February 4-5, 2002
Diocesan Center of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida Miami,
Florida
The following persons were
present for all or part of the meeting:
Representatives of The Episcopal Church:
the Very Rev. Donald Brown
(co-chair) the Rev. Grant Abbott, the Rt. Rev. Leopold Frade, the Rev.
Dr. Alfred Moss, Ms. Midge Roof, and Dr. Thomas Ferguson (staff). Representatives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: the Rev.
Dr. Duane Larson (co-chair), Ms. Terry Bowes, the Rev. Nancy Curtis,
Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl, the Rev. Norman Wahl, Bishop Ronald B.
Warren, the Rev. Dr. Randall R. Lee (staff), the Rev. Jon S. Enslin
(consultant). Absent:
The Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tanner-Irish, the Rt. Rev. C. Christopher Epting (staff), Ms. Emily Perow, and the Rev. Gregory Villalon.
The Rev. Dr. Duane Larson, co-chair of the Lutheran-Episcopal
Coordinating Committee, called the third meeting of the committee to
order at 9:32 a.m. on Monday, February 4, 2002, in the conference room
of the Diocesan Center of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida. He
called upon the Rt. Rev. Leopold Frade, Episcopal Bishop of Southeast
Florida and a member of the committee, who welcomed the committee to
Miami. Chair Larson then introduced the Rev. Jon S. Enslin, interim
director of the Department for Ecumenical Affairs of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, who serves as a consultant to this
committee. Dr. Thomas Ferguson, associate in the Office for Ecumenical
and Interfaith Relations of The Episcopal Church, also was introduced
and served as staff from The Episcopal Church for this meeting.
Appointment of the Secretary Pro Tempore
By agreement of the committee, the Rev. Randall R. Lee, staff from the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, was appointed to serve as
secretary pro tempore.
Devotions
Ms. Midge Roof led "Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families" from
the Book of Common Prayer.
Updates
Chair Larson called upon each member of the committee to provide on
update on personal events in their lives. Many of the reflections were
related to the terrorist attacks that occurred in Washington, D.C., New
York City, and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001.
Approval of the Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of June 4-5, 2001, in Salt Lake City, were
approved as presented. A request was made to distribute the minutes via
e-mail for approval prior to posting them on the Web site.
Web site Update
It was noted that there was no news release from the June 2001 meeting.
Plans are in place to provide the minutes of the meetings of the
committee to the news bureaus of the two church bodies from this
meeting. Discussion ensued on the presence of the church media at the
meetings of the Coordinating Committee and the fact that the only
official spokespersons for the committee are the co-chairs. Some members
of the committee expressed concern that the listserve has not been
utilized as some on the committee had hoped. The Rev. Nancy Curtis
agreed to help facilitate people’s use of the listserve. Chair Larson
noted, however, that nothing official or formal can be conducted on the
listserve because it is by nature a private medium and church policy
requires a public forum for decision-making.
Updates on Cooperative Ministry
Chair Larson reported that a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary
(Lutheran) in Dubuque, Iowa, was called to a cooperative
Episcopal-Lutheran parish in Price, Utah, to which the committee was
introduced at the June 2001 meeting. Dr. Thomas Ferguson distributed a
document from Bishop C. Christopher Epting, ecumenical officer of The
Episcopal Church, on continuing cooperative efforts between the church
bodies coordinated by national and churchwide staff persons.
Discussion ensued related to the planning meeting of representatives of
the ministry departments of the two churches scheduled for March 23-25,
2002, in New York City on the ministry of deacons and diaconal
ministers, hopefully leading to the sharing of these ministries between
the two church bodies. Grant Abbot stressed that the scheduled meeting
is simply exploring the possibility of shared ministry and is not an
attempt to force the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to ordain
deacons. Consensus was reached that the ministry development offices
should be asked to invite a member of the Coordinating Committee to be
present for the consultation. Bishop Leopold Frade urged caution that
this may set a precedent related to other meetings of staff, a concern
echoed by Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl. Chair Larson said this is the
kind of decision to be made on a case-by-case basis and should be
informed by the importance of the issue being discussed. Bishop Ronald
Warren expressed concern about the possible fragmentation of the various
groups making decisions related to cooperative mission and ministry,
when, in fact, such groups might helpfully relate to one another. The
Rev. Jon Enslin reported on the proposal to invite leaders of various
churchwide units from all the full communion partner churches to a
"summit" meeting for discussing how cooperative efforts can lead to
fuller implementation of full communion. A grant proposal has been filed
to fund such an event.
