Cover story:

Assembly approves full communion with Methodists

Three decades of dialogue culminate in "Confessing our Faith Together"

Three decades of dialogue culminate in "Confessing our Faith Together" Three decades of dialogue with the United Methodist Church bore fruit when voting members approved 958-51 “Confessing our Faith Together,” the full communion agreement.

A festival service of communion on Aug. 17 opens the 11th ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

A separate action called for a joint commission to “facilitate consultation and common decision-making … in fundamental matters that the churches may face” and foster ongoing theological discussion.

In discussions preceding the votes, several bishops said this would aid ministry in their synods. Michael F. Keys, bishop of the Alaska Synod, said: “This is a critical relationship for sharing the gospel in Alaska.”

The rest of this article is only available to subscribers.