In honor of the tenth anniversary of full communion between The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Prayers of the People have been prepared for use by congregations in both denominations.

“The Episcopal Church and the ELCA are celebrating the tenth anniversary of our full communion and the acceptance by all of the landmark Called to Common Mission,” explained the Rev. Dr. Tom Ferguson, Episcopal Church Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations Officer. “Prayers have been prepared to honor the past decade of our mission together, and for our ministry together in the future.”

Prayers of the People are available here:  http://www.episcopalchurch.org/ecumenism  or http://www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/POP_10th_Anniversary_ELCA_branded.pdf

Noting that on January 6, 2001, The Episcopal Church and the ELCA entered into a relationship of full communion through Called to Common Mission, Ferguson explained that this action was not a merger. “In full communion both churches retain their autonomy and structures but agree to work together for joint mission and witness in the world,” he said.

Ferguson suggested congregations and individuals begin using the prayers during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which begins on January 18.

Prayers are presented for use in all six forms of Prayers of the People found in the Book of Common Prayer. For example, the suggestion for Form II is: “I ask your prayers of thanksgiving for the tenth anniversary of the relationship of full communion between The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  Pray for enduring commitment to common mission.”

Episcopal Church Ecumenical and Inter-religious Relations:

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/ecumenism

Called to Common Mission:http://www.episcopalchurch.org/110055_111495_ENG_HTM.htm

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:http://www.oikoumene.org/programmes/unity-mission-evangelism-and-spirituality/spirituality-and-worship/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity.html

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations.  The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.