The Indulgences Remain: Ecumenical Implications

Abstract

The jubilee is a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the implications of forgiveness, reconciliation and hope. At the same time, since the first jubilee in 1300, it has carried with it the increasingly uncomfortable concept and seemingly outdated practice of indulgences. It was precisely this that created Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, proposing a debate which, when its author was refuted and excommunicated, resulted in the parting of ways and the emergence of new churches that claimed to be better in tune with Sacred Scripture than the existing church. This is neither a dogma nor a doctrine of high importance in the hierarchy of truths, and a practice probably less and less understood by the Catholic people. Notwithstanding, it continues to trouble ecumenical relations. Based on documents from the magisterium and Catholic and Protestant theological approaches, this article initially reflects more broadly on the current ordinary jubilee and its 2000 predecessor, analyses Pope Francis’ bull, highlights critical issues in the debate on indulgences and presents a Lutheran view of the issue, and concludes by promoting an ecumenical conversation highlighting the potential therapeutic character of the church, while seeing no room for indulgences in today’s theology and church.

Keywords: Ecumenism. Indulgences. Penitence. Martin Luther. Jubilee 2025.