October 26, 1999

 Press Release: Conference of International Black Lutherans/rns

                      Wittenberg , Germany

                      Luther in Sachsen-Anhalt        The Leucorea

 October 26, 1999

 The idea for Lutherstadt, Wittenberg to host the Conference of International Black Lutherans [CIBL] began at the 500^th anniversary of the Birthday of Philip Melancthon.  Dr. Ismael Noko, the General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation met the Prime Minister of Saxony, Reihard Höppner and started the discussions that has brought over 90 Lutherans of African descent to Wittenberg to hear papers and discuss issues on Justification.  One cannot ignore the significance of this city [Wittenberg] during the Reformation Period.  Luther joined the faculty at the University in 1512 and Philip Melancthon followed in 1518.

We have to make the connections from our historical standpoint to the historical explorations that were taking place throughout the world during Luther’s time.  Europe was restless at the beginnings of the Reformation.  Dr. Noko noted that the birth of Philip Melancthon in 1497 coincided with Vasco da Gamma rounding the Cape of Good Hope of Southern Africa to discover trading places in the Far East.  He added that in 1530, Cortes was planting European culture in the Americas while searching for gold.   “People of African descent cannot meet in Wittenberg without making the connections with the way in which the parts of the world (in which we all now live), were effected by European exploration.”

At a time when Scholastic Theology was under heavy attack from the humanists, the basic thrust was that scholastic theology did not take seriously the theological sources in the original languages (Greek) and early church writings. “European scholasticism is what draws us here today to look at our theological heritage,” Dr. Noko continued in his opening remarks to the conference.  The study of these original sources in their original languages took on new life at the youthful university at Wittenberg.  With many things under ferment during that period of time, The reformation at Wittenberg was only one element.

Dr. Noko pointed out that, “Luther and his colleagues seemed to have an obsession with the Grace of God.  Debate at Wittenberg was about penitence, how to find acceptance by God.  This was the Father or Mother of all questions.”  It is still represented today in many theological discussions. 

 Dr. Noko added, “In the region around Wittenberg, there were questions about the abuse of letters of indulgence.”  Luther, a 34 year old priest and friends, disagreed with the practice of the use of indulgences.  Reformation history remembers well his nailing of his theological theses on the door of the Castle Church as a forum for debate.  “It is well to remember that it was not indulgences that he opposed, but the abuse of the indulgences.”

 Dr. Noko continued, “as Lutherans we need to be reminded, as we meet at Wittenberg, the Confessio Augustana is not just, a Lutheran property.  It is intended for the renewal of the church catholic.” Wittenberg was a place where international visitors came such as students from West Africa, like Michael from Ethiopia.  Theologians from Constantinople were at Wittenberg at the time of the drafting of the Confessio Augustana

 The Confessio Augustana was not created as the basis for the beginning of a church, but as an invitation to reform.  The Confessio Augustana is committed to scripture and the ecumenical creeds.  Luther and his friends were not attempting to entertain anything totally new.  Dr. Noko added, “It is central for us to know that Confessio Augustana is the best of Lutheran offerings.”

 Dr. Noko noted that condemnation in the church is not unusual for Africans.  People of African descent have lived with the story of the Son of Arieas and theological heresy.  Most condemnations are very contextual. We need to contextualize the Lutheran confessional writings.  In order to understand the nature of the anathemas we need to recognize that both the accused and the accusers were attempting to protect elements of their faith, as they understood it.  The anathemas may have gone misinterpreted the official policies of the church.  While the defenders of the church both misunderstood the arguments being put forward and overstated the policies of the church as they defended the faith.  The anathemas were two sided arguments with some issues of error and correctness on both sides.

  “We are not to be in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.  We have the basis for a new beginning for further conversations. The Ministry of Peter, the Bishop of Rome, is a discussion yet to be heard,” stated Dr. Noko.  “The sacrament of the office of Bishop is one of the subjects for debate for the future.  Our heritage says that the Bishop of Rome is to be the Bishop of the West.  As we move forward together, we are reminded that the Roman Catholic Church does not reject the Lutheran Doctrine of Justification.”

 “With proper authorization parishes living side by side, can engage in worship, Christian Education, mission and outreach in their communities,” Dr. Noko pointed out.  He added that programs of Theological Education can be challenged to open further elements of dialogue as we move forward from the signing of the documents this week at Augsburg.  “CIBL cannot operate in any degree of isolation.  As Black Lutherans we have rooted ourselves in Lutheran Confessional writings. We offer no apologies, but we come with a contribution to make,” Dr. Koko added. 

 The Lutheran and Catholic signing of the removal of the condemnations is a step on the way to be a part of a culture of peace. The significance of Lutheran Catholic Joint Declaration is that there is a new context set between the Lutherans and Catholics worldwide. 

 Dr. Noko highlighted that historically Lutherans have difficulty in dealing with people who have no documents.  CIBL has been able to transcend and be an arena where there has not been a call for the necessity of documents.  That is the gift that CIBL brings to the church. We can invite others to debate, when we have something of substance to say to our partners in the faith.

 “We have a particular issue that the world will not raise, Dr. Noko declared.  “Slavery is an issue that has been avoided.  No one will raise those issues but us.”

Responding to questions, Dr. Noko stated, that Bible Studies - Common Bible Studies, are being created or have been created.  These materials can cultivate conversation and work between Lutheran and Roman Catholic congregations.   Dr. Noko added that CIBL can encourage congregations to find areas of working together, for the benefit of the surrounding community.  Seminary faculties can promote Dialogue.  Some of these efforts are already going on.  We know that different pieties lead to cultural boundaries, which can slow the prospect of increased work together. 

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 Richard Stewart

Wittenberg, Germany