Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification

The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification is a statement made in 1999 by the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation to affirm their shared understanding of how people are made right with God. It clarifies that both traditions agree salvation is by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that faith is the means through which believers accept God's gift of forgiveness. This agreement aims to foster greater unity, reduce theological misunderstandings, and promote cooperation between the two churches while respecting their individual beliefs.