DENVER (ELCA) -- Through a series of votes, The Episcopal Church -- at its general convention here -- overwhelmingly adopted "Called to Common Mission," an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) proposal for full communion. Voting was completed July 8, when the House of Deputies voted overwhelmingly in favor of CCM and related proposals.
The House of Deputies' actions concurred with overwhelmingly favorable votes for CCM and related proposals in the House of Bishops July 7.
CCM was adopted by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in August 1999 by 716-317.
The agreement opens the door for a closer relationship between the two churches. Such relationships may include a variety of cooperative ministries, and under certain circumstances, clergy from each church may serve in congregations of the other church body.
In remarks to the Episcopal Church general convention following its adoption of CCM, the Rev. Lowell G. Almen, secretary of the ELCA, Chicago, said that "God has opened a magnificent door before us."
"Under the guidance of God's Spirit, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Episcopal Church have stepped through that door," he said. "We have walked into the bright sunlight of the future. A grand panorama of mission stretches before us."
"With you, we celebrate this moment," Almen continued. "I can indicate to you that wonderful surprises await us. I speak from our experience in the implementation of the 1997 Lutheran-Reformed relationship of full communion. We found through that agreement that unexpected new possibilities for common mission emerged. I expect that the same will be true through this Lutheran-Episcopal partnership."
Almen also read a statement to the convention from the Rev. H. George Anderson, ELCA presiding bishop, Chicago.
"The birth of this new relationship has been a long time coming," Anderson's statement said. "Although many persons worked for years to bring us to this grand moment, it is ultimately 'the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.'"(Psalm 118:23).
"Adoption of 'Called to Common Mission' shows the world a new way to be one in Christ," Anderson's statement continued. "Helping the world to believe must always be our priority as we work out our new life together."
Anderson is expected to make a brief appearance at the general convention before it concludes next week.
***Note: More details from the Episcopal Church general convention's actions on "Called to Common Mission" will be issued by ELCA News and Information in the coming week.
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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
