{"id":769,"date":"2017-07-17T09:27:28","date_gmt":"2017-07-17T14:27:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.flcssc.org\/wordpress\/?p=769"},"modified":"2017-07-17T09:27:28","modified_gmt":"2017-07-17T14:27:28","slug":"full-communion-partners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.flcssc.org\/wordpress\/2017\/07\/17\/full-communion-partners\/","title":{"rendered":"Full Communion Partners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just in case you did not know…<\/p>\n

Below is the article on the ELCA website<\/a><\/p>\n

Full Communion Partners<\/h1>\n

Full communion<\/strong>\u00a0is when two denominations develop a relationship based on a common confessing of the Christian faith and a mutual recognition of Baptism and sharing of the Lord\u2019s Supper. This does not mean the two denominations merge; rather, in reaching agreements, denominations also respect differences. These denominations worship together, may exchange clergy and also share a commitment to evangelism, witness and service in the world. Each entity agrees that even with differences, there is nothing that is church-dividing.<\/p>\n

A central document to Lutherans is the\u00a0Augsburg Confession<\/em>. Article VII of the\u00a0Augsburg Confession<\/em>\u00a0states that \u201cthe true unity of the church\u201d is present where the gospel is rightly preached and sacraments rightly administered. The ELCA is committed to this model of full communion as an authentic expression of Christian unity.<\/p>\n

Characteristics of full communion
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\nFor the ELCA, the characteristics of full communion are theological and missiological implications of the gospel that allow variety and flexibility. These characteristics stress that the church act ecumenically for the sake of the world, not for itself alone. They will include at least the following, some of which exist at earlier stages:<\/p>\n