Topic: What is Called to Common Mission (CCM)?

The short answer is that CCM is an agreement between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Episcopal Church in the United States of America (ECUSA) leading to "full communion" (altar and pulpit fellowship) between the two churches. The complete answer is much more complex. There are several views of what CCM is or isn't. The most prominent interpretations are those of the ELCA leadership, the ECUSA leadership, and the Word Alone. On some points, differing opinions are held by the ELCA Conference of Bishops as well as the Episcopal House of Bishops. In this paper, the first of a series, we examine the CCM document as published, and why some Lutherans are opposed to CCM. Future papers will address the Historic Episcopate, ELCA and ECUSA understandings of CCM, benefits of CCM, the effects of CCM on how our church is governed, our relationship with pastor and with Christ, the possibility for resolving concerns about CCM within the ELCA, and options for pastors, individuals and congregations who find CCM unacceptable.

Topic: What are the main provisions of CCM?

Each church promises to issue no official commentary on this text (CCM) that has not been accepted by the Joint Commission made up of ELCA and ECUSA representatives (para 24).

Topic: Why have we adopted CCM?

"By the accident of history, many Lutherans (although not all) lost the historic episcopate. It is time to recover it as an appropriate sign of the apostolicity of the church. Doing so can also provide clarity in our understanding and practice of the episcopate and can be a gift which we Lutherans receive from full communion with the Episcopal Church."

Topic: Why are some Lutherans opposed to CCM?

Topic: What is the Historic Episcopate (HE)?

Background: The Episcopal Historic Episcopate (HE) "refers to a tradition which goes back to the ancient church, in which bishops already in the succession install newly elected bishops with prayer and the laying on of hands. . The Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral of 1886/88, the ecumenical policy of The Episcopal Church, refers to this tradition as 'the historic episcopate'." (CCM, Para. 11)

Issue: How long has the HE been in existence?

Supporting: Tracing back to the early days of the church, it has been carried forward from those times through primarily the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches. In the Anglican Church, the HE dates back to its formation in 1534.

Opposing: This claim that the HE is an unbroken line cannot be substantiated. (MM, p. 4) Additionally, there is no scriptural basis for the HE. (MCCM, Para. 11)

Issue: Why is the HE referred to as sacramental?

According to the Lambeth Quadrilateral, the HE is one of four requirements to be met if another church is to be in full communion with the Episcopal Church USA (ECUSA). The 1996 ECUSA Righter Trial further declared the HE was necessary to be a true church. (MCCM, Para. 13)

Lutherans believe "It is not necessary for the true unity of the Christian church that ceremonies instituted by men should be observed uniformly in all places." (AC, Art. VII))

Issue: What is the impact on church structure?

The HE views the 3-fold structure as necessary to "safeguard the gospel." (CCM, Para 5) ECUSA agrees to "temporarily suspend" the HE for this one instance only. (CCM, Para. 16)

CCM requires the ELCA to make permanent changes in its constitution and liturgy. (CCM, Paras. 3, 19, 20)

Issue: Do any Lutherans embrace the historic episcopate?

Supporting: One that has been mentioned frequently is the Lutheran Church in Sweden. Also, there are churches in Finland, Malaysia, Africa, and India. (MM, p. 5)

Opposing: The Swedish Lutheran Church practices an administrative, not sacramental HE. The American branch of the Swedish Lutheran Church is the Augustana Synod. They have refused to adopt the historic episcopate on four occasions. (PQ, Para. 16) No Lutheran churches based in the USA have adopted the HE until CCM.

Issue: Whats the impact on Lutheran beliefs?

The HE is considered a "gift." (MM, p. 2)

A gift is not a requirement. There is nothing wrong with the HE for those who choose to believe it. It should not be mandated when many believe it conflicts with Lutheran teachings.

Issue: Are any exceptions to the HE to be allowed?

In summary, the ECUSA will not allow exceptions to the HE if full communion is to be achieved. (MM, p. 1)

Bearing in mind the contradictory language between the ELCA Tucson Resolution and the ECUSA Mind of the House Resolution, the two churches have different views of what the eventual relationship will become.

