Called to Common Mission

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On 6 January 2001 the (Anglican) US Episcopalian Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) solemnly celebrated the official inauguration of full church communion between them at Washington Cathedral. This step followed a long-term theological dialogue having especially concentrated on the meaning of the episcopal ministry. Substantial agreement could be reached in this question. With the document "Called to Common Mission" both denominations recognize each other as "apostolic" in their being a church together with her sacraments and ministry (especially the episcopal ministry). Thus the eucharist can be celebrated together and ministers can be exchanged. Since then representatives of the respective churches have been and will be invited to actively take part in the other one's ordination.

Dr. Peter Lüning / Diakon Klaus Krüger