wfn.org | ELCA bishops discuss aftermath of Episcopal proposal

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99-159

ELCA Bishops discuss aftermath of proposal with Episcopal Church

by John Brooks

     (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 September 30-October 5 meeting 
in Chicago, 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 Saint Paul 
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.

Listening to opponents

     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 Eastern North Dakota 
Synod.  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 Northwestern Ohio Synod. 
"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 Northwest Synod of 
Wisconsin, 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 Southeastern Pennsylvania 
Synod, 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 East-Central 
Synod of Wisconsin, who said he voted against CCM. "I want it to 
be obedient dissent that is faithful to Christ."

Regional meetings

     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 South Dakota Synod. 
"Listening is a critical piece and continues to be a critical 
piece," said the Rev. David W. Olson, bishop of the 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 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 Southwestern Minnesota 
Synod, 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 Northeastern Minnesota 
Synod. 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.

     A rural congregation of 600 in Ohio is believed to be the 
first to consider leaving the ELCA because of the decision on 
CCM. The bishop of the Northwest Ohio Synod said that a three-
month period of consultation will follow after the 221-86 vote 
during which the congregation will discuss its concerns and take 
a final vote to ratify or reverse its initial decision.

     Bishop Marcus Lohrmann said that he was saddened but not 
completely surprised by the decision since the parish narrowly 
voted to become part of the ELCA when it was formed in 1988. "I 
think the ELCA is saying that it's a different time, a time when 
we no longer are formed simply from immigrant groups out of 
Europe," he said. "Increasingly there is a realization that we 
need to be a church in mission and to be faithful to the Lord 
requires us to work together."

--John Brooks is director of news and information for the ELCA.