wfn.org | Episcopal bishops approve agreement

[ENS.parti@ecunet.org]

July 16, 1997
Episcopal News Service
Jim Solheim, Director
212-922-5385
ens@ecunet.org

ENSGC-01-02
BULLETIN
Episcopal bishops approve agreement with Lutherans

PHILADELPHIA (July 16, 1997) - "Breakthrough," "milestone," and "an 
ecumenical event without parallel" are the terms being used to describe 
today's historic vote in the Episcopal House of Bishops to approve the 
Concordat of Agreement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 
(ELCA).

The agreement, which must be approved tomorrow by the Episcopal Church's 
House of Deputies - and by the ELCA when it meets in here in August, would 
establish "full communion" between the two churches. 

Today's vote accepts the document Concordat of Agreement and the principle 
of "full communion" between the two churches which it outlines. Though the 
convention must still consider two more resolutions that will make necessary 
changes in the church's constitution for the agreement to take effect, 
today's vote was considered the key decision in the process. 

A final vote on the constitutional provisions will need approval by the next 
General Convention, which meets three years from now in Denver.

The historic vote came on the opening day of the 72nd General Convention and 
paves the way for the Lutheran and Episcopal churches to fully recognize 
each others' ministries and usher in a new era of cooperation in carrying 
out the mission of the church. The Concordat was approved by an overwhelming 
majority of the House of Bishops with only a handful of no votes.
	
Following the vote, Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning said, "I had a dream 
last night it would happen exactly like this."  
	
The House of Bishops responded with a standing ovation and singing of the 
doxology.
	
ELCA Bishop Ralph Kempski, ELCA bishop of the Indiana and Kentucky Synod, 
told the bishops that this is the best birthday present he could ever have. 
Kempski, who turns 63 tomorrow, said,"You have made this a special day. God 
thank you all." 

 

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