During an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican on October 21, leaders from The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Roman Catholic Church that makes it possible for churches to strengthen their commitment to the poor and vulnerable. In her role as LWF Vice-President (North America), ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson was a member of the LWF delegation.

“As people who have been encountered by Christ, we are called to accompany the poor and vulnerable. The message of reconciliation entrusted to us turns into the hope for our fragmented world and its yearning for peace with justice,” LWF President Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan said in LWF’s greeting to the Pope. Younan expressed gratitude for the ecumenical milestones of the partnership with Catholics, including the recent publication of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission’s report “From Conflict to Communion: Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration in 2017.”

For his part, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude for the “many advances made in relations between Lutherans and Catholics in these past decades, not only through theological dialogue, but also through fraternal cooperation in a variety of pastoral settings, and above all, in the commitment to progress in spiritual ecumenism.”

In connection with the report Pope Francis observed “I believe that it is truly important for everyone to confront in dialogue the historical reality of the Reformation, its consequences and the responses it elicited. Catholics and Lutherans can ask forgiveness for the harm they have caused one another and for their offenses committed in the sight of God. Together we can rejoice in the longing for unity which the Lord has awakened in our hearts, and which makes us look with hope to the future.”

During the audience, LWF General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge thanked the Pope for his clear and passionate reminder to the human family and to governments of the duty to protect migrants and refugees. Junge was referring to remarks occasioned by the pontiff’s recent visit to the island of Lampedusa, an arrival port for migrants from Northern Africa.

Junge presented Francis with a teapot from a Somali refugee woman at the world’s largest refugee camp – Dadaab. He explained that the hot tea was almost all that sustained this group of refugees as they fled to neighbouring Kenya. The General Secretary observed “As people who have been met by Christ, we are freed and sent to meet our suffering neighbour. Let this gift therefore be an invitation to do more together for the sake of the suffering.”

In thanking the delegation, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the small yet significant token of human suffering, saying that it will serve “as a reminder of this dimension of ecumenism, the ecumenism of martyrdom." Persecution, he noted, “does not know denominational barriers. Religious divisions do not define people fleeing conflict or migrating in order to safeguard their own lives.” “They are ultimately defined by what they are: children of God.”

Following the meeting, National Bishop Susan C. Johnson said "It was an honour to be a part of the LWF delegation that had an audience with Pope Francis. The content of the greetings from both the LWF President and the Pope were a strong reminder of our ecumenical commitment to engage in both theological dialogue and shared witness and service." She went on to  "encourage members of the ELCIC to study the document From Conflict to Communion with their Roman Catholic neighbours as a way of enhancing our shared commitment to the gospel and preparing ourselves for an ecumenical commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017."

The LWF delegation included Vice-Presidents National Bishop Susan C. Johnson (North America), Rev. Dr. Gloria Rojas Vargas (Latin America and the Caribbean), and Ms. Eun-hae Kwon (Asia), and Bishop Dr Milos Klátik (Chairperson of the Council Committee for Theology and Ecumenical Relations). Other members were Rev. Dr. Kaisamari Hintikka, LWF Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations; the Commission’s co-chairperson Bishop emeritus Dr Eero Huovinen (Finland), and Prof. Theodor Dieter, director of the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France.

With contributions from Vatican Radio and The Lutheran World Federation.

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 145,376 baptized members in 594 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

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The October issue of E-Communique is now available!

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s (ELCIC) National Church Council (NCC) met in Winnipeg from September 5-7. Council members conduct the business of the church between National Conventions. The following is an overview of highlights from the meeting.

Council welcomes new members

The Council welcomed several new members to the meeting that were elected at the 2013 National Convention (July 4-7, Ottawa), including: Vanessa Bergeron, Saskatchewan (lay), 2013-17; Bruce Cook, Eastern (lay), 2013-17; Cameron Harder, Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario (rostered), 2013-17, Marc Jerry, Alberta and the Territories (rostered), 2013-17, Brian Wilker-Frey, Eastern Synod (rostered), 2013-17; Judy Wry, Alberta and the Territories (lay), 2013-17.

