Thatgirloncfforums
Well-Known Member
- Sep 28, 2021
- 1,823
- 737
- 43
- Country
- United States
- Faith
- Generic Orthodox Christian
- Marital Status
- Private
As a Confessional Lutheran, I'd like to learn more about this. In the LCMS, I think that we would say that the Christian faith is present in these other churches (Anglican, Church of Christ, ect.) but that each, as a distinct group do not profess that faith fully and without error. But, if they have truly been able to overcome their differences enough to say, 'Yes, we all possess the Christian faith', then good for them! Praise God.
I think the ELCA, in spite of my issues with some of their stances, summarizes it fairly well (in regards to their Full Communion Partners):
Full communion is when two denominations develop a relationship based on a common confessing of the Christian faith and a mutual recognition of Baptism and sharing of the Lord’s Supper. This does not mean the two denominations merge; rather, in reaching agreements, denominations also respect differences. These denominations worship together, may exchange clergy and also share a commitment to evangelism, witness and service in the world. Each entity agrees that even with differences, there is nothing that is church-dividing.
A central document to Lutherans is the Augsburg Confession. Article VII of the Augsburg Confession states that “the true unity of the church” is present where the gospel is rightly preached and sacraments rightly administered. The ELCA is committed to this model of full communion as an authentic expression of Christian unity.
Characteristics of full communion
For the ELCA, the characteristics of full communion are theological and missiological implications of the gospel that allow variety and flexibility. These characteristics stress that the church act ecumenically for the sake of the world, not for itself alone. They will include at least the following, some of which exist at earlier stages:
- common confessing of the Christian faith
- mutual recognition of Baptism and a sharing of the Lord's Supper, allowing for joint worship and an exchangeability of members
- mutual recognition and availability of ordained ministers to the service of all, subject to the disciplinary regulations of other denominations
- common commitment to evangelism, witness and service
- means of common decision-making on critical common issues of faith and life
- mutual lifting of any condemnations that exist between denominations.
NOTE: the ELCA is in Full Communion with the Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, The Moravian Church and The United Church of Christ.
It should also be noted that there is a similar recognition of communion with the Anglican Communion in Europe and the Lutherans via the Porvoo Communion, not to mention various United Churches globally that nationally unite formerly different denominations such as Lutherans, Reformed, Anglicans, etc. in their countries.
Upvote
0