Catholics and Lutherans come closer

After nearly five-hundred years of separation, Roman Catholics and Lutherans are being brought together by a special statement about their faith. The special “agreement” declares individual Christians acquire “eternal life” by God’s love alone and NOT by human efforts. Monsignor (mawn-seen’-yer) James Barta of the Dubuque Archdiosis says it’s a significant step.Barta says the next step for the teaming of the two churches is working out an agreement on how Lutherans and Catholics can receive communion in the other church.Roman Catholic and Lutheran church officials signed the agreement at a service Sunday in Germany.