The reading of three ECUSA documents (DA40, MH, and Res, shown below) is highly recommended to gain an understanding of how the ECUSA views the future of CCM.

All referenced documents are available in the Resource Center.

Topic: Do the ELCA and the ECUSA have a common understanding of the CCM document?

"The Episcopal Church is now in full communion with the ELCA on the basis of a shared ministry in the HE (Historic Episcopate) and for the sake of common mission in proclaiming and serving the gospel." (EC)

Issue: What are the differences in church government before the CCM?

Supporting: The ECUSA has more than 2.5 million members in more than 7,400 congregations in 106 dioceses. The Episcopal legislature consists of 2 houses. The House of Deputies includes up to 8 representatives from each diocese, four clergy and four lay people. The House of Bishops involves all 300 Episcopal Bishops, current and retired. All resolutions must be aproved by both houses.

Opposing: The ELCA has more than 5.2 million members in more than 10,800 congregations organized into 65 synods, each headed by a bishop. These bishops elect other bishops to the offices of the National Church Council. Resolutions must be passed by the National Church Council following a vote of the National Assembly of Bishops.

Issue: How do the ELCA and ECUSA Bishops' view of CCM differ?

The above views are supported by the CCM text, stating Bishops are necessary for the unity of the church. (CCM, Para 5)

The above sounds good but the ECUSA only temporarily suspended their rules governing ordination to recognize current ELCA clerg allowing for the exchange of clergy. (ABA)

Issue: Will there be any exceptions to the HE?

We invite the exploration of possible ways to allow a synodical bishop, in unusual circumstances and with appropriate consultation, to authorize another ELCA pastor to preside at an ordination. We ask the ELCA church council, in consultation with the presiding bishop of this church, to pursue this exploration as part of our continued broad consultation in this church and with The Episcopal Church."(CB)

The ECUSA Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations authored the General Convention Resolution (AO40) adopting the CCM. They added the words "does not imply the possibility of planned exception but allows for pastoral discretion in emergencies."(CCM1)

Issue: Will the role of Bishop change?

Supporting: In the ECUSA, once a Bishop has been ordained within the HE, they are Bishops for life. They have power over other pastors. There is a hierarchy of power; Bishops-Pastors-Deacons.

"CCM contradicts our Confessions by giving bishops exclusive power to ordain. "The Book of Concord in The Treatise says that: "Since the distinction between bishop and pastor is not by divine right, it is manifest that ordination by a pastor in his own congregation is valid by divine right'"' (#65, p. 331). (BCD)

Issue: Will the Clergy be fully interchangeable?

Supporting: The ECUSA will not have to change their ordination procedures. ECUSA clergy will be completely interchangeable within the ELCA. They will have to accept the Augsburg Confession m its full and unchanged form.(CCM1)

Opposing: The ELCA will be expected to accept the HE. After January 1, 2001, new pastors will be ordained by a Bishop within the HE. The pastors who have already been ordained will be exempt from the HE. (CCM2)

Issue: Will the celebration of Communion be the same after CCM?

Supporting: In the ECUSA, lay people are not able to give communion to other lay people. A priest must be present to handle the elements and conduct communion. (MH)

Opposing: In the ELCA, lay people are able to give communion to other lay people without the presence of a pastor. The ELCA will have to accept the ECUSA practice of communion. (MH, Para 6)

The reading of three documents, DA40, MH and TR, (below) are highly recommended to gain an understanding of how differently the Bishops of the two churches view CCM. Another document, "Side by Side", by Daniel Ostercamp will soon be available in the Resource Center for another perspective on the differences.

All referenced documents are available in the Resource Center.

Topic: Will CCM Benefit the ELCA?

Background: Proponents of CCM have argued the agreement will benefit both the ELCA and the ECUSA. ELCA opponents of CCM disagree with that position. The following examines several areas where CCM may result in change or where change is not seen as being needed.

Issue: CCM is said to expand mission. Are these changes needed or beneficial to ELCA?

