Title: ELCA Seminary Faculty Affirm Ecumenical Proposals ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF June 2, 1997 TRINITY SEMINARY FACULTY ON ECUMENICAL PROPOSALS About 20 theologians that make up the faculty of Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, affirmed three ecumenical proposals now before the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with some reservations. The faculty's May 5 "statement is positive in response to the proposals while at the same time providing perspective on many of the key issues," said the Rev. Dennis A. Anderson, president of Trinity. "It is intended to be used as a resource document in the churchwide discussion." The ELCA churchwide assembly will vote on three proposals when it meets Aug. 14-20 in Philadelphia. The proposals are that the ELCA enter into full communion with The Episcopal Church, enter into full communion with three Reformed churches -- the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Reformed Church in America and United Church of Christ -- and declare certain 16th century condemnations of the Roman Catholic Church no longer apply. The faculty of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., unanimously endorsed the two proposals for full communion in December. The faculty of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia did likewise in January. The faculty of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, S.C., endorsed all three proposals in March. Also in March, the presidents of all eight ELCA seminaries counseled the church to give the details of each proposal careful attention, to honor the convictions of the Lutheran confessions and to value respectful disagreement. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html