wfn.org | UCC Approves Lutheran-Reformed Dialogue;

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

16-July-1997 
97271 
 
    UCC Approves Lutheran-Reformed Dialogue; 
    Only Lutherans Are Still to Vote on "Full Communion" 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--The United Church of Christ's General Synod voted 
overwhelmingly July 5 to declare "full communion" with the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church in America. 
 
    The "Formula of Agreement" had previously been approved by the 
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Reformed Church in America.  The three 
approving churches are already in full communion with each other.  Only the 
Lutherans, who meet in Philadelphia in late July and early August, are 
still to vote on the proposal. 
 
    The plan was approved by nearly all of the 700 voting delegates in a 
show of hands. About 10 voted "no," but during the debate no speakers rose 
to oppose the Formula of Agreement. Delegates greeted the decision with a 
prolonged standing ovation and a rousing chorus of the Doxology. 
 
    If approved by all four denominations, the agreement means that they 
 
    *  recognize each other as churches "in which the gospel is rightly 
       preached and the sacraments rightly administered" 
    *  withdraw historic condemnations of each other 
    *  continue to recognize each other's baptism and authorize "and 
       encourage" sharing of Communion 
    *  recognize each other's various ministries and make provisions for 
       "the orderly exchange of ordained ministers" 
    *  pledge themselves to continued dialogue under the principle of 
       "mutual affirmation and mutual admonition." 
 
 

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