Supporting: "While we continue to give thanks for the 1982 Agreement on Interim Eucharistic Sharing, full communion invites us to embrace more; to grow beyond interim sharing toward the exchangeability of clergy where we can enhance specific ministries in both Churches so that ministry and mission opportunities of all baptized persons may carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world. For example: in certain areas where resources and persons are scarce, only by combining efforts can we further the 'life, worship, and governance of the Church.' (CR)

Opposing: CCM has little to do with mission (11 references) and everything to do with bishops (79 combined references). It does not specify one cooperative mission that depends on the approval of its conditions. (JL) "Whatever we can do in service and mission with the Episcopalian church we can do without the CCM, and in many cases are doing so enthusiastically now. Where clergy or lay persons from one church are needed and available to fill vacancies in the other church, we have provisions or we can make provisions for accomplishing that." (CP)

Issue: How will CCM improve the ELCA's ability to spread the Gospel?

Supporting: "Witnessing our unity in Christ is in itself a vital aspect of Christian mission, especially in a fragmented, increasingly secular society. There are many places where "Called to Common Mission" will open possibilities of sharing ministries that will extend the outreach of both churches. Developing mission plans in common with partners in full communion conserves valuable resources for outreach." (QA) A Joint Commission of the two Churches will determine how the provisions of CCM are to be implemented.

Opposing: It won't. Unity in Christ allows us to work together in our differences. Requiring an episcopal hierarchy means practicing something we don't believe---a dangerous thing according to Luther. Statistics show that churches that maintain the courage of their convictions thrive. (RB) In both the ELCA and ECUSA, the trend over the last 30 years instead has been to social agendizing. Meanwhile, membership numbers for the ELCA have been dropping, while its numbers of missionaries and new congregation starts are drastically reduced (TH1 & LC); the ECUSA's membership has declined approx. 50% since 1970, even as they proclaimed the '90's 'the decade of evangelism.' (RG) Witnessing in reconciled diversity-- accepting each other's differences, building on each other's strengths-- can reverse those trends.

Issue: Is CCM beneficial to ELCA congregations?

Supporting: "While informal agreements have sometimes brought struggling congregations of Lutherans and Episcopalians closer in mutual need, these arrangements need the recognition of and accountability to our respective... synodical, diocesan, and national bodies. In other circumstances, CCM would facilitate the sharing and strengthening of two existing healthy congregations." (CR)

Opposing: No. "More hierarchy, more denominational bureaucracy, more "leaders' with ideas that are far removed from the local congregation. The concern... is that as the churches keep looking for ways to get closer together, they forget about the message of the Gospel. It isn't about structure, it's about belief... We need to focus on an upside down structure that puts denominational leadership in a servant role (at the bottom), doing what will better equip local congregations to spread the Good News." (RE)

Issue: Will the ELCA be more ecumenical?

Supporting: CCM is viewed as continuing the trend of ecumenical agreements the ELCA has made with other churches. "Steps in the implementation of the Lutheran-Reformed relationship of full communion, through the 1997 Formula of Agreement have opened helpful mission possibilities for several congregations and various synods. The Lutheran-Reformed partnership provides helpful models for other relationships of full communion between churches." (QA)

Opposing: Only to the extent that we now have an agreement with another denomination. Opposition to CCM is not opposition to ecumenism, and CCM is not the same as our agreements with other denominations. In those, mission was not contingent upon "doing church right." No other denomination has required the ELCA to accept mandatory changes in its traditional confessional stance or its practices. However, such changes are a condition of CCM. The ECUSA demanded these concessions to achieve "full communion", that is, to be recognized as a "True Church." Many believe we show each other respect by accepting each other as we are.

Issue: Is CCM necessary or beneficial to the ELCA in achieving greater unity with our denomination or with other Christian Churches?

