In contrast to the contentious and bloody history that divided them in the past, Lutherans across the world are praying for Catholics as they seek a new pope.
Lutheran pastor the Rev David Beckmann, who once worked for the World Bank, is one of the winners of the 2010 World Food Prize, which is often seen as the Nobel Prize on food issues.
A Protestant bishop speaking on the 450th anniversary of the death of a close collaborator of Martin Luther has re-opened debate on papal primacy and relations with Catholics.
For the first time, the total number of members in churches belonging to the Lutheran World Federation has risen to over 70 million, increasing by 1.6 million.