United Methodists declared Monday a "banner day" as they approved a full communion agreement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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(Photo: UMNS / Mike DuBose)Bishop Mark Hanson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (left) and United Methodist Bishop William Oden sing a hymn during April 29 morning worship at the 2008 United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.
The new relationship between the two major Protestant denominations is not a merger but a recognition of each other's ministry and mission. Full communion recognizes that each church has "the one, holy, catholic and apostolic faith" expressed in the Scriptures and confessed in historic creeds and the core teachings of each denomination.
The two churches also recognize the authenticity of each other's baptism and eucharist and the full interchangeability of all ordained ministers.
"It's not merger," said Bishop Melvin Talbert, co-chairman of the United Methodist-ELCA dialogue team. "It means we are open to receiving and accepting and acknowledging each other's ministries."
Although not a merger, ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson hopes the full communion will foster a deeper relationship and ecumenical cooperation as the two churches focus more on how to do things together rather than separately.
The United Methodists' approval for communion comes after 30 years of theological dialogue. Since 2005, the two churches have encouraged members to pray for and support each other, to study Scripture together and to learn about each other's traditions.
Noting that fruit has finally come, Hanson told Methodists on Tuesday, "This is why we, as the ELCA, and you, as The United Methodist Church, vote on full communion - because we believe together we might more imaginatively, evangelically, prophetically and abundantly bear fruit for the sake of the Gospel and the life of the world," according to the United Methodist News Service.
Hanson, who also serves as president of the Lutheran World Federation, spoke during the Tuesday morning worship at the United Methodist General Conference, which takes place every four years, in Fort Worth.
In a rootless, restless world, Christians "have a powerful testimony to give," and good news to share, Hanson told UMC delegates.
"I am the vine, you are the branches. I have loved you the way my Father has loved me. You didn't choose me, remember: I chose you," the ELCA head said as he cited the good news of Jesus.
And although a more self-help, feel-good gospel may be more palatable in today's religious marketplace, Hanson stressed that the radical Gospel of Christ is all that is needed.
"Lives rooted in Christ the vine will bear fruit," he said.
The ELCA already has five full communion relationships with The Episcopal Church, the Moravian Church in America, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Reformed Church in America and United Church of Christ.
The United Methodist Church just entered dialogue with The Episcopal Church but the agreement with the ELCA is its first full communion relationship outside the Methodist tradition.
Bishop Frank Brookhart, co-chairman of the United Methodist-Episcopal dialogue, thus described the Methodists' approval on Monday as "a miracle."
"It's real easy for churches to separate. It's real hard to get back together," he explained. "This doesn't happen without the risen Christ among us."
The ELCA is expected to vote on full communion with the UMC at its assembly in August 2009.
The ELCA is the largest Lutheran denomination in the country with 4.8 million members. The United Methodist is the largest Protestant mainline denomination with nearly 8 million members in the United States.
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Comments
I am viewing this a bit late, but believe there needs to be scriptural and doctrinal unity before unity in communion.
Chris333
We have different denominaions because of theological differences. I thank God that Martin Luther, when he realized that the Catholic Church was wrong in 95 different areas left the Catholic Church and started the Protestant Reformation. From there as others began to see more accurately than Martin Luther in areas left his following and started their own Church (denomination). Then others saw more accurately then they and left and started yet another denomination.
God has had His hand on the Protestant Reformation and the emerging of different denominations. However, many of these denominations have sunk into heretical teachings.
Is it inheritantly evil to have different denominations? Yes, in the sense that each denomination has their own interpretation to scripture, each have there own biblical error and as a result they don't speak with one voice to the world God's Word.
I believe God wants the Church of Jesus Christ to speak with one voice but that voice needs to be a mouth piece of His Word. This is something we don't have today.
I think it is more evil to have denominations speak with one voice but that the voice is in direct contradiction to the Word of God.
Unity for the sake of unity at the loss of Biblical Truth is EVIL!
Chris333: I'm sorry, I was agreeing with you! That the body is made up of many parts, but not by denominations. God calls for us to be in unity and that doesn't get accomplished by denominations. I apologize for not making my won point, lol, I don't agree with the Roman Catholic churches teaching on Communion and a few other teachings they espouse or anyone faith keeping anyone from the Communion with Jesus Christ.
The whole point of His death was to restore us back to The Father, which He has done, God has done His part; and it seems to me that some, not all, want to keep us from having a personal, relationship with the Lord; and if brethren can take communion together, they can certainly worship/praise our Lord together.
Personally speaking, here in the New England, those denominational walls have been coming down for the last few years and it is getting stronger! We're having more worship/praise services, conferences, and our own ten days of prayer in western Mass...believe me when I tell you that many in New England are praying for revival in our area and in our nation.
