February 15, 2012

CHICAGO – Representatives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the North American Lutheran Church met for the first time Feb. 6-7 for conversation on areas of disagreement, mutual interest and concern.

The invitation for the meeting came from the ELCA in response to an action of the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. The assembly resolved to "strive for a mutual relationship, where possible, for both the ELCA" and the North American Lutheran Church.

In a statement, the representatives said they spent time together in prayer and in "cordial and candid" conversations.

"This meeting was not intended to, nor did the participants seek to, resolve issues between the two church bodies," said the statement. "Rather, the participants sought to share and clarify disagreements to improve mutual understanding." Conversations also centered on local mission and ministry.

The Rev. Donald McCoid, assistant to the ELCA presiding bishop for ecumenical and inter-religious relations, delivered an opening statement at the meeting on behalf of the ELCA:

"We recognize the North American Lutheran Church as a church body and seek to represent the intent of the ELCA Assembly to be in dialogue with the North American Lutheran Church and seek to find better understanding, address concerns that both experience and to see if we can open communication channels with one another."

In their opening statement, representatives of the North American Lutheran Church gave thanks to the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly for "affirming the need for a conversation and relationship" and pledged their "goodwill, diligent prayer and commitment to honesty and integrity."

ELCA News Service