Celebration of Full Communion

Celebration of Full Communion
On January 6, 2001, the Feast of the Epiphany, a liturgical celebration of "Called to Common Mission" will take place at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul -- Washington National Cathedral -- in Washington, D.C., with the Presiding Bishops of The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America presiding and preaching. Official representatives of the 100 dioceses of The Episcopal Church and the 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are invited to represent the churches.

The worship planning committee for this liturgy hopes that it may also serve as a guide for the creation of local celebrations of "Called to Common Mission" and the new relationship of full communion that it celebrates between our two churches. While the full text of this service may not be appropriate to every situation, the design and spirit of the Washington, D.C., service may be of help in planning local celebrations. Scripture for Epiphany has been chosen for this celebration since it falls on January 6. The use of a shared lectionary should be carefully considered for Sunday celebrations. Hymn tunes shared by both churches as well as hymn texts appropriate to the occasion which enrich our common worship have been selected for this service. They are by no means the only possibilities. Official representatives of The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have roles in this service. When that is not the case, the service needs to be modified accordingly. Care always should be taken to modify these suggestions in ways appropriate to congregations worshiping together.