The Rev. Norman Wahl questioned whether the examples of cooperative
ministry prepared by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and
distributed for this meeting actually began only after the inauguration
of full communion. Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl noted that the document
indicates a large number of new opportunities that have been recently
developed. She noted as well that conversation is being conducted by a
congregation in the South Dakota Synod to be served part-time by an
Episcopal priest. The Rev. Nancy Curtis said the document is too general
in many places to be helpful. Bishop Ronald Warren said another issue to
be discussed relates to the interchangeability of clergy because of the
various ways such interchangeability is being fostered and implemented.
Report on LERN-EDEO Joint Meeting
The Rev. Jon Enslin commented upon the joint meeting of the executive
committees of the Lutheran Ecumenical Resource Network (LERN) and the
Episcopal Diocesan Ecumenical Officers (EDEO) that occurred February
1-5, 2002, in Santa Barbara, California. He reported that he spent a
significant amount of time with the LERN representatives discussing key
questions that are designed to help set the agenda for the ELCA
Department for Ecumenical Affairs as the search for a new director
begins. In a joint meeting of the two groups, the participants discussed
the recently adopted bylaw that allows for exceptions to ordination by a
bishop in unusual circumstances in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (exceptions clause), and other issues that are arising as
implementation of full communion begins, he said.
The Rev. Grant Abbott reported that the EDEO representatives discussed
the issue of the exchange of deacons and diaconal ministers, the
exceptions clause and the response of the Standing Commission on
Ecumenical Relations to that action, and the article by Professor Tim
Huffman published in the January 20, 2002, issue of The Living Church on
the full communion agreement. Fr. Abbott reviewed the history of that
publication and the constituency supporting it, some of whom are opposed
to the agreement for full communion. Fr. Abbot also reported that the
EDEO executive committee endorsed a proposal to decline speaking
invitations from organizations such as WordAlone if those occasions do
not recognize that the agreement for full communion has been implemented
or attempt to undermine the agreement.
The Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee recessed at 10:54 a.m. and
reconvened at 11:07 a.m.
Discussion of Commentary on "Called to Common Mission"
A first draft of a commentary on "Called to Common Mission" was
presented at the June 2001 meeting of the Coordinating Committee based
upon a request for such a document from the Grand Canyon Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Responses from members of the
committee were received in the weeks following the June 2001 meeting. A
second draft was presented at this meeting for further refinement and
endorsement. Several suggestions for minor changes were made for
amending the text, which subsequently were incorporated into the text.
Chair Larson was asked to reflect further on the commentary related to
paragraph two of "Called to Common Mission" and Bishop Andrea
DeGroot-Nesdahl and the Rev. Nancy Curtis were asked to reflect further
upon the commentary related to paragraph eight. Final discussion will
occur later in this meeting on proposals from those three individuals.
The Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee recessed at 1202 p.m. for
a celebration of Holy Communion in the Chapel of Trinity Cathedral,
followed by lunch, and reconvened at 1:28 p.m.
Role of the Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee
Chair Larson led a discussion on a review of the Charter of the
Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee. Ms. Terry Bowes suggested
that the Charter encourages a representative of this committee to be
present at crucial meetings of staff, specifically when the meetings are
related to ministry issues. The Rev. Nancy Curtis expressed support for
this proposal and said such attendance by a member of the committee
would help staff think about the larger picture by including
intentionally full communion partners.
The Rev. Jon Enslin urged that a discussion of the word "assist" in the
Charter be conducted, and said reaching consensus on the appropriate
definition of that word is a concern expressed by ELCA Presiding Bishop
Mark S. Hanson. A conversation about the definition of the word "assist"
in this context began and resulted in a collection of the following
words and phrases to further define the word: consultant or
consultantively, developing a common mission directory, advocate for
funding, help/carry, help units do better what they are already doing,
coach, raise up, an assistant who knows the details, anticipating needs,
spread the word, active involvement, lobbyist, proactive partnership,
re-frame, initiate, cohere, and communicate.
