Lutherpalians

Six-year-old Macrina is too young to understand the implications of the nickname given her by her parents. Lovingly called their "Lutherpalian," Macrina is a product of not only an ELCA-Episcopal marriage but of parents who are both clergy.

Her dad, Michael Cooper-White, is executive assistant to the ELCA presiding bishop and director of the Department for Synodical Relations. Her mom, Pamela Cooper-White, is an Episcopal priest at St. Mary's parish in Park Ridge, Ill.

Asked how the family combines two different traditions, Pam says, "I don't consider that we're two different faiths. We're both Christian. We both are liturgically strong with a high regard for our church traditions. The differences are far less significant than the common ground."