The Central States Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Diocese of West Missouri now share office space at 420 West 14th St., Kansas City, MO 64105.
Bishop Roger R. Gustafson of the synod and Bishop Martin S. Field of the diocese began discussing the idea in mid-2018 after recognizing potential for shared mission opportunities, including closer relations between clergy and members, cultivating joint ministries, and possibly merging redundant ministries.
“It started one morning when Bishop Gustafson and I got together for breakfast,” Field said. “As we talked over our eggs and toast, one thing led to another, and the idea was born.”
“Our two denominations approved Called to Common Mission 20 years ago, which was really a mutual recognition that our churches agree on the essentials of the Christian faith,” Bishop Gustafson said. “Today we’re living out our joint commitment to be united as a visible sign of God’s mission to love and bless the world.”
Adapted from the Diocese of West Missouri
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.