Turning to the pattern for rotation of members of the committee, and
after some discussion, consensus was achieved to suggest to the
respective judicatories that people be appointed for one six-year term
or to a three-year term, renewable once. Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl
suggested that those presently serving on the committee be asked to
serve for four years before term definitions and the staggering of terms
are applied in order to give the committee members an opportunity to
function effectively as a group. The Rev. Alfred Moss suggested that at
least one-third of each delegation be under the age of 45 when
appointed, and perhaps one of those could be under age 35 or 30.
Continuing to review the text of the Charter, the members of the
Coordinating Committee expressed strong support for staff services
provided to the committee to date.
The text of the Charter also defines the number of times the
Coordinating Committee should meet annually. Consensus was reached that
the committee should continue meeting twice a year.
Turning to the issue of how best to communicate the work of the
Coordinating Committee to the two churches, consensus was reached that
the committee itself will issue a press release at the conclusion of
each meeting. A public relations sub-committee of the Rev. Alfred Moss
and the Rev. Nancy Curtis was appointed by the co-chairs.
Future Meeting Dates
After some discussion, consensus was reached to hold the next meeting of
the Coordinating Committee in New York City from June 3-5, 2002
(beginning at 9:30 a.m. on June 3 and ending by noon on June 5, 2002) in
order to become more familiar with The Episcopal Church Center. It was
suggested that the meeting also include an opportunity to meet with the
Rev. Stephen P. Bouman, bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in order to learn about the
diaconal ministry program of that synod. Members of the committee urged
that the meeting include a visit to the World Trade Center site and a
meeting with representatives of those ministering to the bereaved and
the caregivers in the New York area. Ms. Terry Bowes urged that the
church press be invited specifically to this meeting.
Reception and Education about Ministry among Latino Peoples
The Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee recessed at 3:00 p.m. in
order to travel to the "Little Havana" neighborhood of Miami, Florida,
to meet with church leaders in ministry to the Hispanic and Latino
peoples of the area. A reception for Lutheran and Episcopal clergy and
lay leaders was hosted by the Rev. Lenier Gallardo, pastor of Principe
de Paz (Prince of Peace) Lutheran Church and an assistant to the bishop
of the Florida–Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America. Pr. Gallardo read a message of greeting from the Rev. Edward R.
Benoway, bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. The members of the
Coordinating Committee were introduced to the discipleship ministry of
Principe de Paz Lutheran Church, which also provides support and a
parish basis for evangelism efforts in the Hispanic and Latino
communities, as well as Lutheran Social Services. Appreciation was
expressed for the agreement for full communion which already has
resulted in a joint Episcopal-Lutheran campus ministry presence at the
University of Miami. The Rt. Rev. Leopold Frade, a member of the
Coordinating Committee and Bishop of the Diocese of Southeast Florida
,expressed optimism that the coordination of new ministry starts among
the Hispanic and Latino peoples, as well as the Haitian population,
between the two churches will proceed quickly in the near future.
Tuesday, February 5, 2002
Chair Larson called the second day of the third meeting of the
Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee to order at 8:42 a.m. on
Tuesday, February 5, 2002. Terry L. Bowes opened the meeting with prayer
and a devotion based upon the reading from the book of Ruth.
Discussion of Commentary on "Called to Common Mission" (continued)
Chair Brown introduced continued discussion on the commentary on "Called
to Common Mission." Chair Larson read a proposed change to the
commentary on paragraph 2 that he had prepared and which was
subsequently approved by the committee.
Moved;
Seconded;
Carried:
To adopt the following text as commentary on paragraph two of
"Called to Common Mission":
This paragraph defines practical and structural consequences of "full
communion." Local and national consultation processes, which include
hospitality and collaboration between each church’s bishops, will
express and extend Christian mission in dynamic and diverse ways. Our
visible unity in evangelism, worship, and service will also honor the
integrity of each church, building each other up in love as members of
Christ’s body.
Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl introduced proposed changes to the
commentary related to paragraph 8 that she and the Rev. Nancy Curtis had
prepared, and which was subsequently adopted by the committee.