Folks, it isn't about Mary, or you or I; it is all about Jesus Christ! He was the One crucified for or sins, not mary, and He was the One beaten for our transgression. Now, Mary was an obedient vessel, and she is a woman to honor, but not worship or prayer to even. She is not God, and she is not the Mother of God, God has no mother....Jesus Christ, was birthed by Mary, and He is the God Man!
Faith should be in God alone, not in any created being. Not one of us created beings can change anyone or anything, the Lord God alone is Creator!
God isn't interested in any "Religion"; He is interested in having a personal, relationship with each one of His children. WE are the "Children of God" those of us who call upon His Name, God adopts us into His family, that includes anyone who repents of their sin, and acknowledges that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God, The Father, In Jesus Name, Amen!
JESUS is LORD!
WalkinwithJesusChrist,
Agreed with all of your points. Are you talking to me though? If not who?
I didn't say that their joining communion was a bad thing, I said it was not enough, and the fact that they remain two separate bodies is illogical and possibly inherently evil.
The different parts of the Body of Christ you are referring to are speaking specifically about individuals within the Church, not the Church itself. I don't think Paul had Lutherans and Methodists in mind when he said that, and the context does not support it either.
I have yet to hear a good reason for denominations, and none have refuted my allegations that they are a bad thing.
Communion: The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ: This is a remembrance of what our Lord did for us, and all we recognize and proclaim His death until HE comes!
Jesus does NOT have a divided body, there are many parts to the body, but they are not separate, they have different functions, but they are united in Jesus Christ, so they should be coming together and having communion!! When we are united in Christ, this blesses us and pleases the LORD!
All those folks that want to keep people from The Communion are not speaking for Jesus Christ!
I participate in the "Lord's Supper"; The Communion because I am a sinner, saved by Grace, and I am recognizing that I NEED MORE OF JESUS CHRIST!!
HE paid the highest price for me to be set free and I am not going to allow anyone to take me back to slavery! Freedom in Christ doesn't mean license to sin, it means that when I do fall, I RUN to Jesus Christ and repent, and HE lovingly restores me; so I can be in full relationship with HIM! Thank you, Father God, Lord Jesus, and Thank you, Holy Spirit for the TRUTH!!!
The Lord God loves us folks; and in Jesus Christ HE has restored the world back to Himself, God has done His part; He is waiting for you to recognize who you are in Him and repent of your sin, so you can turn and have that personal relationship with Him. He is right there with you, HE has never left anyone of us! I pray that HE will open the eyes of your heart to see Him and your ears to hear Him! In Jesus Name, and for His glory!
By the way Cecil,
I too was raised Lutheran, but I have attended Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, Catholic, and Presbyterian Churches. It is very frustrating to me that there is often a Baptist, Methodist and Lutheran Church all right beside each other, all reaching out to the same people, and all nearly competing for the most members.
Glad to have you on CP,
God Bless,
Chris
Cecil (continued)
"Why is it illogical for Methodists and ELCA Lutherans to recognize full communion?"
It is not, I did not say it was, I said it was illogical for the to recognize full communion and yet stay separated physically. They agree on all major points of doctrine and would be much more efficient as one body.
"What is your basis for claiming that it is shameful for us to act this way?"
1 Corinthians 10 "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought."
Paul also denounces those who call themselves after a persons name, such as Apollos, Peter, or Paul. (I think we could add Luther, Calvin, Wesley...etc.) Let us call ourselves Christians.
Regarding what happened to you, absolutely it is shameful and unthinkable. I condemn it, as I know Paul and Christ would have condemned it. Still, we should not have these names, and there is no reason other than 1) money or 2) pride/tradition. Can you present one possible benefit we can gain from being divided and calling ourselves Lutheran or Methodist? Also, when you are before God in Heaven are you going to say, "I am a Lutheran" or are you going to say, "I am a Christian"?
"This is NOT a pride issue! Our faith is first and foremost and because of that, we are NOT prideful!"
If it is not a pride issue, then I cannot see what it is. If we believe the other is doctrinally inferior, then let us reason together and find the truth by the power of the Holy Spirit, if we do not see anything wrong, then let us be united. This seems painfully obvious to me, which is why I do not have much tolerance for denominations, no matter how superficial they are.
"Hey, we may not agree on everything, but we DO agree that we can join together and serve God in many and various ways! AMEN!"
It would be by far more efficient, productive, and powerful for us to be united in one body, pooling our resources, and witnessing to the outside world as one, than it is for us to cooperate like two business with mutual interests. Let us work towards being perfectly united, and let us do so quickly.
Cecil,
Welcome to Christian Post and thanks for posting! I love to be challenged and I am glad you did so that I can clarify my position and hopefully we can reach agreement.
