The Diocese of Eau Claire has begun a process which it hopes will lead to a formal companionship with the Old Catholic Diocese of Germany. It is believed to be the first time an Anglican diocese has entered into companion relationship with a diocese outside the Anglican Communion.

The Rt. Rev. William C. Wantland, Bishop of Eau Claire, and the Rt. Rev. Jeffery Rowthorn, Bishop of the Convocation of American Churches in Europe, participated in the consecration of the new Bishop of Germany, the Rt. Rev. Joachim Vobbe, in Frankfurt March 25.

Bishops Wantland and Vobbe met two days later to discuss the possibility of a companion relationship. The idea would have to be approved by the diocesan council in Eau Claire and the synod in Germany before being proposed to the national church for final approval. The Wisconsin diocese had a companionship with the Anglican Diocese of Warri, Nigeria, for 12 years.