Next Steps with the Moravians
I’m delighted to report that the Southern Province of the Moravian Church voted to enter into full communion with the Episcopal Church! At their Synod meeting September 9-12, the delegates approved Finding Our Delight in the Lord, the proposal for full communion between the Episcopal Church and the Northern and Southern Provinces. Last June the Northern Province endorsed this proposal, and the Episcopal Church did so at the 2009 General Convention. This is a historic event, for several reasons. One is that it brings Moravians and Episcopalians together after several hundred years of interaction and dialogue: the British Parliament voted as far back as 1749 to recognize the Moravians as an “antient [sic] Protestant episcopal church.” Another is that this is the first time three churches have entered into full communion with one another through separately negotiated agreements: the ELCA entered into full communion with the Moravians in 1999 with the Episcopal Church in 2001, and now that circle is complete.
So what’s next? The three groups -- Episcopal Church, Northern Province, and Southern Province – are beginning to plan the ceremony to celebrate and inaugurate the relationship of full communion. It’s important to note that technically full communion does not begin until after this ceremony: Moravian and Episcopal clergy are not interchangeable until there is the reconciliation of episcopal ministries as outlined in the proposal which takes place during the inaugural liturgy. Keep watching this space for more details service, which we hope to have in early 2011. Between now and then, we are encouraging local celebrations in places where there are Episcopal and Moravian congregations.
Obviously this has particular resonance in places like North Carolina, eastern Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. But you may be surprised where Moravians show up. Did you know there are two Moravian congregations in Southern California? Seven in Minnesota? Thirteen in Florida? Two in Manhattan? Go here to find churches in the Northern Province and go here to find churches in the Southern Province.
Alaska is a separate province of the worldwide Moravian Church. Both communions are also appointing members of a Moravian-Episcopal Coordinating Committee, which will oversee implementation of full communion and look at areas of possible cooperation and collaboration. Given our common full communion relationship with the ELCA, we are also looking at holding meetings jointly with the Lutheran-Episcopal and Lutheran-Moravian full communion committees.
It’s nice to be able to report some ecumenical good news! While this full communion proposal will have importance primarily in areas where Moravians are concentrated, this relationship is nonetheless an important symbol of how we as Christians are called to work towards Christian unity for the sake of mission, witness, and service in the world. This is something to celebrate. In the words of Bishop Steven Miller, co-chair of the dialogue, as he addressed the Northern Province in June: “At a time when so many people are trying to divide, this relationship is a witness to our churches’ commitment to Christ, who wants to make us all one.”
Tom Ferguson, Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer
