Recent Historical Notes

"The United States holds Pope John Paul 11 in High esteem. We respect the great moral and political influence which he and the Vatican exercise througout the world"

Rome--Encouraged by the growing warmth of Catholic-Lutheran relations, Pope John 11 told a visiting American Lutheran bishop that he prays daily to know what steps his church must take to repair the breach that separated Catholics and Lutherans 450 years ago.

The Lutheran Bishop told reporters after leaving the thirty minute Vatican audience that the pope plans to make another speech in praise of Martin Luther when the 500th anniversary of the reformer's birth is celebrated later this year. He cited the Luther birthdate in a spech to West German Catholic bishops in January. (Ref: The Christian Jew foundation, September, 1983

Vatican City--Lutheran Officials said they got word Saturday from the Vatican that the pontiff had accepted their invitation to join them in servies on December 11 at a church in Rome and to deliver a sermon.

Vatican spokesman refused to comment, but sources confirmed that the pope would visit the chrch saing it would be a first for a Catholic pontiff. Vatican observers consider the pope's move one of the most significant and symbolic steps toward reconciliation in modern times.

Vatican city--Pope John 11 said Sunday, "Roman Catholicism and the Eastern Orthodox Churches of the East share a common spirital heritage and are working together to end their 1,000 year schism."

London (Reuters) The church of England's ruling body advanced towards reunification with the Roman Catholic Church Thursday by overwhelmingly approving a motion that envisages some type of papal authority in a reunited church.

Chicago's top Episcopal and Roman Catholic churchmen tomorrow will sign an accord pledging to work for church unity.-------Similar agreements have been signed elsewhere, such as in Milwaukee. However, with 2.4 million Roman Catholics and 55,000 Episcopalians involved here, the covenant will involve the largest number of people participating in such an accord in the nation.---The Covenant calls on members of both dioceses to pray for unity, share resources and facilities, work together on social justice issues and develop more contacts at the parish level.

headquarters here on June 12. ---The Council, which includes Protestant, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox and other denominations, said the pope would take part in an ecumenical worship service and confer with Council officers.----