Leading Lutheran theologians from Europe and the United States along with the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) made presentations as part of the Paddock Lectures held at General Theological Seminary Oct. 22-23.

The scholars brought their expertise to bear on the proposed Concordat of Agreement, which would establish full communion between the ELCA and the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Gunther Gassmann, a noted scholar in the field of Anglican-Lutheran relations, was joined by a principal Lutheran architect of the Concordat, the Rev. Walter Bouman of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, and the Rev. H. George Anderson, the ELCA Presiding Bishop.

All three spoke positively about the benefits of the Concordat to both churches. Although there was acknowledgment of the lack of unanimity in both churches, the presenters seemed optimistic about ratification. Both churches will vote on the Concordat at their national legislative bodies' meetings in Philadelphia in 1997.

Dr. Gassmann offered a summary of the history of Lutheran-Anglican relations, emphasizing their shared heritage, beginning in the discussions between English and German reformers of the early 16th century. "It is within the wide and fascinating global horizon of seeing God's people in the Anglican and Lutheran traditions marching toward communion with each other that the Concordat has its scope and its purpose," he said.

Dr. Bouman expanded the discussions to cultural implications. "The denominational period in American history is coming to an end," he said, and added the Concordat offers an "alternative to brand-name denominationalism."

Presiding Bishop Anderson suggested how the two churches might cooperate under the proposed agreement. "What a testimony it would be in this balkanized society if two churches, long separated, could affirm each other and begin to knit back together a ministry so long separated," he said. "It would show that love is stronger than self-interest and that Jesus Christ still has the power to renew lives and to change hearts."