wfn.org | Lutheran, Episcopal Writers Work on Full Communion Proposal

[George Conklin <gconklin@igc.apc.org>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

February 25, 1998

LUTHERAN, EPISCOPAL WRITERS WORK ON FULL COMMUNION PROPOSAL
98-037-AH

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Lutheran and Episcopal teams charged with
drafting a revised proposal for full communion between the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Episcopal Church worked together
here Feb. 17-18.  Their goal is to have a new document ready in time for
the ELCA Church Council's April meeting and then the ELCA's spring synod
assemblies, according to the Rev. H. George Anderson, ELCA presiding
bishop.
     "What we hope is that synod assemblies will look at the document and
provide some feedback and comment on points they feel need clarification or
amendment or change," Anderson said.
     "The intent is not for a yes-or-no at that point, but that voting
members will see this as a first draft and that we seek their comments to
help us develop the clearest, best possible, most acceptable final draft,"
Anderson said.
     "We envision wide review," Anderson said.  "Because the text will be
ready for scrutiny by synod assemblies doesn't preclude study and review by
congregations and other groups who would submit suggestions and comments."
     In 1997 the ELCA defeated the original "Concordat of Agreement,"
which sought to establish full communion between the two churches.  The
ELCA "rededicated" itself to work toward that relationship.
     The Rev. Daniel F. Martensen, ELCA director for ecumenical affairs,
outlined the timetable for the process: "This was the writing team's second
working session.  It will meet in March, at Luther Seminary in St. Paul,
Minn., and again with the advisory panel in April."  The advisory panel is
made up of ELCA pastors and lay people, bishops and scholars.
     Martensen said, "We are still facing multiple options.  Drafting
assignments have been given to team members."
     The Rev. Martin E. Marty, Chicago, leads the ELCA team.  He said the
group has decided not to comment publicly on its work until the writers'
April meeting.
     Anderson has extended an invitation to that meeting to members of the
Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations of The Episcopal Church.
     The ELCA Conference of Bishops will hear an update on the writing
process and the committee working on education programs when it meets March
6-10, in Woodland Hills, Calif., Martensen said.
     Martensen projects the writers' final text will be finished by
November when the Church Council meets again.  The council would transmit
the document to ELCA congregations for discussion, to 65 synod assemblies
for another round of review, then to the 1999 Churchwide Assembly in Denver
for action.  In the spring of 1999 ELCA synods could adopt "memorials" or
resolutions addressing the proposed agreement for consideration by the
Churchwide Assembly.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html

  George Conklin