oscar cullmann (25 february 1902, strasbourg – 16 january 1999, chamonix) was a lutheran theologian. he is best known for his work in the ecumenical movement and was partly responsible for the establishment of dialogue between the lutheran and roman catholic traditions. because of his intense ecumenical work, cullmann's basel colleague karl barth joked with him that his tombstone would bear the inscription "advisor to three popes."