ELCA Seminary Faculty Affirm Ecumenical Proposals

TRINITY SEMINARY FACULTY ON ECUMENICAL PROPOSALS

About 20 theologians that make up the faculty of Trinity Lutheran
Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, affirmed three ecumenical proposals now
before the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with some
reservations.  The faculty's May 5 "statement is positive in response
to the proposals while at the same time providing perspective on many
of the key issues," said the Rev. Dennis A. Anderson, president of
Trinity.  "It is intended to be used as a resource document in the
churchwide discussion."  The ELCA churchwide assembly will
vote on three proposals when it meets Aug. 14-20 in Philadelphia.  The
proposals are that the ELCA enter into full communion with The
Episcopal Church, enter into full communion with three Reformed
churches -- the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Reformed Church in
America and United Church of Christ -- and declare certain 16th
century condemnations of the Roman Catholic Church no longer apply.
The faculty of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa.,
unanimously endorsed the two proposals for full communion in December.
 The faculty of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
did likewise in January.  The faculty of Lutheran Theological Southern
Seminary, Columbia, S.C., endorsed all three proposals in March.  Also
in March, the presidents of all eight ELCA seminaries counseled the
church to give the details of each proposal careful attention, to
honor the convictions of the Lutheran confessions and to value
respectful disagreement.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html