The head of the LWF says the Lutheran and Catholic churches should issue a common statement on Communion to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Jerusalem, as the site of the resurrection, should be the city of hope, said Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan in his Easter message of encouragement to Christians in the region.

Although the Vatican is emphasising that Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the Holy Land in May 2009 is a pilgrimage, Jerusalem Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan said the political aspect of the visit can not be ignored, and can help promote justice and peace.