If the 1999 Churchwide Assembly adopts the
proposal, "Called to Common Mission," for a relationship of full
communion between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The
Episcopal Church, the following changes in the Rite of Installation of a
Bishop would occur. These represent the only liturgical changes that
would be prompted by "Called to Common Mission."
The full text of the existing rite, "Installation of a Bishop," is in
Occasional Services–A Companion to Lutheran Book of Worship, pages
218-223.
A prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, with the laying on of
hands, would be added to the Rite of Installation of a Bishop after the
questions addressed to the one being installed and to the assembled
congregation.
[p]
The Lord be with you.
[c]
And also with you.
[p]
Let us pray.
Following silent prayer, the presiding minister lays both hands on the
head of the bishop-elect. Other bishops present also shall be invited to
lay on hands as well as representatives of churches with which a
relationship of full communion has been established with this church.
[p]
God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is your Spirit that
sustains the Church. By the power of the Spirit you call, gather,
enlighten, and sanctify the whole Church. Pour out your Spirit upon N to
empower his/her ministry as a bishop in your Church. Sustain him/her as
a shepherd who tends the flock of Christ with love and gentleness, and
oversees the ministry of the Church with vision and wisdom. Uphold
him/her as a faithful steward of your holy Word and life-giving
Sacraments and a strong sign of reconciliation among all people. Give
courage and fortitude for this ministry. We ask this through Jesus
Christ, your Son, through whom glory and power and honor are yours in
your holy Church now and forever.
[c]
Amen
Inserted in the "Notes on the Service" would be the following:
- The laying on of hands and prayer for the
Holy Spirit are not repeated for a bishop who has already received
installation as a bishop in this church
[in accord with paragraph 18 in "Called to
Common Mission"].
-
Three bishops in historic succession join in the laying on of hands in
conformity with the canons of the Council of Nicaea. Other bishops and
representatives of churches with which a relationship of full communion
has been established with this church may participate in the laying on
of hands.
|
