wfn.org | ELCA Bishops Discuss Aftermath of Proposal with Episcopal Church

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

October 7, 1999
CHURCH

ELCA BISHOPS DISCUSS AFTERMATH OF PROPOSAL WITH EPISCOPAL CHURCH
99-245-JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) discussed a wide variety of concerns related to the
adoption of a full communion agreement with The Episcopal Church this
summer at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Denver. While they took no
formal action during their Sept. 30-Oct. 5 meeting here, bishops agreed
they need to be sensitive to the needs of people who opposed the
agreement and keep attention on the church's evangelism and outreach
efforts.
     "There's a longing (need) that leaders acknowledge sustained, deep
divisions confessionally that did not end in Denver," said the Rev. Mark
S. Hanson, bishop of the ELCA Saint Paul (Minn.) Area Synod, one of the
church's 65 synods.  Some seminary students have expressed concern about
their future roles in the church as a result of the agreement, Hanson
said.  "An attempt to respond further alienates us rather than builds a
bridge.  I would like to build a bridge."
     The agreement, "Called to Common Mission (CCM)," is not a plan to
merge.  It calls for the churches to share a variety of cooperative
ministries and allows for exchange of clergy under certain
circumstances.  What has upset some Lutherans is the ELCA's adoption of
the "historic episcopate" as part of the agreement.  The historic
episcopate, brought to the relationship by the Episcopal Church, is a
succession of bishops as a sign of unity back to the earliest days of
the Christian church.
     Some ELCA members who oppose the agreement say the historic
episcopate threatens Lutheran identity and changes the roles of lay and
ordained people in the church.  Others who favored CCM see the agreement
as an enhancement of the church's mission.
     The procedures outlined in CCM will not be effective until
Episcopalians approve it.  They will consider the proposal when they
meet in general convention next summer in Denver.
     The Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA,
recently traveled to Minnesota to discuss CCM concerns in a public forum
in St. Paul and a meeting with ELCA clergy in Rochester.  Concerns seem
to be focused in two areas, he said.  They include confessional or
theological issues, and concerns that CCM's approval may lead to
consequences that may not be good for the Lutheran church, Anderson
said.
     "It was really tough," Anderson said of the meetings. "These were
really good people and some of them are really angry."  The discussions
didn't necessarily change people's minds, but he learned some things
about the issues, making the trip worthwhile, he added.
     It's important the church "stay with, talk to and listen to those
opposed,"  Anderson said. "When one part of the body suffers, we all
suffer."
     "It's hard to believe really good people don't trust us," said the
Rev. Richard J. Foss, bishop of the ELCA Eastern North Dakota Synod,
Fargo, N.D.  He said he expected people in his area to express "pain"
about CCM's adoption, but he didn't expect the anger he has seen in some
people.
     "One of the issues we're dealing with is trust," said the Rev.
Marcus C. Lohrmann, bishop of the ELCA Northwestern Ohio Synod, Findlay,
Ohio.  "There is not yet an 'abiding trust' in leadership."
     The bishops offered a variety of views on how the church must
respond to people who are unhappy with the adoption of CCM.
     The Rev. Robert D. Berg, bishop of the ELCA Northwest Synod of
Wisconsin, Rice Lake, Wis., said the church must have a process "that
will honor people where they are."
     Reminding his colleagues the "church is not static," the Rev. Roy
G. Almquist, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod,
Philadelphia, suggested it may be time for the church to move on.
     "I believe there is room in our church for dissent.  That's
healthy," said the Rev. John C. Beem, bishop of the ELCA East-Central
Synod of Wisconsin, Appleton, Wis., who said he voted against CCM. "I
want it to be obedient dissent that is faithful to Christ."
     Opponents of CCM have organized a series of informal meetings
throughout the country to discuss their concerns about CCM and how it
affects the ELCA.  Some bishops said they will attend meetings to be
held in their synods.
     "I do want to be there, and I do want to listen," said the Rev.
Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl, bishop of the ELCA South Dakota Synod, Sioux
Falls, S.D.
     "Listening is a critical piece and continues to be a critical
piece," said the Rev. David W. Olson, bishop of the ELCA Minneapolis
Area Synod.
     Pastors must recognize their own influence in relation to CCM,
Hanson said.  He said he is particularly concerned about how pastors may
influence reactions by congregations.
     The Rev. Peter Rogness, bishop of the ELCA Milwaukee Area Synod,
said it is "naive" to deny there is "no pull" toward a power shift in
the ELCA, especially when the church changes its constitution as
specified in CCM.
     "There is a deep sense that something has changed," said the Rev.
Stanley S. Olson, bishop of the ELCA Southwestern Minnesota Synod,
Redwood Falls, Minn., who said he voted against CCM.  Olson also said in
conversations with pastors and members, he senses people opposed to CCM
may feel alienated.
     "Keep focused on the mission," was the advice offered by the Rev.
E. Peter Strommen, bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Minnesota Synod,
Duluth, Minn. He said it takes considerable energy to sustain a
movement, such as opposition to CCM.  It may be a year before the issues
involving CCM are clear, he said.

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