Supporting: "Affirmation of CCM would be a sign that the ELCA not only accepts with gratitude the 'gift' of the early church in setting the scriptural canon, the creeds, sacramental worship, and church order, but also the 'task' of striving into the next millennium to maintain a unified witness by these same means. Affirmation of CCM would mean a recognition of the significant potential value of the historic episcopate of the early church as a remarkable sign of unity that overreaches the centuries of its changes and aberrations which have divided the world-wide Christian church." (CP)

Opposing: No. "CCM infers Christ is not enough for church unity... CCM understands an "historic episcopate" as a "sign" of unity. Lutherans teach there are only three signs of the church which all come from Jesus. These are the Word, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. When an "historic episcopate" becomes a requirement for church unity, this implies God's Word, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper are not good enough to be the "signs" of unity... By accepting an "historic episcopate" and making it a requirement for unity, the ELCA becomes a different church. (MM)

Supporting: "The historic episcopate has been described as the only ministerial institution existing to promote the unity and mutual responsibility of the world-wide church. As a symbol of unity, it is estimated that the Christian churches with the HE represent almost three-fourths of the world's Christians and they outnumber those who affirm the Lutheran Confessions by over 200:1." (CP)

Opposing: "Luther discovered that there are two understandings of church. One seeks its foundation in ecclesiastical authority, valuing unity over truth. The other seeks its foundation in scripture, and values truth over unity...But unity will not be found in ecumenical movements. Unity is not about uniformity. Christian unity begins at the Cross. Unity is in Christ alone. We find unity through the Word and Sacraments alone." (CH) Further, there are several churches within the historic episcopate, and they do not recognize each other's particular form.

Supporting: Supporters view CCM as a way to "manifest the unity given to the people of God by living together in the love of Christ and by joining with other Christians in prayer and action to express and preserve the unity which the Spirit gives" as is written in the ELCA Constitution 4.02f.

Opposing: Lutherans proclaim a truly open form of ecumenism based on the 7th Article of the Augsburg Confession. We do not make demands on other Christians save that they accept the Word, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. We do not seek to force other Christians to conform to our practices. Why should we be required to practice what many see as historical fiction in order to be acceptable to another denomination?

Supporting: The Concordat, precursor to CCM, failed to pass at the 1997 Church-wide Assembly by only a slim number of votes. In 1999, Called to Common Mission passed with 27 more votes than required for a 2/3 majority. Supporters see this as a mandate that CCM is representative of the wishes of the ELCA membership.

Opposing: In fact, there is deep division among those in the ELCA who are becoming aware of the implications of CCM. "How broad is opposition to CCM in the ELCA? [Assistant to Presiding Bishop, Michael] Root falsely reports that at no time has more than 1/3 of the church been swayed to oppose CCM. While that may be said of the rigidly controlled Churchwide Assembly, results of synod assembly votes strongly suggest that nearly 50% of the ELCA opposed CCM... it is entirely possible for a Churchwide Assembly to misrepresent the opinions of the church at large. There are no checks and balances in ELCA governance and all organs of communication and planning are in the hands of central officials." (TH2) What price is this "unity" that has alienated so many of our own members7

All referenced documents are available in the Resource Center.

Topic: Does CCM affect the way my church is governed?

Note: The following format is changed somewhat from prior issue papers. This is because some issues do not lend themselves to a supporting/opposing format.

Issue: Constitutional changes ELCA/Synods

Two Synodical bylaws (SC) will be affected:
* Section S8.12.c in the model synod constitution will be revised to support Section 10.31.a.9 in the ELCA constitution.
* Section S8.15 in the model synod constitution will be revised to support Section 10.81.01 in the ELCA constitution.

In the past, there was no requirement the installing bishops had to be part of the historic episcopate. Prior agreements with other denominations have contained no similar requirements. Unity was in the Word of God, not man created ceremonies. Both of these steps elevate the position of bishop, a sharp contrast to the past practices of the ELCA.

Issue: Are there other issues of concern involving these governing documents?

According to the original ELCA and synod constitutions, the synod must approve any change made by a congregation in its constitution. Additionally, the ELCA constitution spells out numerous required provisions (EC, Chap 9). Recently, some synods have encouraged their congregations to update their constitutions. However, approval has been withheld if they do not conform to the ELCA model.

