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Resolution Number: 2003-A087
Title: Establish Interim Eucharistic Sharing with the Moravian Church in America
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention meeting in Minneapolis, MN, July 30-August 8, 2003 with concurrent action by the Synods of the Moravian Church in America (Northern and Southern Provinces), authorize continuing dialogue with the Moravian Church in America (Northern and Southern Provinces) which may lead to a future proposal of Full Communion including interchangeability of clergy for ministry of Word and Sacrament; and be it further

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, meeting in Minneapolis, MN, July 30-August 8, 2003, establish Interim Eucharistic Sharing between the Episcopal Church and the Moravian Church under the following guidelines:

  1. Moravian Provincial Elders' Conferences and Episcopal diocesan authorities are hereby encouraged to authorize joint celebrations of the Eucharist.
  2. An authorized liturgy of the host church must be used, with ordained ministers of both churches standing at the Communion Table for the Great Thanksgiving.
  3. The Preacher may be from either church.
Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003 (New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 591f.

Legislative History

Author: The Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Committee on Ecumenical Relations

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Ecumenical Relations presented its Report #6 on Resolution A087 (Interim Eucharistic Sharing with the Moravian Church in America, Northern and Southern Provinces) and moved adoption.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A087)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 74th General Convention meeting in Minneapolis, MN, July 30-August 8, 2003 with concurrent action by the Synods of the Moravian Church in America (Northern and Southern Provinces), authorize continuing dialogue with the Moravian Church in America (Northern and Southern Provinces) which may lead to a future proposal of Full Communion including interchangeability of clergy for ministry of Word and Sacrament; and be it further

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, meeting in Minneapolis, MN, July 30-August 8, 2003, establish Interim Eucharistic Sharing between The Episcopal Church and the Moravian Church under the following guidelines:

  1. Moravian Provincial Elders' Conferences and Episcopal diocesan authorities are hereby encouraged to authorize joint celebrations of the Eucharist.
  2. An authorized liturgy of the host church must be used, with ordained ministers of both churches standing at the Communion Table for the Great Thanksgiving.
  3. The Preacher may be from either church.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #60)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Ecumenical Relations presented its Report #5 on HB Message #60 on Resolution A087 (Interim Eucharistic Sharing with the Moravian Church in America, Northern and Southern Provinces) and moved concurrence.

Deputy Glasspool of Maryland moved to terminate debate.

Motion carried

Debate terminated

A vote was taken on Resolution A087.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #195)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, August 7.

Report Reference:   Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations, Reports to the 74th General Convention, 2003, pp. 136-156.
Abstract:   The 74th General Convention authorizes continuing dialogue with the Moravian Church in America regarding Full Communion, and establishes Interim Eucharistic Sharing between the Episcopal Church and the Moravian Church.