On a cool day this past March, warm hearts gathered at Camp Van Es, near Sherwood Park, AB, to get to know each other, learn of each other’s practices, and explore dreams—all part of seeking ways in which the Lutheran, Anglican and Moravian churches in Alberta could begin to work together more closely.
The day began with a call to worship and an exploration of the three denominations. The Anglicans and Lutherans have been in full communion for over 20 years, following the signing of The Waterloo Declaration in 2001. What better time to get to know each other, as the Joint Assembly this summer votes on formalizing this relationship with the Moravian Church in Canada.
As part of an ongoing dialogue to explore ways of working together, the event was organized by: Rev. Prema Samuel, assistant to the bishop for congregational life–ABT Synod; Rev. Canon Dr. Scott Sharman, Anglican ecumenical and interfaith co-ordinator for the Edmonton diocese; and Rev. James Lavoy, vice-chair and ecumenical officer of the Moravian Church in North America, Canadian District.
What would that co-operation look like on the front lines of serving our congregations and communities? With that in mind, many of the questions were focused on building community and looking for opportunities.
Sharman noted that, “When we speak of full communion, we are talking not only of the stuff of doctrinal agreements, mutual recognitions of rites and offices, and polity adjustments. Rather, it is more importantly about real people and real communities taking the risk, moment by moment and day by day, to be in relationship with those whose ways are not the same as our own and honouring them just as they are.”
The morning featured a panel discussion facilitated by Sharman and Rev. Paul Gehrs, assistant to the ELCIC National Bishop for justice, ecumenical and interfaith relations. Panelists were Kochendorfer, London and Lavoy.
“The whole purpose of the gathering was to make connections, and find out how we can work together,” said Samuel. “It turns out there are many frontline areas where we have already discovered ways we can work together.”
The afternoon focussed on small group discussions addressing three questions:
1) What are the three most significant priorities?
2) How can our churches better work together?
3) How will you personally succeed on a day-to-day level?
The day concluded with eucharist served in the Moravian fashion. Samuel noted that the small differences were welcome to all the Anglican and Lutheran participants, because doing the same thing slightly differently can often make worship more meaningful, and remind us anew of why we commune.
If you are interested in learning more about Moravian practices and history, please visit www.moravian.org . —Richard Janzen
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