Report of the National Bishop

ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson shared her excitement for the start of the fall NCC meeting as she spoke about carrying over the exciting from Joint Assembly in July, and “the energy that was created by the two churches [ELCIC and the Anglican Church of Canada] being together.”

“I celebrate what I see to be new life coming up in our church,” she continued. “I’m just buoyed up and encouraged by that. Yet, at the same time, I recognize we need to continue the energy to move in that direction, rebuilding relationships and trust.”

Bishop Johnson spoke of the reality that the whole church has to face around resources and capacity. “We have a fiduciary responsibility as the leaders of this church that we grapple with these things and help people make decisions for the future.”

Reflection and Moving Forward

NCC members spend time at the meeting reflection on the actions and outcomes of the 2013 Joint Assembly and National Convention. This involved looking at comprehensive feedback that was provided by those in attendance at the national gathering this summer.

NCC members also considered the feedback that was provided during “table group discussions” held at National Convention. Delegates to National Convention were asked to spend some time in together at their tables discussing their thoughts on the demographic and financial projections for the church; their ideas for moving forward; what they consider to be signs of a new church and signs of hope within the ELCIC; and in relation to the strategic plan what might be missing that the National Church should emphasize.

It was noted that much of the feedback for both of these pieces was “hope-filled.” Participants considered how the church can be more outward focused and be more of a public witness.

National/Synod Convention Cycle

National Church Council approved a motion regarding the implementation of constitutional changes regarding national and synodical conventions. The proposed changes are dependent on approval by their respective convention bodies, but if approved, would result in the following:

• In 2014, Synod Conventions will do first reading of constitutional changes (this has already taken place in the Eastern Synod).
• In 2015 at the ELCIC National Convention, there will be a second reading of constitutional changes and delegates will also address the proposed administrative bylaw changes.
• Synod Conventions would do a second reading of constitutional changes and address proposed administrative bylaw changes at their 2016 conventions. 2017 will see National Convention in its current configuration.
• At the 2018 Synod Conventions, delegates for the 2019 National Convention will be elected.
• 2019 would see the National Convention in its new configuration (and now in a three year cycle).
• Synod Conventions would take place in 2021 (and now occur every three years).

  NCC members participate in ELCIC Praise Appeal
  An offering was held during the opening worship service of NCC. Almost $1,500 was received and will be directed to the ELCIC Praise Appeal. This national appeal supports the ministry of the wider church.

  Next Meetings

  The next meeting of NCC will take place March 6-8, 2014.

The September issue of E-Communique is now available!

Access your copy of this resource online: September E-Communique

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Northeastern Ohio Synod, was elected Aug. 14 presiding bishop of the ELCA at the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

She was elected on the fifth ballot. There were 889 votes cast, and 445 votes were needed for an election. Eaton received 600 votes and the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, received 287. Eaton is the ELCA’s first woman presiding bishop-elect.(     

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) National Bishop Susan Johnson is currently attending the churchwide assembly. "I congratulate Bishop-elect Elizabeth Eaton and I am looking forward to working with her as our churches continue in our many partnerships," said Bishop Johnson. "I thank Bishop Mark Hanson for his collegiality and friendship these past years. He has been a strong and wise leader of his church."

“We are a church that is overwhelmingly European in a culture that is increasingly pluralistic. We need to welcome the gifts of those who come from different places, that is a conversation we need to have as a church,” Eaton told the assembly shortly after the election.(    

Prior to becoming synod bishop, Eaton served as pastor for ELCA congregations in Ohio. She earned a Master’s of divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., and a Bachelor’s degree in music education from the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio.(    

The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting in Pittsburgh Aug. 12-17 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The theme for the triennial assembly is “Always being made new.” This year marks the 25th anniversary of the ELCA.(

Further information on the assembly can be found here: www.ELCA.org/assembly and up-to-the minute news entries at http://blogs.ELCA.org/assemblynews.