You said, " And the very fact that we are all sinners prevents any church on this broken earth from claiming an infallible teaching. Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, Pentecostal, Non-Denominational--NO ONE can honestly say that they are on the same level as GOD and that their teachings are exclusively true! "
Agreed, but with minor points of difference. The truth is that no one claims equality with God, not even the Pope (I am not Catholic though). The idea is whether the Church is being "infallibly" led by God, or whether every man is for himself. You mentioned how the Early Apostles were "inspired" to write the Bible etc. This is true, now the debate is about whether the Holy Spirit is continuing to inspire the Church (via councils, and if RCC Papal prerogatives).
In other words, the question is not whether or not the RCC or Eastern Orthodox have the right to pronounce doctrine, it is whether God is leading them to recognize correct doctrine. However, my purpose on this post is not to debate Catholic/Orthodox ideas, I am more concerned with inter-Protestant workings.
(Response Continued)
Cecil1039,
I was raised ALC and then ELCA Lutheran. I would like to say the Lutheran church is chock full of people with your same commitment, but I did not find it so. Most of the time it resembled the Sons Of Norway auxiliary more than the body of Christ.
Does this now mean that the UMC will prostitute the Lutheran church and spread its poison to get the Lutherans to accept sexual perversity??!!??
REPENT,. FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND!!!!
msnchris70...
I have not defamed, bad mouthed, or slandered biblical Mary. You do err in your accusatory attack concerning me. I accept all that the written word speaks about biblical Mary. I will not accept fables, legends, gross scriptural misinterpretations or fly upon the swelling winds of tradition that have not the anchor of God’s word.
Shuckcreations, take a deep breath. If someone is inquiring about the Catholic faith, that is the point of reference they should start with. I would encourage anyone who has questions about Catholicism to read/reference the catechism as it helps to clarify our faith. You obviously have strong feelings and beliefs about the topic. Have you read any of the catechism ?
I don't understand the significance of this action other than another couple churches spending tens of thousands to meet and talk over powers and principalities within their own clubs while the widows, orphans, sick, thirsty, hungry, and poor go happily about their merry way.
By the way, this forum is getting very petty and nasty. Didn't Paul say that we should be of one mind? It sounds like we're splitting the one mind between us......
Don't be led into petty religion, there is too much to do.
continuing...
In response to Chris333, as a Lutheran (ELCA), I do not believe that our church--or any church for that matter--possesses the fullness of truth. Are we not all sinners? YES, we are! And the very fact that we are all sinners prevents any church on this broken earth from claiming an infallible teaching. Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, Pentecostal, Non-Denominational--NO ONE can honestly say that they are on the same level as GOD and that their teachings are exclusively true! The Bible was written by human beings who were inspired by God and the Spirit—just as the sermons are that your Pastor preaches week in and week out. The theology of EVERY church has been developed by humans through their interpretation of the Spirit’s inspiration.
Why is it illogical for Methodists and ELCA Lutherans to recognize full communion? What is your basis for claiming that it is shameful for us to act this way? I’ll tell you what is shameful, going to a Wisconsin Synod or LCMS worship service and being DENIDE participation in the Eucharist…being DENIED the very body and blood of Christ because I am viewed as an unrepentant outsider! That is shameful! I’ll tell you what else is shameful—playing in a church softball league and having WELS members REFUSING to pray with you before the game because you are an outsider. I felt second class! I wonder how Christ might feel about that?!
Chris333, you suggest that we throw away the names and serve God together. This is NOT a pride issue! Our faith is first and foremost and because of that, we are NOT prideful! Because of that, we are able to say, “Hey, we may not agree on everything, but we DO agree that we can join together and serve God in many and various ways! AMEN!
WOW, where to start…let me say that I have long read postings here but have never written a response…I love the open, honest dialogue so here goes…
GreatNW, you made the point that, “More of the fact that these two denominations are in decline and no one really cares all that much about them.” It’s true, these denominations are in a state of decline—I see it in my own church. But why is that? It’s NOT about the teaching that goes on there, it’s NOT about our theology, it’s not even for the most part about the divide over homosexuality or female ordination. What IS the overwhelming cause of decline boils down to this: In our “satisfy-me” society, those who are leaving NEED to be entertained and they WANT God to meet THEIR needs instead of reaching out to serve the Lord. They are more interested in an hour’s worth of “fluffy” Gospel than they are learning what it means to truly serve the Lord. Instead, they want God to serve them.
Then there is the whole group who do not introduce their children to God through regular church attendance and involvement in activities designed to help them grow in faith. When it comes to confirmation class, Sunday morning worship, and other youth events, my child will be there—not because I’m forcing him—but because my wife and I are teaching him about the love and grace of God and he WANTS to be there. We set aside our children’s spiritual lives and so easily give in because they “really, really want to play on the traveling softball team”, well that is a LIFESTYLE problem and NOT a DENOMINATIONAL problem. Again, if it doesn’t suit us, we have our little hissy-fit and bolt for a place that will accommodate our needs. I’ll continue in another post…