The Anglican-Lutheran Prayer Cycle is designed to help members of the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) grow closer in their Full Communion partnership. The 2010-2011 prayer cycle begins Nov. 28 and is available now for download.
The prayer cycle can be used in Sunday liturgies from November 2010 to November 2011, and includes specific intentions for the ACC and the ELCIC each week. Congregations are also encouraged to pray for specific Anglican and Lutheran leaders in their communities, including diocesan and synodical bishops.
In 2001, the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada signed the Waterloo Declaration, which outlined their denominational similarities and allowed interchangeability of clergy. Confirmations had already been mutually recognized since 1995.
This Full Communion ACC-ELCIC relationship has deepened especially under the leadership of the Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz (ACC) and National Bishop Susan Johnson (ELCIC). Together they have found creative ways for the churches to work together, including joint action against homelessness.
Ten-year anniversary on horizon
In October 2010, the ACC and ELCIC bishops met and signed a pastoral letter, designed to be read in worship services this Sunday, Nov. 21. The letter encourages Anglicans and Lutherans to find creative ways to live into Full Communion, perhaps through pulpit exchanges, joint Facebook pages, or promoting and attending joint events like the 2012 Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth gathering.
The bishops’ letter also highlights a special event in May 2011,
Details of the May event will be distributed soon, but in the meantime, it’s never too early to strengthen relationships through prayer.
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