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The July/August E-Communique is now available!

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On a sunny Saturday morning, hundreds of Lutherans and Anglicans gathered under the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill to worship and raise awareness about protecting Canada’s water supply.

This morning’s service, which included traditional aboriginal drums, prayers and small group discussions, was organized and almost entirely run by youth. It was meant to raise awareness about water pollution and the lack of clean drinking water in First Nations communities.

“It’s a strong sign to our church and our country that we are being led by the strong voice of the youth who are crying out for justice,” said National Lutheran Bishop Susan Johnston, who helped lead the service with Anglican Primate Fred Hiltz.

She pointed to the link between the “Right to Water” campaign, and the joint recommendation for responsible resource extraction at the assembly. “I hope that people will take seriously the commitment that we made, that we are going to learn and advocate, to do the best we can to work for change.”

Bishop Lydia Mamakwa, from Kingfisher First Nation north of Sioux Lookout, who also joined the service, knows firsthand the need for Canadians to protect their water. “In my tribe, we have many fresh water lakes and we used to be able to drink out of them all the time but now it is polluted,” she said, following the service.

Also attending the service, was Archdeacon Larry Beardy, from the Tataskweyak Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba, located on the Nelson River, which flows into the Hudson Bay. Although surrounded by lakes of fresh water, Archdeacon Beardy said the water quality had been impacted by hydro development. “A lot of people don’t understand the water situation, especially in First Nations communities,” he said. In Canada, “we have an abundance of water. Sometime we have to take it for granted. We have to respect water like the land.”

This includes, as Primate Hiltz said, being careful about how much water we use in cities where it feels like there is an unlimited source. “Today, when I woke up, I was very mindful of water as I was able to take a shower, and drink many cups of water. All that clean water was there for me.”

Primate Hiltz also said it was a gift that the two churches could come together and talk about this issue. “There’s an old saying, one voice alone is kind of ragged, but together we’re a much stronger sound.”

The service included prayers in the four directions. With the crowd facing north, a prayer was recited for rivers. To the east, the crowd paused for a silent prayer for the ocean and fisheries, and “for people who still cross oceans to find a safe home.” With the crowd looking at the Ottawa skyline, a prayer was said, “to be mindful of using water responsibly” in cities where we have water at our fingertips. And finally, the crowd looked to the west, and prayed for farmers who use water to grow crops, and rural communities, especially places “who do not yet have access to safe, reliable drinking water.”

Sophie Ruprecht, a 17-year-old member of St. John Lutheran Church in Ottawa, participated in the service and hoped the morning was an effective way to raise awareness. “It’s right in front of Parliament. It’s catching people’s attention.”

As the leaders closed with the benediction, long strips of blue material representing water were passed down through the crowd. People began to spontaneously sing “O Canada,” clearly moved by the worship service.
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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 145,376 baptized members in 594 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

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Delegates to the 2013 Joint Assembly of the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) have approved a statement calling both churches to greater accountability in addressing homelessness, affordable housing, and responsible resource extraction.

The delegates, meeting together, overwhelmingly endorsed the Joint Declaration on Homelessness and Affordable Housing and Resource Extraction and directed that it be distributed widely throughout [Anglican and Lutheran] churches. They also directed that the declaration be forwarded, to the Prime Minister and other political leaders.

Rev. Doug Reble and Cynthia Haines-Turner, who moved and seconded the motion, both spoke passionately of the need for the Joint Declaration.

At the core of the declaration is the call to care for all of God’s creation. “We live in a world where poor countries that are rich in natural resources have all too often seen the well-being of their people and ecosystems deteriorate as a result of destructive, irresponsible resource extraction,” said Reble.

“Indigenous communities around the world and including those in Canada are often the people particularly affected by mining and oil and gas exploration, as well as logging operations. Aboriginal rights are often violated the process.”

Reble referenced the Anglican’s Marks of Mission and it’s call to “seek to transform the unjust structures of society and to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth,” as well as the ELCIC’s Five Pillars which engages the church in the work of compassionate justice as spirited disciples.

