A moment would be lost, say Reformed theologians

     PHILADELPHIA [ELCA] -- Should the ecumenical proposal establishing a new relationship between Lutheran and Reformed churches fail, a unique moment in church history will be missed, resulting in "profound disappointment and some anger," said representatives of Reformed churches. Ecumenical officers of the Presbyterian Church, the United Church of Christ, and the Reformed Church in America addressed hearings at the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America here August 15.
     The Reformed church leaders were responding to a specific question about what would happen if the plans were rejected, they were not trying to predict the future.  Most of the discussion during more than two hours of hearings on the proposed agreement indicated that voting members of the assembly, which meets here until August 20, have some questions, but little strong opposition to the suggestion that the ELCA enter into full communion with the Reformed church bodies.
     The ecumenists from churches of the reformed tradition suggested that it would be "years" before they would be ready to enter into such a wide-ranging dialogue with Lutherans as the one that has taken place over the past 35 years and developed the proposals facing Lutherans here.
     "This is the most enviable moment since the Reformation," said the Rev. Aurelia Fule, a Presbyterian pastor and a participant in the dialogue. "Can we bring this much healing into the brokenness of the church."
     Should the proposals fail, "We would love you no less, but we would be very disappointed," said the Rev. Eugene Turner, ecumenical officer of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  "You are at a point where a positive decision from you can have a positive impact not just in the United States but in churches all over the world."
     The Rev. John Thomas, ecumenical officer of the UCC, said he had the sense "that we are completing unfinished business as it is."  Should the proposals fail, he said "what else could we possibly do or say?"
     Questions put to Reformed church representatives during a plenary session asked for clarification on how those denominations understood commitment to doctrinal standards, and how they understood the presence of Jesus in the sacrament of Holy Communion.
     Thomas said UCC congregations tended to see doctrinal statements, such as creeds and confessions of faith as "testimonies" rather than "tests," though he said the Reformed churches honored the ancient creeds and other declarations.  He said that the UCC and other Reformed bodies were careful not to hinder the responsibility of the local congregations to "make the ancient faith of the ages their own."
     Thomas was also questioned in both forums about the fact that the UCC has agreed that openly gay and lesbian people can be ordained, though not all regions of the denomination have agreed to do so.  One of the aspects of the "full communion" sought between Lutheran and Reformed bodies is the possible exchange of clergy.  To be ordained in the ELCA, homosexuals are expected to abstain from homosexuality activity.
     "We moved toward this (ordination for homosexuals) in incremental steps over the last 25 years," Thomas said; and then explained that if full communion is declared, ministers serving in each denomination will still have to meet the standards of the denomination in which they minister.   He noted that concern was expressed in the UCC as to whether some UCC clergy might be "accepted" in Lutheran circles.
     The issue of doctrinal standards and ordination for gay clergy seemed to be flash points in the discussion, though the questions and comments heard here bore little of the heated rhetoric which appeared in some independent Lutheran publications prior to the assembly.
     The Rev. Darryl L. Schubert, Trinity Lutheran Church, Platte, S.D., said he has been working together with Reformed church pastors for 23 years.  "I read scripture differently, when it comes to homosexual clergy," he said, "I can respect their view and I would hope they respect mine."
     The Rev. Carl R. Adams, Robeson Lutheran Church, Plowville, Pa., said he has long worked with "union" churches in that state and for him, "the question is moot."  Lutherans and Reformed Christians are together in the faith and should be facing bigger issues, he said.
     The Rev. Franklin E. Sherman, a Lutheran theologian in Allentown, Pa., said he believes that the sacramental theology of Reformed churches has developed in recent years.  "There is a movement away from Zwingli," he said, referring to the 16th Century reformer denounced by Luther, "toward Calvin," the Geneva-based reformer whose views differed less significantly from those of Martin Luther.
     The UCC's ecumenical officer added that his own experience in the ecumenical dialogue had deepended his understanding of the sacramental theology which is important to Lutherans.   He urged Lutherans to look closely at new Reformed church hymnals and liturgies.  "You will find there is a more vivid awareness of the nature of the presence of Christ abounding in us," he said.  "I believe that the dialogue has helped us do that."
     Dr. Karlfried Froelich, a retired Lutheran professor at the Princeton (N.J.) Theological Seminary, a Presbyterian school, and a long-time participant in the dialogues, chided Lutherans for not accepting what Reformed theologians say they believe about the presence of Christ in Holy Communion.  "If the other side says 'Yes, we do (believe)'," he said, "do we have the right to say 'no, you don't!"?
     Pastor Fule said the question of the "Real Presence" of Jesus in the sacrament has come up "at the very beginning of our discussion, and in every dialogue since."  She added "every single time, in the joint statements, Lutherans and Reformed agreed that Christ is truly and really present in the elements (of bread and wine) and is in the eating and drinking we do participate in the real presence of Christ.  The only point of disagreement was on how it happens."
     "For me as a Presbyterian," she concluded, "it is very painful for you to claim to know what I think is unknowable."
     Discussion on the ecumenical proposals for closer relations between the ELCA and the Reformed denominations will continue until Monday, when a vote on the matter is taken.
     All three Reformed church bodies have already approved the proposals by overwhelming majorities.  The individual presbyteries (regional units) of the Presbyterian Church USA, must endorse the document.  That process will not begin unless the ELCA gives the agreement a favorable vote (a two-thirds majority is requires), and is expected to take until next March, said Turner.

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Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
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