The Rev. Becky Crites, Ecumenical Officer, Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia "Of Synods and Statements..." A great joy in ecumenical work is the invitation to attend other denominations' annual meetings. You might call me an "annual council groupie."

I just love them, and so being an "ecumenical guest" at the Virginia Lutheran Synod was an invitation I joyfully received. Some see council meetings as necessary work, but they are more than that for me. They are a time to celebrate our communal life so that we are empowered to further God's work in the world. The chance to observe the Lutherans' assembly was appealing to me. And there was the added bonus of--guess what--another discussion on sex. But as an observer, this was a time for me to watch the thoughful process of others and to pray for them, for we all struggle to live faithfully as brothers and sisters in Christ.

 Gary Scheidt, pastor of Trinity, Moneta, and I were assigned to the same discussion group on the draft social statement on Human Sexuality. [To download, go to www.elca.org. Click on "What we believe"; on "social issues"; at the bottom is the Human Sexuality tab that leads to the download.]

The discussions were thoughtful and respectful. There was the very familiar thread of seeking an answer yet remaining together. The ELCA formed in 1988 and so memories of its recent past are a present reality. They understand, perhaps in ways we don't, what a fractured communion looks like. It was a joyful time and as I left evening worship service, I was, as when I leave ours, refreshed and awash in Koinonia.

 

One of the topics for the Bishops at Lambeth, will be the recent Orthodox-Anglican statement, "The Church of the Triune God." This dialogue began in 1973 and has previously produced two other statements. This work continues earlier ecclesiological thought but adds a deeper conversation on aspects of the Trinity, specifically in light of the ordained ministries of the Church. Members of the Commission note that although there are still fundamental differences on holy orders, "…it has been our experience that the theological realm is where both Anglicans and Orthodox discover a surprising degree of consensus." It is offered for study and reflection. After Lambeth, it will be brought to each province for further reflection.

Those interested in the Doctrine of the Trinity, a good discussion on the Diaconate, or a thoughtful reflection on heresy might want to pick up this book. This statement shows the wider church a process where those who are of differing minds can search together, not to prove one another right or wrong, but to affirm the unity that is God's will for us.

Coming Up:

July 10-12: The Virginia Lutheran Synod presents Power in the Spirit,
a workshop at Roanoke College. This year's theme is Stewardship – God
Gives! We Care. We Share.  The Rev. Charles Lane, keynoter, is the
author of Ask, Thank, Tell, a book about congregational stewardship.
For more information, please visit the Virginia Synod website:
www.vasynod.org. The link will be found on your left.