Moved;
Seconded;
Carried:
To adopt the following text as commentary on paragraph eight of
"Called to Common Mission":
We agree to the common, though not necessarily identical, pattern of one
ordained ministry shared between the two churches. The Episcopal Church
continues the general, historic pattern of three forms of such ministry
- bishops, priests, and deacons. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America continues the pattern of one form of ordained ministry. Each
church’s ordained ministries remain governed by their respective church
body. As we live into the common practices of ordained ministries of the
two churches, though not identical, will allow the sharing of ordained
ministers. Lay ministers and deacons are discussed in paragraph 9 below.
These proposed changes were incorporated into the text of the
commentary. Discussion ensued on the proposed title, "In the Bond of Unity: A
Commentary on ‘Called to Common Mission.’" Several members of the
committee expressed concern that a new title might be confusing in the
long run to the entire process of reception of this agreement for full
communion. It was moved and subsequently:
VOTED
LE02.02.01 To approve the text of "The Commentary on ‘Called to Common
Mission’ Adopted by the Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee,
February 5, 2002," and to authorize its publication and dissemination in
the two church bodies.
Debriefing the Reception and Education about Ministry among Latino
Peoples The Rev. Grant Abbot commented on the helpfulness of the meeting and
learning about the vital ministry of Principe de Paz (Prince of Peace)
Lutheran Church in Miami. The Rt. Rev. Leopold Frade commented on a
number of cooperative ministries in which the two churches have been
engaged, but he said that the "competitive" nature of the work being
conducted by the two churches is quickly diminishing. Discussion was
conducted on how the seminaries of the two churches could better prepare
clergy and lay leaders to engage in ministries of evangelism and
discipleship. Chair Larson said that learning how to translate seminary
education to the training of local leaders is likewise a particular
challenge, a point echoed by Ms. Terry Bowes. The Rev. Alfred Moss
suggested that this topic continue to be explored at the next meeting of
the Coordinating Committee in New York City. He asked specifically that
representatives of General Theological Seminary (Episcopal) and the
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia address the committee on
this topic. Chair Larson suggested that the cooperative program at the
seminaries in Austin, Texas, would be more helpful location for such a
discussion because of the intentional work they are doing in this area.
Bishop Ronald B.Warren said that having the committee become missionally
oriented is of particular interest to him as it helps to transform
ministry. Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl asked for discussion on how the visits of
this committee to ministry sites develops a path to move mission
forward. The Rev. Jon S. Enslin said that a series of paths may develop
to stimulate mission and he observed that the gathering of people
yesterday is likely to break open new possibilities for mission because
they learn through such gatherings that there is permission to be
engaged in joint ministries. Another path that is developing, he said,
is the hoped for "summit" gathering of churchwide staff that is in the
planning process through the ELCA Department for Ecumenical Affairs.
Still another path, Pr. Enslin said, may be a joint gathering of
bishops, either regionally or nationally such as occurred in 1996. Chair
Larson said that this Coordinating Committee has a task of oversight, of
"understanding the ecology," so that advice can be given to churchwide
staffs about where best to devote their energy because investing in a
particular place may bear rich fruit. Ms. Terry Bowes said she can
envision that some executive staff may be offended by advice offered by
this committee so some clear ways to communicate such advice must be
developed. The Rev. Grant Abbott said it might "be helpful to think of
this committee as a scouting party." The Rev. Jon Enslin made the point
that this committee cannot direct churchwide staff to do something, but
staff are always looking for vehicles to help make mission and ministry
happen more effectively. Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl suggested that a communiqué be developed
and addressed to the local bishops to encourage and nurture these
ministries. Discussion ensued on how to communicate officially with the
governing bodies of the two churches as a report on the work of the
committee, particularly on the ministry sites that the committee has
visited. Chair Larson suggested that the press release reporting on this
meeting be written "with a human face" to describe the ministries
observed, and which also could be distributed to national staff
department heads. Ms. Midge Roof said a report could be made to the
Executive Council of The Episcopal Church which is engaged in an
evangelism campaign highlighting this work, demonstrating how a
partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in this area
can be helpful to them. Chair Larson suggested that two persons be charged at the end of each
meeting to prepare this kind of report, following some input from the
members of the committee prior to the conclusion of the meeting. The Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee recessed at 10:05 a.m. and
reconvened at 11:16 a.m. Communiqué
Chair Larson asked for approval to appoint Ms. Terry Bowes and Ms. Midge
Roof as the persons to prepare the report on this meeting of the
Coordinating Committee. The committee asked that the following points be
included in this report:
- ministry site visit and the energy it
instilled in the committee because it is a vehicle to advance the missional activities of the two churches;
- adoption of the commentary
on "Called to Common Mission;"
- review of the Charter of the
Coordinating Committee, particularly the principles related to the
rotation of members and representation;
- worship together;
- update
on the website;
- request for a study on Confirmation in The Episcopal
Church as it relates to confirmed Lutherans; and
- report on next
meeting dates and places.
