The writer of the letter about a lay person presiding at an ELCA communion service in the absence of its pastor [TLC, Aug. 20] raises a most interesting question about the validity of such a service.

Efficacy and validity should not be confused, though the exact relation between the two is rarely defined. We are assured that our Lord gives grace to all who seek him with repentance and faith; but this does not mean that all "sacraments" used in good faith are valid in the sense of making claims to which they are entitled, in the sense of a valid will, marriage or railway ticket. Claims are different from effects, and validity relates to claims.

Now that Denver 2000 has abrogated the preface to the Ordinal reflecting the long-standing Anglican rule that no one can exercise sacramental ministry in its congregations who has not received episcopal ordination, it will be interesting to observe if the American province will be in a position effectively to introduce the historic episcopate to the ELCA as it was infused into the Church of South India 50 years ago by gradual means.

One fears that "keeping" the historic episcopate along the lines we are now hearing about is rather like "keeping" a Bible, altar and baptismal font in a church: It's a valid church as long as you have them but you don't have to use them.

(The Rev.) Charles Witke

Ann Arbor, Mich.