Lutheran – Anglican dialogue
Relations between the LWF and the worldwide Anglican Communion
Anglican-Lutheran dialogue began in 1970 and was one of the success stories of ecumenism over the following decades. There are areas of the world where Anglicans are in full communion with Lutherans, while in other regions full communion has not yet been achieved, mainly due to different understandings of ministry.
Building on the theological progress, the new Anglican Lutheran International Commission on Unity and Mission (ALICUM) is now focusing on reception and putting shared principles into practice in different regions of the world.
Though Anglican-Lutheran relations have been one of the success stories of ecumenism, we continue to work for full communion between our churches in all regions of the world, as well as for closer practical cooperation at all levels.
Key Themes
- Examining confirmation practices, with a particular emphasis on preparation for lives of faithful diakonia
- Continuing reflection on diakonia, including consultation on the continuing significance of deaconesses, a shared gift in our two communions
- Cooperation among institutions of theological education and formation
- Exploration of ways to monitor and encourage the growth of life and mission where there is full communion
- Developing Anglican-Lutheran relations where full communion does not yet exist, including continuing theological discussion on dividing issues in relevant regions
Milestones
Regional Agreements
- 18 March 1988 – On the Way to Visible Unity – A Common Statement | Meissen, Germany
- 9 - 13 October 1992 – The Porvoo Common Statement | Järvenpää, Finland
- 1999 – Called to Witness and Service, The Reuilly Common Statement
- 1999 – Called to Common Mission: A Lutheran Proposal for a Revision of the Concordat of Agreement | Adopted by the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the 2000 General Convention of the Episcopal Church
- 2001 – Called to Full Communion: The Waterloo Declaration | approved by National Convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada | Waterloo, Ontario
- 2001 – Common Ground: Covenanting for Mutual Recognition and Reconciliation between The Anglican Church of Australia and The Lutheran Church of Australia | Report from the Anglican-Lutheran Dialogue in Australia
- 1 - 4 April 2001 – Report of The All Africa Anglican-Lutheran Commission | Nairobi, Kenya
Photo: Lambeth Conference/Richard Washbrooke | Photo: Lambeth Conference/Neil Turner | Photo: Anglican church