Dear Friends in Christ,
This year the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada celebrate five years in full communion. To mark this anniversary, Sunday, November 12th has been designated for celebrations across the country.
We encourage local Anglican and Lutheran parishes to plan joint gatherings over that weekend. For the liturgy we refer you to the Guidelines for Common Worship prepared by the Joint Commission (attached). For Readings we recommend either the Readings for the Day or those used at that great celebration when the Waterloo Declaration was signed in July 2001: Genesis 12:1-9; Psalm 133; Ephesians 4:1-7,11-16; and John 17:1-6,11,17-26.
In the spirit of our commitment to reach out to those who endure immense suffering, the offering should be designated to the Global Hunger and Development Appeal (ELCIC) or the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (ACC).
Along with the opportunity to worship together, there should be some time for fellowship over a meal or at a reception. We hope that time will include the telling of stories and the sharing of dreams for our future life in full communion at home and across the country.
Finally, we ask that lots of digital photos be taken of your celebration as they will be featured as a part of the gathering of the community when Anglicans and Lutherans share a day together when their respective bodies – the General Synod (ACC) and the National Convention (ELCIC) meet in Winnipeg in June 2007. Please forward your photos to: The Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission, c/o e-mail Alyson Barnett-Cowan
It is a great pleasure to invite you to mark this anniversary. We extend it in the joy of our progress through the commitments in the Waterloo Declaration, and in the assurance of our prayer that our life in full communion will continue to serve that greater unity for which Jesus prays: “that we all may be one even as he and the Father are one.”
In the love and peace of Christ, we are
Sincerely yours,
Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, Primate Anglican Church of Canada
National Bishop Ray Schultz, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Bishop Fred Hiltz, Anglican Co-Chair Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission
Bishop Michael Pryse, Lutheran Co-Chair Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission
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