Pope Francis, Lutheran Chief, Urge Christians to ‘Defend the Rights of Refugees’

In a joint statement Monday, Pope Francis and the President of the Lutheran World Federation pledged to pursue full Christian unity between the churches, while also promising a common witness, especially in assisting migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers. In their statement, signed during the Pope’s historic visit to Sweden in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Pope Francis and Lutheran Bishop Mounib Younan “pledge to witness together to God’s merciful grace” while also promising to “stand together in service, upholding human dignity and rights, especially for the poor, working for justice, and rejecting all forms of violence.” -- More...