Anglican, Episcopalian and Lutheran leaders offer a 'Word to the Churches'

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- For the first time, Lutherans and Anglicans in
Canada are gathering in a joint assembly July 3-7 in Ottawa for
worship, fellowship and to make important ministry decisions together --
an opportunity made possible through a formal relationship that began 12
years ago.
In anticipation of the assembly, leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Canada, The Anglican Church of Canada, The Episcopal Church and
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have shared how members
of the four denominations have come “closely together in service of the
gospel” in a June letter to congregations of the churches. The leaders
also recognized that, in some ways, the full communion relationship
shared in the denominations is “still at the very beginning.”
“As the ELCA has entered into full communion agreements, mission has
been at the heart of what we are able to do with other partner churches,”
said the Rev. Donald McCoid, assistant to the ELCA presiding bishop,
executive for ecumenical and inter-religious relations.
“The ELCA and The Episcopal Church continue to deepen shared
ministry locally and globally. In North America, cooperation among the
ELCA, The Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
and The Anglican Church of Canada has provided an opportunity to share
models of ministry, mission planning, a united witness of the Gospel and
a voice of care for our neighbors and for God’s creation,” McCoid said.
In the United States, congregations of the ELCA and The Episcopal
Church are becoming “more integrated by sharing buildings, clergy and
worship with each other, in the spirit of full communion,” the letter
stated. The two churches are also beginning new ministries together;
cooperating in outreach ministries; pooled resources to help respond to
survivors of natural disasters; and shared personnel, such as in campus
ministries and in the training of federal prison and military chaplains,
and an international policy and advocacy staff position in Washington,
D.C.
In Canada, the Anglican and Lutheran churches will hold their
General Synod and National Convention together in the form of a joint
assembly under the theme, “Together for the Love of the World.” Other
engagement between both churches include combined youth and worship
gatherings, shared office space in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and the
publication of a joint issue of the diocesan newspaper.
In their letter, the four leaders also recognized that “our full and
mutual recognition of each other’s ministries and sacraments ‘marks but
one step toward the eventual visible unity of the whole Church catholic.’”
Some possibilities before the churches, the leaders said, can
include theological education -- the calling forth and forming lay and
ordained leadership; sharing “episcopal oversight” -- clergy exchange
and, in some regions, diocesan and synodical leaders; and speaking with a
single voice on issues affecting Canadians and Americans.
As the journey of full communion continues, the leaders concluded
their letter expressing that “... we have the courage and determination to
follow where the Holy Spirit is leading our churches, and the strength
and steadfastness to be faithful in serving God’s mission in the world --
together.”
The leaders of the churches are the Rev. Mark Hanson, ELCA presiding
bishop; the Most Rev. Fred Hiltz, primate, Anglican Church of Canada; the
Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop and primate, The
Episcopal Church; and the Rev. Susan Johnson, national bishop,
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.