Third Round of Talks Explore Episcopate
Episcopal News Service. December 22, 1983 [83233]
CHICAGO, (DPS, Dec. 22) -- Representatives to the third round of Lutheran-Episcopal dialogues said that good progress was made here Dec. 4-7 as they tackled the key issue on which the two traditions disagree: the role of the historic episcopate in the ordering of ministry.
Although no statements or recommendations were made, the meeting was characterized by a "level of openness and frankness" and "ability to focus on the real issues", according to the Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Burgess, executive director of the Lutheran Council in the USA division of theological studies.
The meeting was the first since the Lutheran Church in America, the American Lutheran Church, and Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches and the Episcopal Church agreed at separate conventions in Sept. 1982 to recognize each as churches in which" the gospel is preached and taught" and to begin an "interim eucharistic sharing."
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, which did not join the 1982 agreement, also participated in the dialogue.
Although a new level of cooperation has emerged from the agreement which resulted from two earlier theological dialogues in 1969-1972 and 1976-1980, representatives at the meeting said that the role of the historic episcopate in the church's ministry is the most important issue remaining before the two traditions can move toward closer cooperation and full communion -- or what is sometimes called "altar and pulpit fellowship".
"While a certain level of agreement was achieved in earlier dialogues, this dialogue is now unique", said the Rev. Dr. William G. Rusch, Lutheran Church in America director of ecumenical relations. "Now the really key issue between us -- the ordering of ministry will have to be addressed in a thoroughness that has not been necessary before."
The discussion on ministry and historic episcopate may also influence international Anglican-Lutheran agreements, according to the Very Rev. Jonn H. Rodgers, Jr. dean of the Episcopal School for Ministry in Ambridge, Pa.
"We're really carrying the ball heavily for the whole Anglican and Lutheran community -- not just for the church in this country," said Rodgers, referring to a Lutheran-Anglican group meeting in Newbury, England, Nov. 28-Dec.2 which recommended full communion between the two traditions, but only after "consensus" was reached on several issues including "the ministry and its ordering". The group placed heavy emphasis on the role of national dialogues as an aid to international agreement.
Rodgers, who has participated in international Anglican-Lutheran dialogues and all three Lutheran-Episcopal dialogues, also said that Lutherans and Episcopalians at the dialogue represent "two postures" world-wide: "a communion that stands in the historic episcopate and one that does not." He said that "if we find creative ways ahead, we may open doors in the whole ecumenical movement."
Bishop Paul E. Erickson of the Lutheran Church in America's Illinois Synod, co-chairman of the dialogue, said the historic episcopate is also an issues of "major concern" for the commission for a new Lutheran church, which is planning for the uniting of three existing Lutheran bodies in a new church in 1988, and which hopes to receive recommendations from the dialogue group. In addition, an "historic episcopate" study group of 13 Lutheran theologians has been meeting since 1982 to define the role of the bishop in the Lutheran churches.
The main theological question the two traditions face is whether the historic episcopate is essential for the full unity of the church. The historic episcopate is generally understood as the historical succession of bishops through consecration (the laying on of hands) dating back to the apostolic church.
The Episcopal Church, like all Anglican churches, holds that it has a historic episcopate as an essential element of spiritual oversight and of "apostolic succession" -- the way in which the apostolic teaching and faith of the church is maintained throughout history. The historic episcopate is necessary for the full unity of the church, Episcopalians believe.
Lutherans, with the exception of the Swedish and Finnish churches, do not claim to have the historic episcopate. The national and regional leaders of three Lutheran churches are called bishops, though until 1980 they were called presidents.
Lutherans agree with Episcopalians that spiritual oversight and "apostolic succession" are necessary for the church, but believe that no particular form of ministry, such as the historic episcopate, should be required for the ministry or the full unity of the church.
Although the dialogue was not public, participants interviewed between sessions spoke about the discussions.
The Rev. Dr. Walter R. Bouman of Trinity Lutheran Seminary of Columbus, Ohio, said that it was a "catch-22" situation that Lutherans might be willing to have a historic episcopate if it were not insisted upon as necessary. "We need to find a way for both of us to let go at the same time," he said.
Rodgers said Episcopalians recognize the "reality and efficacy of the Lutheran pastoral offices, but wonder it is it "ordered in the most appropriate way to give expression to the ecumenical dimensions of the gospel and the church. We believe the historic episcopate is more appropriate."
The discussions were cordial and straightforward, though one Episcopalian thought the Lutherans could have been more outspoken.
"Lutherans have a better insight into the nature of the gospel on the whole more than Anglicans do, and I think Lutherans in this dialogue have been unduly modest in coming forth for our benefit," said the Rev. Dr.J. Robert Wright, professor at General Theological Seminary in New York City and a member of the World Council of Churches Faith and Order Commission.
Wright said he was "extremely optimistic" about future meetings: "I do not see doctrinal obstacles which in my opinion could not be resolved."
A new familiarity has emerged between Lutherans and Episcopalians, said members of the previous round of talks.
"Last time we got under way we were groping to discover one another as friends", said Episcopal Bishop William G. Weinhaer of Western North Carolina and dialogue co-chairman. "Suddenly we're discovering each other as family members we haven't seen for a while. That's changed the whole tone."
A joint celebration of the eucharist was held Dec. 7, with co-chairman Weinhauer preaching and Erickson presiding at the sacrament. The three Missouri Synod participants attended but did not receive the sacrament.
The next meeting of the dialogue is scheduled for June 10-13, 1984, in New York City.
Lutheran dialogue members are:
- Lutheran Church in America: Erickson, co-chairman, Illinois Synod, Chicago; the Rev. Dr. Robert J. Goeser, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif.; and Rusch;
- American Lutheran Church: the Rev. Dr. Paul S. Berge, Luther Northwestern Seminary, St. Paul Minn.; Bouman, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio; Bishop Wayne E. Weissenbuehler, Central District, Denver;
- Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches: Bishop Cyril M. Wismar, Sr., New England Region of the East Coast Synod, Falls Village, Conn.
- Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod: the Rev. Carl L. Bornmann, St. John's Lutheran Church, Luxemburg, Wis.; the Rev. Jerald C. Joersz, Missouri Synod commission on theology and church relations, St. Louis; and the Rev. Dr. Norman E. Nagel, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
- Episcopalian dialogue members are: Weinhauer, co-chairman, Western North Carolina, Black Mountain, N.C., Bishop Richard F. Grien, Eastern Kansas, Topeka, Kansas,; the Rev. L. William Countryman, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley, Calif.; Rodgers; Dr. Marianne Micks, the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia, Alexandria, Va.; Wright, New York City; and the Rev. John R. Kevern, secretary,. St. James Cathedral, Chicago.
- Staff members for the dialogue are Burgess, Lutheran Council division of theological studies, and the Rev. William A. Norgren, ecumenical officer of the Episcopal Church, New York City.