The editorial about the relationship between the Episcopal and Lutheran churches [TLC, Jan 14] was welcome, especially since there seems to have been so little news, at least in what I read, on the ecumenical scene in the last few years. The plan is reminiscent of the solution worked out first by the Church of South India. It is good news, too, that TLC is affirming the development so clearly.

This was not always so. In June 1951, a magnificant service of ordination of a number of men to the diaconate took place with standing room only in St. Paul's Cathedral in Boston. Of bishops there was no dearth. Besides Norman Nash, the diocesan, there were three others - Presiding Bishop Henry Sherrill, Western Michigan's Lewis Whittemore, and Central New York's Malcolm Peabody, the last three all gathered to ordain their own sons. The preacher was the Rev. Edgar Romig, one of the most highly respected leaders and preachers in the then Dutch Reformed Church. He too was on hand to participate in the ordination of his son.

The only negative reaction at the time that I remember was from the pen of Peter Day, the editor of TLC, who later distinguished himself, ironically, as the first ecumenical officer of the National (later Executive) Council. Commenting on the service, he criticized the selection of the preacher. Reason? Dr. Romig was not in the line of apostolic succession. With so many worthies of the Episcopal Church on hand, it was too bad, he felt, that they had to settle for a Dutch Reformed type. The clear implication was that the Holy Spirit simply did not work as well (or maybe at all - I can't remember.) through preachers who had never been ordained by a bishop in the said apostolic succession. Actually, it was a great sermon.

It is evident that for the last 54 years, our Lord, the Spirit, has been working, whether fitfully or continuously, through the editorial offices of THE LIVING CHURCH. I find this quite reassuring.

(The Rev.) Richard L. Rising

Ashland, Ore.