"Called to Common Mission" - Liturgical Changes

If the 1999 Churchwide Assembly adopts the proposal, "Called to Common Mission," for a relationship of full communion between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Episcopal Church, the following changes in the Rite of Installation of a Bishop would occur. These represent the only liturgical changes that would be prompted by "Called to Common Mission."

The full text of the existing rite, "Installation of a Bishop," is in Occasional Services–A Companion to Lutheran Book of Worship, pages 218-223.

A prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, with the laying on of hands, would be added to the Rite of Installation of a Bishop after the questions addressed to the one being installed and to the assembled congregation.

[p] The Lord be with you.
[c] And also with you.
[p] Let us pray.

Following silent prayer, the presiding minister lays both hands on the head of the bishop-elect. Other bishops present also shall be invited to lay on hands as well as representatives of churches with which a relationship of full communion has been established with this church.

[p] God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is your Spirit that sustains the Church. By the power of the Spirit you call, gather, enlighten, and sanctify the whole Church. Pour out your Spirit upon N to empower his/her ministry as a bishop in your Church. Sustain him/her as a shepherd who tends the flock of Christ with love and gentleness, and oversees the ministry of the Church with vision and wisdom. Uphold him/her as a faithful steward of your holy Word and life-giving Sacraments and a strong sign of reconciliation among all people. Give courage and fortitude for this ministry. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, through whom glory and power and honor are yours in your holy Church now and forever.
[c] Amen

Inserted in the "Notes on the Service" would be the following:

• The laying on of hands and prayer for the Holy Spirit are not repeated for a bishop who has already received installation as a bishop in this church [in accord with paragraph 18 in "Called to Common Mission"].
• Three bishops in historic succession join in the laying on of hands in conformity with the canons of the Council of Nicaea. Other bishops and representatives of churches with which a relationship of full communion has been established with this church may participate in the laying on of hands.