Five years of full communion

To celebrate their five years in full communion, the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) have issued a joint letter asking congregations to designate Sunday, Nov. 12, for special celebrations across the nation.

Anglican and Lutheran parishes are also being encouraged to plan joint gatherings that weekend.

“Along with the opportunity to worship together, there should be some time for fellowship over a meal or at a reception,” said the letter. “We hope that time will include the telling of stories and the sharing of dreams for our future life in full communion at home and across the country.”

The letter was signed by Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, the primate of the Anglican church, National Bishop Ray Schultz of the ELCIC, as well as Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission co-chairs Bishop Michael Prsye (Lutheran) and Bishop Fred Hiltz (Anglican).

The letter also said that “in the spirit of our commitment to reach out to those who endure immense suffering, the offering should be designated to the (Lutheran) Global Hunger and Development Appeal or the (Anglican) Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund.”

Parishes are also being asked to take digital photos of the celebration since they will be featured during a joint Lutheran/Anglican gathering when their respective bodies – the Anglican General Synod and the ELCIC National Convention – meet in Winnipeg in June 2007. Photos may be sent to Canon Alyson Barnett-Cowan, of the Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission, ([email protected]).

The Anglican Church of Canada and ELCIC established full communion in 2001, after more than 30 years of dialogue.