Lutherans in the ELCA are committed to the oneness and unity we have in Jesus Christ.
We seek healing for the brokenness and division of the Church through history.
We strive for unity in order that our witness to the world will be stronger and more effective.
Full communion means:
* a common confessing of the Christian faith;
* mutual recognition of Baptism and a sharing of the Eucharist (Holy Communion);
* allowing for joint worship and an exchangeability of members;
* a common commitment to evangelism, witness and service;
* a means of common decision making on critical common issues of faith and life;
* a mutual lifting of any condemnations that exist between churches;
* a mutual recognition and availability of ordained ministers to the service of all members of churches in full communion, subject only but always to the disciplinary regulations of the other churches.
The ELCA is in full communion with these denominations:
The Episcopal Church
Moravian Church
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Reformed Church in America
United Church of Christ
There is also a full communion agreement with the United Methodist Church on an interim basis.
The ELCA is also involved in ecumenical dialogues with these denominations:
Roman Catholic, Orthodox, African Methodist Episcopal, Mennonite, and Disciples of Christ;
and in interfaith dialogues with Jews and Muslims.
What about Lutherans and Roman Catholics?
A joint statement by the Lutheran World federation and the Vatican removed the 16th century mutual condemnations over justification, and offers the possibility of greater unity between these churches. For more information on the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, click here.
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