Meeting Dates and Places
June 3-5, 2002 - The Episcopal Church Center, New York City
The goal
is to carry forward the training for mission conversation begun at this
meeting. Representatives from General Theological Seminary (Episcopal)
and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia will be invited to
address this topic. Bishop Stephen P. Bouman of the Metropolitan New
York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be asked
to describe the unique deacon ministry of that synod, including a
Hispanic deacon who leads that program. A site visit to the scene of the
former World Trade Center and a meeting with those involved in
cooperative ministries in the light of the September 11, 2001, attacks
also will be arranged. February 3-5, 2003 - Austin, Texas
Continue discussion about ministry
among Hispanic peoples, particularly as seminarians at the Lutheran and
Episcopal seminaries in Austin are prepared for this ministry, along
with the mission and evangelism program of the Episcopal Diocese of
Texas. June 9-11, 2003 - Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota
Focus on
mission opportunities that have been sparked by the work of the
Coordinating Committee and others as the implementation of this
agreement of full communion unfolds. June 2004 - Chicago
To be scheduled in conjunction with the meeting of
the Historical Society of The Episcopal Church, which will be holding a
joint meeting with interested persons from the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, the Anglican Church of Canada, and Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Canada. Items for Discussion Confirmation
Chair Donald Brown said that the issue is how Lutherans are confirmed
and/or welcomed into The Episcopal Church and vice versa. Bishop Leopold
Frade said that in some dioceses bishops will receive confirmed
Lutherans as though they are confirmed in the Orthodox or Roman Catholic
traditions. But the practice is not consistent across all the dioceses.
Chair Brown said he thought it was inconsistent for Lutheran pastors to
be able to serve in Episcopal parishes without re-ordination, while lay
persons are re-confirmed in some dioceses. The hope was expressed that
some guidelines will be developed to make the practice consistent in The
Episcopal Church. The problem within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America is how to issue a letter of transfer to people desiring to join
an Episcopal parish. VOTED
LE02.02.02 To request that the Standing Commission on Ecumenical
Relations draft appropriate legislation regarding how confirmed
Lutherans under full communion are to be received into The Episcopal
Church, should they choose to do so; and
To request that the ELCA Department for Ecumenical Affairs discuss this
matter and make the appropriate referrals to the transfer of confirmed
Lutherans to Episcopal parishes and the reception of confirmed
Episcopalians.
Items for Discussion Bishop Elections and Installation
The Rev. Randall Lee reported on the installation of newly-elected
bishops during the fall of 2001. The Rev. Alfred Moss asked whether the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will begin to keep records of who
participated in the installation of bishops as is the case in The
Episcopal Church, and whether bishops will be numbered according to
their entrance into the historic succession. Pr. Lee responded that all
bishops since January 1, 2001, have been installed into the historic
succession but the only records that are kept are the date of the
installation. The archives will contain copies of installation services,
which will list participants in the services, but no other record is
made, not is there any intent to number bishops as they are installed. Ms. Midge Roof asked what would happen if a person was elected a
synodical bishop and refused to enter the historic succession. Pr. Lee
responded that the governing documents of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America state that a bishop must be installed according to
"the rite of this church," which specifies that at least three persons
in the historic succession will participate in the laying-on-of-hands.
