ELCA Bishops Discuss Aftermath of Proposal with Episcopal Church

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) discussed a wide variety of concerns related to the adoption of a full communion agreement with The Episcopal Church this summer at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Denver. While they took no formal action during their Sept. 30-Oct. 5 meeting here, bishops agreed they need to be sensitive to the needs of people who opposed the agreement and keep attention on the church's evangelism and outreach efforts.
"There's a longing (need) that leaders acknowledge sustained, deep divisions confessionally that did not end in Denver," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, bishop of the ELCA Saint Paul (Minn.) Area Synod, one of the church's 65 synods. Some seminary students have expressed concern about their future roles in the church as a result of the agreement, Hanson said. "An attempt to respond further alienates us rather than builds a bridge. I would like to build a bridge."
The agreement, "Called to Common Mission (CCM)," is not a plan to merge. It calls for the churches to share a variety of cooperative ministries and allows for exchange of clergy under certain circumstances. What has upset some Lutherans is the ELCA's adoption of the "historic episcopate" as part of the agreement. The historic episcopate, brought to the relationship by the Episcopal Church, is a succession of bishops as a sign of unity back to the earliest days of the Christian church.
Some ELCA members who oppose the agreement say the historic episcopate threatens Lutheran identity and changes the roles of lay and ordained people in the church. Others who favored CCM see the agreement as an enhancement of the church's mission.
The procedures outlined in CCM will not be effective until Episcopalians approve it. They will consider the proposal when they meet in general convention next summer in Denver.
The Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, recently traveled to Minnesota to discuss CCM concerns in a public forum in St. Paul and a meeting with ELCA clergy in Rochester. Concerns seem to be focused in two areas, he said. They include confessional or theological issues, and concerns that CCM's approval may lead to consequences that may not be good for the Lutheran church, Anderson said.
"It was really tough," Anderson said of the meetings. "These were really good people and some of them are really angry." The discussions didn't necessarily change people's minds, but he learned some things about the issues, making the trip worthwhile, he added.
It's important the church "stay with, talk to and listen to those opposed," Anderson said. "When one part of the body suffers, we all suffer."
"It's hard to believe really good people don't trust us," said the Rev. Richard J. Foss, bishop of the ELCA Eastern North Dakota Synod, Fargo, N.D. He said he expected people in his area to express "pain" about CCM's adoption, but he didn't expect the anger he has seen in some people.
"One of the issues we're dealing with is trust," said the Rev. Marcus C. Lohrmann, bishop of the ELCA Northwestern Ohio Synod, Findlay, Ohio. "There is not yet an 'abiding trust' in leadership."
The bishops offered a variety of views on how the church must respond to people who are unhappy with the adoption of CCM.
The Rev. Robert D. Berg, bishop of the ELCA Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, Rice Lake, Wis., said the church must have a process "that will honor people where they are."
Reminding his colleagues the "church is not static," the Rev. Roy G. Almquist, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Philadelphia, suggested it may be time for the church to move on.
"I believe there is room in our church for dissent. That's healthy," said the Rev. John C. Beem, bishop of the ELCA East-Central Synod of Wisconsin, Appleton, Wis., who said he voted against CCM. "I want it to be obedient dissent that is faithful to Christ."
Opponents of CCM have organized a series of informal meetings throughout the country to discuss their concerns about CCM and how it affects the ELCA. Some bishops said they will attend meetings to be held in their synods.
"I do want to be there, and I do want to listen," said the Rev. Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl, bishop of the ELCA South Dakota Synod, Sioux Falls, S.D.
"Listening is a critical piece and continues to be a critical piece," said the Rev. David W. Olson, bishop of the ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod.
Pastors must recognize their own influence in relation to CCM, Hanson said. He said he is particularly concerned about how pastors may influence reactions by congregations.
The Rev. Peter Rogness, bishop of the ELCA Milwaukee Area Synod, said it is "naive" to deny there is "no pull" toward a power shift in the ELCA, especially when the church changes its constitution as specified in CCM.
"There is a deep sense that something has changed," said the Rev. Stanley S. Olson, bishop of the ELCA Southwestern Minnesota Synod, Redwood Falls, Minn., who said he voted against CCM. Olson also said in conversations with pastors and members, he senses people opposed to CCM may feel alienated.
"Keep focused on the mission," was the advice offered by the Rev. E. Peter Strommen, bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Minnesota Synod, Duluth, Minn. He said it takes considerable energy to sustain a movement, such as opposition to CCM. It may be a year before the issues involving CCM are clear, he said.

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