Although divisions over homosexuality marked much of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Churchwide Assembly, unity was also highlighted through the visits of several ecumenical representatives last week.
Bob Edgar, the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, and the Rev. Deborah DeWInter, program executive for the U.S. World Council of Churches, were among several special ecumenical leaders visiting their Lutheran members; the ELCA is a part of both the WCC and the NCC.
DeWinter reminded the 2,300 attendants at the assembly that the ELCA is one of 347 WCC member churches representing 550 million Christians around the world.
"Through the ecumenical movement, Christians in North America and around the world have discovered that together they can live into God's gift of unity in an enhanced way. (And) that our service and witness for Christ is enhanced through our unity in service, in mission," said DeWinter.
Meanwhile, Edgar told participants he believes they are here to walk together in faith.
“[The ELCA] has its eye on the prize, the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. You have come together in faith and fellowship to celebrate that historic calling,” Edgar said.
Furthermore, he said that unity must extend beyond the denominational bounds.
"Together, and only together can we fully realize our mutual calling to bring all people closer to Christ and closer to the beloved community that God wished for humankind," Edgar said. "The NCC has been grateful for your strong involvement and support of our own efforts to live out the testimony we share.”
The churchwide assembly is the top legislative authority for the ELCA, and it met at the World Center Marriot and Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., from Aug. 8-14.
Pauline J. Chang
Christian Today Correspondant