The ELCA presiding bishop, or a synodical bishop appointed by the
presiding bishop to preside at an installation, could not participate if
there was an intent not to conduct the rite according the rubrics of the
"Rite of Installation of a Bishop." The Rev. Jon Enslin said he believes
that this will become less of an issue as time goes on. The Rev. Norman
Wahl and the Rev. Nancy Curtis commented on their experiences attending
the installation of bishops in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod and the
Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod, respectively, and on the differences in
the ways in which the rite was conducted. The Rev. Jon Enslin commented
that the installation of Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, in which the
participants in the laying-on-of-hands silently prayed the prayer
characteristic of the installation prayer in each person’s tradition.
Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl said that the experience of praying as
those who individually participated in the laying-on-of-hands kept the
installation from feeling like there was "a special moment" when the
person became a bishop. Bishop Ronald Warren commented on his
participation in the consecration of the Episcopal bishop of Atlanta,
where he was invited to serve as co-consecrator of the bishop, which
included signing the official documents of consecration. Items for Discussion Exceptions to Ordination by a Bishop
The Rev. Jon Enslin reported that to date no ordinations of pastors have
been conducted without a bishop presiding at the rite, nor have any
requests for an exception to this rule been filed so far in 2002. Full Communion and Theological Education
(continued)
Chair Larson said the conversation conducted earlier in this meeting
about the missional character and formation of seminarians is a critical
matter for discussion. The Rev. Jon Enslin said he has been made aware
of how rarely seminaries invite students to think through the ecumenical
movement and its implications for mission and ministry. Chair Larson
reported that two of the eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America do require a coarse in ecumenical theology and others
are reportedly looking to this Coordinating Committee to take an action
requiring such a course. The Rev. Grant Abbott asked if the seminaries
are equipped to teach students from other traditions who are preparing
to serve in a setting of another church body. Chair Larson reported that
Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, is beginning to develop
policy and course work to address this concern. Chair Brown said that
perhaps this committee needs to develop a recommendation to urge the
seminaries to equip seminarians. The Rev. Grant Abbott made the
following motion which was subsequently adopted by the Coordinating
Committee: VOTED
LE02.02.03 To request a report at the next
meeting of the Coordinating Committee from the seminaries of the two
churches on how they are assisting seminarians to prepare to serve in
settings of full communion partner churches.
Items for Discussion Study on the Ministry of Bishops
The Rev. Randall Lee called attention to paragraph 17 in "Called to
Common Mission" which urges the two church bodies to conduct in concert
with one another a study on the mission and ministry of bishops. He
suggested that it might be helpful to initiate this discussion at the
June 2002 meeting at The Episcopal Church Center where the Right Rev.
Clayton Matthews, who coordinates ministry to bishops of The Episcopal
Church, may be available to participate in a discussion of this issue.
The Rt. Rev. Leopold Frade moved and the Coordinating Committee
subsequently adopted:
LE02.02.04 To request that a discussion on initiating a study on the
ministry of bishops in the two church bodies be included on the agenda
of the June 2002 meeting of the Coordinating Committee in New York City,
inviting appropriate persons from both churches to serve as resource
persons for that discussion.
Items for Discussion Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ
The Rev. Randall Lee reviewed briefly the history of the development of
Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), a movement that
began as an association of congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America. With its incorporation and the development of a
pension program, Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ has
recently declared itself to be another Lutheran church body in North
America. Pr. Lee went on to report that some 48 congregations had
affiliated with LCMC when it was considered an association of
congregations. Since declaring itself to be another Lutheran church
body, three ELCA congregations have voted to disaffiliate with the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and join LCMC. At this time, the
status of the congregations that joined the association of congregations
is unclear and he suggested that synodical bishops likely will have to
inquire of those congregations what their intention is. The Rev. Grant
Abbott pointed to the similarity in the pattern of parishes leaving The
Episcopal Church in times of controversy. The Rev. Jon Enslin said another issue that needs to be addressed in the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America relates to synodical and
churchwide leadership. In the past, he said, such leaders were often the
pastors of large congregations who were selected for service based upon
their experience and expertise. Pr. Enslin said this is rarely the case
today because that kind of leadership and experience is often rejected.
He said he believes this is not a helpful development in the life of the
church. Ms. Midge Roof asked whether this development is related to the
rejection of authority throughout the culture. Chair Brown said he was
not certain but that the problem also is a problem for The Episcopal
Church. Adjournment
The third meeting of the Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee
concluded at 12:55 p.m. on February 5, 2002, with a prayer offered by
the Rev. Grant Abbott. |
