete expression of full unity. We experience the pain

of those who share their whole lives, but cannot share God's redeeming

presence at the Eucharistic table. We acknowledge our joint pastoral respon-

sibility to respond to the spiritual thirst and hunger of our people to be

one in Christ. We long for this wound in the Body of Christ to be healed.

This is the goal of our ecumenical endeavours, which we wish to advance,

also by renewing our commitment to theological dialogue.

We pray to God that Catholics and Lutherans will be able to witness

together to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, inviting humanity to hear and receive

the good news of God's redeeming action. We pray to God for inspiration,

encouragement and strength so that we may stand together in service,

upholding human dignity and rights, especially for the poor, working for

justice, and rejecting all forms of violence. God summons us to be close to

all those who yearn for dignity, justice, peace and reconciliation. Today in

particular, we raise our voices for an end to the violence and extremism

which affect so many countries and communities, and countless sisters and

brothers in Christ. We urge Lutherans and Catholics to work together to

welcome the stranger, to come to the aid of those forced to flee because

of war and persecution, and to defend the rights of refugees and those

who seek asylum.

More than ever before, we realize that our joint service in this world

must extend to God's creation, which suffers exploitation and the effects

of insatiable greed. We recognize the right of future generations to enjoy