Title: ELCA Churchwide Assembly Set to Make Ecumenical Decisions
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 4, 1997

ELCA CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY SET TO MAKE ECUMENICAL DECISIONS
97-25-072-AH

        CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is
set to meet in its biennial Churchwide Assembly Aug. 14-20 at the
Philadelphia Convention Center.  The assembly will vote on three
proposed ecumenical agreements and a new set of guidelines for
sacramental practices.  The 1,045 voting members will gather under the
theme "Making Christ Known: Alive in our Heritage and Hope."
        The ELCA assembly will vote on "full communion" with the
Episcopal Church, through a document called the "Concordat of
Agreement," and with three churches of the Reformed tradition, the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Reformed Church in America and United
Church of Christ, through the "Formula of Agreement."
        Under full communion the churches will not merge but agree that
they share a common understanding of the gospel and recognize each
other's ordained ministers.  All four churches who are partners in
this effort have voted in favor of the agreements this summer.
        Lutherans and Roman Catholics are currently considering a
"Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification" which deals with
a major doctrinal issue that has separated them since the 16th
century.  The assembly will consider this agreement.
        The Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, will
preach for the assembly's opening worship at the Marriott Hotel at
7:30 P.M., Aug. 14.  Anderson will give his report to the assembly and
discuss the ecumenical decisions Aug. 15.  He will present seven
"Initiatives to Prepare for A New Century."
        A new vice president will be elected to succeed Kathy Magnus of
Denver.  The vice president is the highest lay leadership position in
the ELCA.
        The assembly will discuss and vote on a statement of
sacramental practices, "The Use of the Means of Grace."  Voting
members will also discuss issues around funding for theological
education, a report on life-long learning and recommendations on
ministry in daily life.
        A vision and action plan for urban ministry is called "In the
City for Good."  The church will be asked to recommit itself to a
multicultural mission strategy.  Voting members will address a new
"American Indian and Alaska Native Strategic Plan."

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html