Resources for the Study of Ecumenical Agreements

Sources

AF = Augsburg Fortress, phone 1-800-328-4648
DEA = ELCA Department of Ecumenical Affairs, phone 312-380-2610
DS = ELCA Distribution Service, phone 1-800-328-4648

Primary Documents

• “Toward Full Communion” and the “Concordat of Agreement”: Lutheran-Episcopal Dialogue, Series III. The report which proposes full communion between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Episcopal Church in the USA. Available from AF, code 09-2578, $5.95.
• Implications of the Gospel: Lutheran-Episcopal Dialogue, Series III. Ed. William A. Norgren and William G. Rusch. With a Study Guide by Darlis J. Swan and Elizabeth Z. Turner. Presents the complete text of the Lutheran-Episcopal dialogue report, plus a five-session study guide which suggests a model for local dialogue that can be used in a variety of settings. Available from AF, code 10-2408, $4.99.
• A Common Calling: The Witness of Our Reformation Churches in North America Today. The report of the Lutheran-Reformed Committee for Theological Conversations, 1988-1992, proposing full communion between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and three Reformed Churches: the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Reformed Church in America, and the United Church of Christ. Available from AF, code 09-2665, $4.95.
• A Formula of Agreement. A document elucidating the principle of mutual affirmation and mutual admonition from A Common Calling. Available from AF for the cost of postage and handling, code 67-4063.
• The Leuenberg Agreement and Lutheran-Reformed Relationships: Evaluations by North American and European Theologians. Ed. Daniel F. Martensen and William G. Rusch. Asks the central question: to what extent does the Leuenberg Agreement (or Concord), written by European theologians for a European context, have a transference to the North American scene? Available from AF, code 9-2436, $11.95.
• The Condemnations of the Reformation Era: Do They Still Divide? Ed. Karl Lehmann and Wolfhart Pannenberg. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1990. An investigation of the sixteenth century mutual Protestant and Roman Catholic doctrinal condemnations, which continue to be at the center of ecumenical dialogue. Reflects the work of some fifty theologians on issues related to justification, the sacraments, and ministry. This publication is out of print but copies are available through the DEA for $5.00.
• Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification between the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church. Available through the DEA.

Interpretive Resources–General

• The Unity We Share. An audio tape discussion of the proposal for full communion between Lutherans and Episcopalians. Available from AF, code 69-9295, $5.00.
• Ecumenism: The Vision of the ELCA. A video tape focusing on local Lutheran-Episcopal relations. Available from AF, code 69-6477, $10.00. Also available for loan from nearest ELCA resource center.
• Study Guide to Implications of the Gospel. This study guide is included in the dialogue report. Please refer to Implications of the Gospel: Lutheran-Episcopal Dialogue, Series III listed under PRIMARY DOCUMENTS.
• The Concordat of Agreement: A Study Guide for ELCA Congregations. A study guide for the Lutheran-Episcopal proposal listed under PRIMARY DOCUMENTS. Available through the DEA.
• A Common Discovery: Learning About the Churches of the Reformation in North America Today. A study guide related to the Lutheran-Reformed proposal for full communion. Available from DS, code 69-2318, $2.00.
• Twelve Tales Untold: A Study Guide for Ecumenical Reception. Case studies based on ecumenical situations in congregational life focusing on baptism, eucharist, and ministry. Designed to help congregations make connections between unity and mission. This NCCC book (code 0553-1) is available through Eerdmans, phone 1-800-253-7521 or through AF as code 40-553-26.
• Resource Packet for Common Christian Life and Mission for Lutherans and Episcopalians. Designed for congregational use, this packet is a series of brief items focused on “Toward Full Communion” and the “Concordat of Agreement.” Some items included are (1) a fact sheet on Lutheran-Episcopal dialogue, (2) session plans for a study of full communion, and (3) suggestions for joint programs in evangelism. Available through the DEA.
• Mutual Condemnations–Do They Still Apply? A pamphlet available through the DEA for the cost of postage and handling.
• Why Unity? A pamphlet available through the DEA for the cost of postage and handling.
• 1995 DEA Update. Available through the DEA.
• “1997 Assembly to Vote on Ecumenism Proposals.” Article in Seeds for the Parish, Vol. 8, No. 1 (Jan-Feb 1995).
• Pericope Partners Lent/Easter, 1995. Call Resource Information Service, 1-312-380-2456 and ask for Action Packet.
• “Food for the Journey: Reading Ecumenical Documents,” AtOneMent, March-April 1993, 1-2. Also available as: “Alimento Para La Jornada: Leyendo Documentos Ecumenicos.” Available through Graymoor Ecumenical Interreligious Institute, phone 1-914-424-3458.
• Book discussing the 1997 proposals by The Rev. Dr. Daniel Martensen, Dr. Darlis J. Swan, and The Rev. Dr. William G. Rusch. To be available in 1996.

