Kim Chatelain reports for The Times-Picayune of New Orleans:
The 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Assembly gathering in New Orleans this week overwhelmingly accepted a unique ecumenical document that establishes a path toward greater unity between Catholics and Lutherans. By a vote of 931 to 9, the assembly on Wednesday (Aug. 10) approved the “Declaration on the Way.”
The document encompasses 32 “statements of agreement” that outline where Lutherans and Catholics concur on topics about church, ministry, and the Eucharist. To a lesser degree, the document also explores differences that remain between the two religions, according to an ELCA news release. The assembly stood to applaud after the vote.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton said the “Declaration on the Way” not only helps Lutherans to more fully realize their unity in Christ with Catholics but also shows a commitment to bond with all Christians.
Read more about “Declaration on the Way: Church, Ministry and Eucharist” and download a free copy [PDF].
