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Called to Full Communion: The Waterloo Declaration

The Waterloo Declaration, signed on July 6, 2001, affirmed the full communion relationship between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada. This document outlines the theological and practical foundations for this relationship, including shared mission, ministry and worship, enabling congregations and clergy in both traditions to participate fully in each other’s sacramental life while respecting the distinctiveness of each church. It remains a key reference for understanding and living out the partnership between these two churches.

In 2023, the Moravian Church Northern Province joined this full communion relationship through One Flock, One Shepherd (also known as the “Lutheran-Anglican-Moravian Declaration”), extending shared ministry and sacramental life across Anglicans, Lutherans and Moravians in Canada.

Best suited for: parish leaders, clergy, theological educators, ecumenical officers and anyone seeking to understand or engage in full communion between Anglican and Lutheran communities in Canada.

ELCIC National Bishop Telmor Sartison and Primate Michael Peers sign the Waterloo Declaration in July 2001

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.