Haines-Turner spoke to how the motion connects with Joint Assembly theme – Together for the love of the world. “We have been hearing so much about what it means to be turning outward and not inward – this is an important act of joint witness.”

Several delegates spoke in favour of the resolution, encouraging colleagues to affirm the Joint Declaration, and also urging delegates to consider what steps could be taken to further the churches’ work in these areas.

“I think the motion will have to be more beyond what we think. I urge you if you want to really see what is happening in the North – go and see it,” said one speaker.

Another speaker reminded delegates of the law passed by Parliament in 2000 to abolish children poverty. “A decade after we end up with more than 1 million children living in poverty,” he said. “A poor child doesn’t live alone. A poor child also means a poor father, or a mother living in poverty. The motion we have on the floor is a step in the right way, but we need to do more. We need to vote in favour but we need to do more.”
 
Anglicans and Lutherans have made the areas focused on in the Joint Declaration as priorities. ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson and Archbishop Fred Hiltz have recently co-signed several letters calling on the federal government to deal with issues such as poverty and a comprehensive national housing strategy in co-operation with the provinces and territories.

The Joint Declaration calls the two churches to greater public awareness and to discern where they can learn more, advocate, seek equitable and innovative approaches, and pray for all affected by the issues and those who bear responsibility in addressing them.

Delegates approved the motion by a vote of 98 per cent. As a sign of their commitment to the Joint Declaration, they then stood and read it aloud in its entirety.

On Saturday morning, as a further way of living out the call in this area, youth (some who are delegates of the Joint Assembly and others from the wider community) will lead delegates in an act of public witness on Parliament Hill.

More information on the 2013 Joint Assembly, as well as the sign up for email updates and the link to the live webcast can be found here: www.jointassembly.ca

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 145,376 baptized members in 594 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) has received $25,000 from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to help those affected by flooding in southern Alberta.

“We thank the members of our sister church for their solidarity with those who are struggling to restore their homes in southern Alberta,” says Bishop Susan Johnson, National Bishop of the ELCIC. “This is a strong living expression of the relationship between the two churches.” 

The ELCA approached the ELCIC about providing assistance shortly after the flooding began.

“We treasure the gifts and benevolence the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada brings to the companion relationship between our two church bodies. We pray that God’s hope and grace will be with those impacted by the flood as we work together to accompany them on their journey to rebuild their lives.” said Joseph Chu, associate program director, Lutheran Disaster Response.

The donation will be distributed in partnership with Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) to congregational programs providing emergency services like food and shelter. Any funds not directed to congregations will support disaster response agencies that are working in the flood zone. Currently support is going to Mennonite Disaster Service, who is on the ground mobilizing volunteers and helping with cleanup and reconstruction. They will focus their work in rural areas, prioritizing those vulnerable to falling through the cracks.

“Through our partnerships with the ELCIC and experienced front-line agencies we can be sure that this donation will focus on those most in need,” says Robert Granke, executive director of CLWR.

The flooding, which began June 20, spanned across southern Alberta. Over 100,000 people were displaced in the region, including 75,000 in Calgary. Flash floods hit the community of High River, south of Calgary. Medicine Hat, Canmore, the Siksika First Nation and Turner Valley were among the communities significantly impacted. The Alberta government has estimated that the cleanup could take up to 10 years.

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Canadian Lutheran World Relief carries out international relief, development, and refugee resettlement on behalf of Lutherans in Canada. Our vision is a world where people live in justice, peace and dignity, united in diversity, and empowered to achieve their universal rights to basic needs and quality of life. www.clwr.org 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 145,376 baptized members in 594 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. www.elcic.ca   

For media inquires, please contact:

Trina Gallop, Director of Communications, ELCIC, tgallop@elcic.ca, 204.782.8618

Tom Brook, Community Relations Director, CLWR, tbrook@clwr.mb.ca, 204.299.9274

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