The head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada has given the election of the United Church of Canada’s (UCC) first openly gay moderator a resounding two thumbs up.
In a letter sent to the UCC’s 41st General Council meeting in Ottawa this past weekend, The Rev. Susan Johnson, national bishop of the ELCIC, offered a warm welcome and congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Gary Paterson.
“Together with you, we seek the visible unity of Christ’s church as a credible witness to our time,” wrote Johnson, who was attending a gathering of more than 800 Lutheran and Anglican youth in Saskatoon. “The world beyond our own churches craves signals of partnership and unity!”
Lutherans, Bishop Johnson added, harbour a sense that the church is ever in need of reform…ever changing in response to the changing needs of God’s people and changing realities in God’s world.” She added that she is looking “forward to our continued partnership in ministry in reflection of God’s mission in the world.”
Although Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, could not be reached for comment, the Anglican Church of Canada was represented at the Ottawa meeting by Archdeacon Bruce Myers of the diocese of Quebec. Myers said he spoke with Dr. Paterson following his installation, informally extending the hand of fellowship and congratulations on behalf of the Anglican Church of Canada. The primate will offer more formal greetings when he returns from his travels, said Myers.