Interpretive Resources – Scholarly

• A Commentary on “Concordat of Agreement.” Ed. James E. Griffliss and Daniel F. Martensen. This book addresses questions and concerns which arise as the churches study the proposal and continue to move deeper into dialogue and partnership. Available from AF, code 10-26909, $11.00.
• Concordat of Agreement: Supporting Essays, Ed. Daniel F. Martensen. This book makes available selected essays attempting to share with a wider audience of Lutherans and Episcopalians the significant theological and historical material that helped the participants in the dialogue reach the conclusions and recommendations reflected in the documents of 1988 (Implications of the Gospel) and 1991 (“Toward Full Communion and “Concordat of Agreement”). Available through AF, code 10-26674, $11.00.
• The Implications of Concordat of Agreement and A Common Calling. The Report of a Consultation on “Full Communion.” One of a series of occasional papers contributing to 1997 decisions. Available from the DEA, $2.00.
• Additional papers from the Consultation on “Full Communion” have been printed in Ecumenical Trends, July/August 1994, Vol. 23, No. 7; September 1994, Vol. 23, No. 8; October 1994, Vol. 23, No. 9. for copies call Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute, phone 1-914-424-3458.
• Condemnations of the 16th Century on Justification–Do They Still Apply Today? One of a series of occasional papers contributing to 1997 decisions. Available from the DEA, $2.00.

Resources Regarding the Lutheran/Catholic Covenant in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod

• (Available through: The Rev. Nicholas J. Zook, Co-Chair, Lutheran/Catholic Covenant Commission, Concordia Lutheran Church, 3855 N. Seeley Ave., Chicago, IL 60618, 312-281-1225)
• The Covenant Between the Metropolitan Chicago Synod & The Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. This Covenant, signed May 13, 1989, details the foundations for our relationship and the resolutions for common ministry.
• “We Bring You Joyful News.” A collection of news releases, letters by Cardinal Bernandin and Bishop Hicks, articles on the implications of the Covenant and suggestions for practical application at the congregational level.
• One faith, One Lord, One Baptism. Three orders of prayer that may be used by Lutheran and Catholic congregations meeting together for worship.
• Process for Parish Covenants. An outline for entering into a local parish covenant with a neighboring Catholic parish.
• Lutheran/Roman Catholic Parish Packet. Models for parish covenants, sample announcements, rites for Covenant reception in the order of worship, practical suggestions for local ecumenical work.

Available Soon From Lutheran Catholic Covenant Commission (Nicholas Zook)

• Guide For a Lutheran-Catholic Marriage. This guide has been prepared by the ELCA St. Paul and Minneapolis Synod and the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for couples who are preparing for marriage in our two traditions.
• Lutheran/Catholic Covenant Commission Newsletter. A newsletter about the activities, covenants, joint ministry, parishes in covenant and upcoming ecumenical events will be published. Send your name and address if you would like to be added to the mailing list.