Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations
That they may all be one
~ John 17:21
The quest for Christian unity in the world inspires the faith and shapes the life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA office of Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations has the task of assisting this church in that quest.
Inter-Religious Case Studies: Call for Submissions
We want to hear your stories of engaging with people of other religions through an ELCA ministry or some other denominational or institutional activity. Please note that, for this project, we are
not seeking examples of ecumenical, intra-Christian interaction. We are particularly interested in experiences marked by:
- Full participation by lay persons from Christian and one or more other world traditions
- New Biblical and theological insights
- Evidence of personal transformation among some of the participants
- Shared social action components, such as a food pantry or refugee assistance
- New ideas for teaching and/or pastoral ministry
Some questions to consider as you write about your encounter:
- What was most challenging?
- What was most fulfilling?
- What were the most pressing theological questions and practical concerns?
We invite you to submit your stories (
1000 words or less) to ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations for possible inclusion in a collection of case studies of inter-religious life in the ELCA. Photos, videos, or illustrations are also welcome.
You can email submissions to
erinfo@elca.org, or mail them to Kathryn Lohre, ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631. A sample case study written by the Rev. Peg Schultz-Akerson, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Chico, California, is available
here.
Formula of Agreement
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and three U.S. Reformed churches that make up the “Formula of Agreement” issued a report Jan. 7 that considers the question of Scripture and moral discernment regarding human sexuality and other topics. Click
here to read that report.
An Ecumenical Way Forward
In February 2013, Bishop Marcus Lohrmann, Northwestern Ohio Synod, offered a presentation at Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio, entitled, “Full Communion Relationships: An Ecumenical Way Forward.” To download the paper,
click here.
E-Life
For the latest news from Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, please click
here to view our most recent e-newsletter, called "E-Life." You can also follow the link to sign-up to receive E-Life electronically.
Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Internship Opportunity
The LWF Strategy states that, “
Young people have a place and a voice in all aspects of church and communion life, including decision making and leadership.” The LWF Youth Desk is announcing a research internship to measure, define, and witness to the value of youth participation in the LWF member churches and in LWF contexts. The deadline for applications is
June 20, 2013. More information can be found here:
Internship Announcement for Mapping of Youth Participation.
Take the Plunge into a Deeper Spirituality
May 29 - June 9, 2013, Geneva, Switzerland & Taizé, France
Experience the global faith community at the ecumenical centers in Geneva and Taizé. For four days, young adults from Canada and the United States will visit The Lutheran World Federation and World Council of Churches in Geneva to learn how we are connected across the globe through the church. Then they will travel to the Taizé community in southern France for a retreat week. There they will experience firsthand the unique style of worship and music that arises from that community as it welcomes youth from across the globe. | Read more
Strasbourg 47th International Ecumenical Seminar
The Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France, is hosting the 47th International Ecumenical Seminar on “
Saints without Borders: Ecumenical Reflections on the Great Cloud of Witnesses” that will take place in Strasbourg, France, on
July 3-10, 2013. For more information, download the
informational piece and the
registration form , or contact the Institute at
StrasEcum@ecumenical-institute.org
LWF Internet Conference
The
Lutheran World Federation (LWF) will break new ground in its continuing efforts to strengthen social services efforts by Lutheran congregations around the world, by holding a virtual conference on diakonia on
June 5, 2013. The one-day Internet-based conference is framed around the theme “
Stand Up and Walk,” based on the story about Jesus healing a paralytic (Mark 2: 9-12). Discussions will focus on new trends in how churches and their related organizations respond to human need. Registration is free and open to all those who are interested. Persons engaged in diaconal ministry and diakonia are encouraged to register. For more information and registration, go
here.
Resources for the 10th Assembly of the WCC
A new online publication from the
World Council of Churches (WCC) invites parishes and congregations to explore the
themes of Christian unity, justice, and peace leading up to the 10th Assembly in Busan, South Korea. The six-unit resource,
Pilgrimage to Busan: A Journey into Ecumenical Christianity, is designed for use by congregations in study groups, adult forums, or for a day-long retreat. Participant and leader guides are available for
free download. The assembly will take place
October 30 - November 10, 2013, in Busan, Republic of Korea, under the theme:
God of Life, Lead Us to Justice and Peace. For more information, see the
WCC Assembly website.
Study Guide for Discover Islam DVD Series
ELCA synod offices, seminaries and members of our nationwide Lutheran Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Representatives Network recently received a generous gift from Discover Islam – USA: complimentary copies of a six-disc DVD series titled Discover Islam. This series, endorsed by the Islamic Society of North America, can also be previewed and ordered at www.discoverislam.com/elca. Authored by Carol Schersten LaHurd, a study guide was produced by the ELCA Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Muslim Relations and A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. The study guides are available for free download here.
DVD Series information
ELCA-UMC Full Communion Local Formation Model
The ELCA-United Methodist Church Coordinating Committee has developed a
template for day-long local celebration, formation, and theological reflection, using a mini-retreat model.
Get to know our staff and read about our commitment to living together with Lutherans, Christians, and world religions.
The ELCA shares full communion relation- ships with six churches. Read about full communion, and get to know our partners.
Dialogues between different church bodies can lead to improved inter-denominational relations and the sharing of mission.
The ELCA resides in a world where people have conflicting political and religious loyalties. How do we live together in peace?
Lutherans worldwide combine resources to work on issues like humanitarian aid, human rights and communication.
You are invited to seek new opportunities that shape emerging leaders in the area of ecumenical and inter-religious work.
Discover ways to strengthen relationships and foster cooperation within your own community, in service to the world.
Representatives from an array of Christians around the globe meet in order to witness to the world as one unified Christian voice.
The
Lutheran Ecumenical & Inter-Religious Representatives Network, with members from each of the 65 ELCA synods.
Become familiar with the vocabulary using this helpful collection of words, phrases, acronyms, and their ecumenical definitions.
If you have any questions about anything on the Ecumenical & Inter-Religious Relations website, please feel free to
email us.