CHICAGO (ELCA) -- A seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and a seminary of The Episcopal Church have ratified an agreement that outlines "13 avenues of cooperation." Trustees of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) approved the agreement last fall, and trustees of General Theological Seminary, New York, endorsed it Jan. 12.
"This covenant is a giant step forward in the evolving relationship between two fine theological schools," said the Rev. Robert G. Hughes, LTSP president. "The objectives articulated -- theological unity, mutual enrichment and mission -- are both commendable and essential in this challenging time."
In 1997 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly narrowly rejected and the Episcopal General Convention overwhelmingly approved a "Concordat of Agreement" -- a proposal for full communion between the two church bodies. The Lutheran assembly later rededicated itself to establish that relationship in 1999. "It is our hope and prayer that the ties that bind and strengthen our seminaries will serve to draw our church bodies closer to the Concordat between our two churches," said Hughes.
A jointly-sponsored program to develop Latino professional leaders is one of the "avenues of cooperation." The agreement is also seen as a way to make it easier for students to prepare for ordination. Other activities include the appointment of visiting faculty members between the schools and joint publishing ventures.
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
