ELCA Churchwide Assembly Set to Make Ecumenical Decisions

        CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is set to meet in its biennial Churchwide Assembly Aug. 14-20 at the Philadelphia Convention Center.  The assembly will vote on three proposed ecumenical agreements and a new set of guidelines for sacramental practices.  The 1,045 voting members will gather under the theme "Making Christ Known: Alive in our Heritage and Hope."
        The ELCA assembly will vote on "full communion" with the Episcopal Church, through a document called the "Concordat of Agreement," and with three churches of the Reformed tradition, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Reformed Church in America and United Church of Christ, through the "Formula of Agreement."
        Under full communion the churches will not merge but agree that they share a common understanding of the gospel and recognize each other's ordained ministers.  All four churches who are partners in this effort have voted in favor of the agreements this summer.
        Lutherans and Roman Catholics are currently considering a "Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification" which deals with a major doctrinal issue that has separated them since the 16th century.  The assembly will consider this agreement.
        The Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, will preach for the assembly's opening worship at the Marriott Hotel at 7:30 P.M., Aug. 14.  Anderson will give his report to the assembly and discuss the ecumenical decisions Aug. 15.  He will present seven "Initiatives to Prepare for A New Century."
        A new vice president will be elected to succeed Kathy Magnus of Denver.  The vice president is the highest lay leadership position in the ELCA.
        The assembly will discuss and vote on a statement of sacramental practices, "The Use of the Means of Grace."  Voting members will also discuss issues around funding for theological education, a report on life-long learning and recommendations on ministry in daily life.
        A vision and action plan for urban ministry is called "In the City for Good."  The church will be asked to recommit itself to a multicultural mission strategy.  Voting members will address a new "American Indian and Alaska Native Strategic Plan."

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