wfn.org | US Lutheran bishops encourage ecumenical progress with Episcopalians

[FRANK_IMHOFF.parti@ecunet.org (FRANK IMHOFF)]

WOODLAND HILLS, California/GENEVA, 26 March 1998 (elca/lwi) - Bishops of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) meeting in Woodland
Hills, California, March 5-10 adopted a statement encouraging members of
the church to "participate in the ongoing development of the revised
proposal for full communion" with The Episcopal Church.

The Conference of Bishops' action expressed gratitude that a first draft of
a proposal "is anticipated by early April 1998 ... for dialogue and
response throughout this church."

The bishops urged each other to review the draft in light of these
questions: How will the proposal serve the mission of the church? Does it
clearly set the ministry of bishops in the wider context of the ministry of
all baptized Christians? Does it demonstrate Lutheran understanding of the
one office of ministry of word and sacrament? Does it present a Lutheran
understanding of the historic episcopate for the North American context?
What other areas of concern should be addressed? ELCA "synods,
congregations, conferences, and church college and seminary faculties" are
all invited to be involved in the process, according to the bishops'
statement.

The Rev. Daniel F. Martensen, director of the ELCA Department for
Ecumenical Affairs, said, "Suggestions from the Conference of Bishops are
being taken very seriously." The Rev. H. George Anderson, ELCA presiding
bishop, said the team writing the document is making good progress and
anticipates releasing a first draft April 7, in time for most ELCA synod
assemblies usually held each spring.

In 1997 the ELCA narrowly defeated the first effort to establish full
communion between the two churches, then "rededicated" itself to work
toward that relationship.

Martensen said the attitude of Episcopal leaders has been "patient, puzzled
graciousness." Martensen said, "The full communion goal cannot be seen just
as a matter of outward relationship but as a quest for renewal within our
own church." The ELCA has a chance to "look for weaknesses and errors in
our own church," he said. "There is deep-rooted resistance to moving down
the slope of ecumenism, to redefining our understanding of ministry. We
have a responsibility and the capability to meet that challenge," Martensen
said.

Anderson reported progress in "building the foundation for full communion
with the three Reformed churches." The ELCA, Presbyterian Church (USA),
Reformed Church in America and United Church of Christ are engaged in a
process toward full communion. Ratification of the relationship by a
majority of presbyteries will be reported to the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church in June.

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