New Lutheran Bishop Says Publicize Porvoo Agreement
Episcopal News Service. August 22, 2000 [2000-122I]
(ENI) Walter Jagucki, a newly installed bishop of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain (LCiGB), has voiced concern that some Anglican priests are not sufficiently welcoming to members of his church despite the Porvoo Agreement between Anglicans and Lutherans.
The 1996 Porvoo Agreement applies to Anglican churches of the British Isles and Lutheran churches in Nordic and Baltic countries. Under Porvoo, there is full communion among the signatory churches, including interchangeable ministries.
In an interview, after his installation on May 27, Jagucki said, "Before Porvoo, Anglican priests were often not sure how to deal with this strange creature, a Lutheran."
He cited two cases where church members had felt more comfortable with Methodist and United Reformed Church congregations.
"Has Porvoo made a difference? Yes and no," he said. "I wish it had made more difference. The top [of the Anglican hierarchy] is very well attuned to the agreement, but they should do more to publicize it."