CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) acknowledged the concerns expressed by some members of the church with regard to this summer's adoption of a proposal for full communion with the Episcopal Church. The council pledged "to listen and to support efforts to bring understanding and reconciliation within this church."
The resolution also said the council will "pray for the unifying power of God's Holy Spirit within the ELCA."
The action was approved in the closing minutes of the council's meeting here Nov. 12-14. The council functions as the ELCA's board of directors and serves as the legislative authority of the church between churchwide assemblies. Assemblies are held every other year; the next is Aug. 8-14, 2001, in Indianapolis.
The 1999 ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted the full communion agreement, "Called to Common Mission," by a vote of 716 to 317, or 27 more votes than the required two-third majority. Since the assembly some members of the ELCA have continued to oppose the proposal, most based on theological grounds. The Episcopal Church must act on the same proposal when it meets next summer in Denver.
The council acted in response to a comment from the Rev. Susan L. Engh, council member, Wayzata, Minn. Engh said she planned to attend a national conference Nov. 15-16 at Roseville Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minn., at which participants will discuss concerns about the full communion proposal. The participants are delegates from a series of 45 regional gatherings held this fall to discuss the issue. Engh told the council she would bring a message to the St. Paul meeting if the council chose to issue a statement.
The Rev. Larry V. Smoose, council member, Media, Pa., proposed a resolution similar to the one finally adopted, however it was addressed specifically to the Nov. 15-16 meeting.
Council members were divided on whether to speak to the Nov. 15-16 meeting or to speak in general to the whole church. Some questioned whether a statement should be issued at all.
Last month, the ELCA Conference of Bishops chose not to issue a formal statement on the concerns expressed since the assembly on the proposal for full communion with the Episcopal Church, opting instead to address concerns individually.
The Rev. Donald H. Maier, bishop of the ELCA Northwest Washington Synod, said when the bishops discussed the issue last month, many were concerned that a statement from them would be interpreted as "patronizing and condescending."
The council may be taking a risk and may appear condescending if it issues a statement, said Mark Buccheim, council member, Tulsa, Okla. "We may have to take that risk," he said.
Engh said council members as well as the bishops can offer pastoral care on this issue. "We as a council are leaders and can be pastoral to one another," she said.
In a separate action, the council defeated a proposal that Engh be requested to take the action to the Nov. 15-16 meeting on behalf of the council. Members suggested she not be designated officially by the council as its representative at the meeting, but she was encouraged to share the information on her own.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.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
