wfn.org | ELCA Council Pledges Support for Understanding, Reconciliation

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 16, 1999

ELCA COUNCIL PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR UNDERSTANDING, RECONCILIATION
99-284-JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) acknowledged the concerns expressed by some
members of the church with regard to this summer's adoption of a
proposal for full communion with the Episcopal Church.  The council
pledged "to listen and to support efforts to bring understanding and
reconciliation within this church."
     The resolution also said the council will "pray for the unifying
power of God's Holy Spirit within the ELCA."
     The action was approved in the closing minutes of the council's
meeting here Nov. 12-14.  The council functions as the ELCA's board of
directors and serves as the legislative authority of the church between
churchwide assemblies.  Assemblies are held every other year; the next
is Aug. 8-14, 2001, in Indianapolis.
     The 1999 ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted the full communion
agreement, "Called to Common Mission," by a vote of 716 to 317, or 27
more votes than the required two-third majority.  Since the assembly
some members of the ELCA have continued to oppose the proposal, most
based on theological grounds.  The Episcopal Church must act on the same
proposal when it meets next summer in Denver.
     The council acted in response to a comment from the Rev. Susan L.
Engh, council member, Wayzata, Minn.  Engh said she planned to attend a
national conference Nov. 15-16 at Roseville Lutheran Church, St. Paul,
Minn., at which participants will discuss concerns about the full
communion proposal.  The participants are delegates from a series of 45
regional gatherings  held this fall to discuss the issue.  Engh told the
council she would bring a message to the St. Paul meeting if the council
chose to issue a statement.
     The Rev. Larry V. Smoose, council member, Media, Pa., proposed a
resolution similar to the one finally adopted, however it was addressed
specifically to the Nov. 15-16 meeting.
     Council members were divided on whether to speak to the Nov. 15-16
meeting or to speak in general to the whole church.  Some questioned
whether a statement should be issued at all.
     Last month, the ELCA Conference of Bishops chose not to issue a
formal statement on the concerns expressed since the assembly on the
proposal for full communion with the Episcopal Church, opting instead to
address concerns individually.
     The Rev. Donald H. Maier, bishop of the ELCA Northwest Washington
Synod, said when the bishops discussed the issue last month, many were
concerned that a statement from them would be interpreted as
"patronizing and condescending."
     The council may be taking a risk and may appear condescending if
it issues a statement, said Mark Buccheim, council member, Tulsa, Okla.
"We may have to take that risk," he said.
     Engh said council members as well as the bishops can offer
pastoral care on this issue.
"We as a council are leaders and can be pastoral to one another," she
said.
     In a separate action, the council defeated a proposal that Engh be
requested to take the action to the Nov. 15-16 meeting on behalf of the
council.   Members suggested she not be designated officially by the
council as its representative at the meeting, but she was encouraged to
share the information on her own.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
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