Issue: Are there concerns about the model constitution (CC) for congregations?

Approval of pastors. The model congregational constitution states the synodical bishop retains the authority to approve pastoral staff (CC9.02).
Terminating membership in the ELCA. The approval of the synod is required (CC6.05.h).
Title to Property. There are some instances where the synod will take over title without the consent of the majority of the congregation.

Issue: Do these changes impact LCM?

No, because Lutheran Church of the Master utilizes articles of incorporation and bylaws, but does not have a constitution. The articles of incorporation (and bylaws) have been amended several times since first filed with the State of Nebraska in 1960. The current documents do not conform to the ELCA model in many respects.

Issue: Will the authority of ELCA bishops change?

Supporting: There are no changes in the "decision making" power of the bishops in CCM (MCCM 5). "By emphasizing 'one' minister of Word and Sacrament and the continued sharing in the priesthood of all believers, CCM rejects any grades [levels] in ministry" (CCM Q & A p3).

Opposing: The new power of Bishops lies in the Episcopal understanding of a "Bishop". In the ECUSA, Bishops have special powers and privileges - only Bishops have the extra grace to "safeguard" the Gospel, and only Bishops can ordain (RMCCM 5). Luther warned that elevating priests and Bishops could lead to abuse of power.

Issue: Will only pastors who accept the HE be ordained in the ELCA?

Supporting: "The policies for interchangeability of ordained ministers with church bodies with whom we have full communion call for any pastor from another church to study the Lutheran Confessions and to conduct ministry in accordance with them". No ELCA congregation needs to call any pastor it does not choose (MCCM 8).

Opposing: Despite reports that ELCA bishops will get only 38% of needed seminary graduates this year, H. George Anderson, ELCA Presiding Bishop, has said that ELCA seminarians who cannot in good conscience accept Episcopalian "holy orders" [the HE] will not be ordained, without exception (WANN 6). It appears inevitable that some ELCA congregations, particularly the smaller ones, will be offered non-Lutheran clergy, (RMCCM 8).

Issue: May the ELCA be able to enter into agreements with other churches without prior consultation with ECUSA?

Supporting: No. Both churches will continue in dialogue with other churches, will take each other and the CCM into account at every stage in the dialogue, and will seek to engage in joint dialogues where appropriate. (CCM, para 26)

Opposing: It is not clear what powers, if any, ECUSA has under this provision to significantly interfere with agreements the ELCA wants to make with other churches.

Issue: How will the Joint Commission affect church governance?

"The Joint Commission will have no legislative authority over either the ELCA or the ECUSA. The group will be fully accountable to the decision making bodies of the two churches" (CCM Q & A 2).

Opposing: It is not clear who within the ELCA will have authority to approve joint committee recommendations. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate what impact the joint committee may have.

Issue: Can the ELCA issue any official commentary on CCM without approval of the Joint Committee?

Supporting: No. The Joint Commission Must approve any official commentary (CCM 24). Official commentary has not been defined.

Opposing: Since "official" commentary has not been defined, it is difficult to evaluate how restrictive and bothersome this provision may be, particularly related to ELCA internal communications.

All referenced documents are available in the Resource Center

Topic: Does Called to Common Mission affect what Lutherans believe and practice?

Background: The definition and acceptance of the Historic Episcopate (HE) and how this relates to our "priesthood of all believers," seems to be the main area of controversy in discussions of how accepting the Called To Common Mission (CCM) will affect what Lutherans believe and practice.

Issue: Will CCM chnage the role of pastors, bishops, and deacons?

Supporting: Supporters say there will be no change in the roles. (MCCM) CCM defines the HE as "A sign of the unity and apostolic continuity of the whole church." (CCM pl2,par. 12)

The Book of Concord clarifies the roles of bishops and the church. "It is necessary for the church (not the bishop) to retain the fight of calling, electing, and ordaining ministers." This is further confirmed by Peter 2:9 You are a royal priesthood." which applies to the true church (the body of believers). This statement discourages the elevation of bishops to positions of authority and gives this authority to the body of believers.(The Book of Concord. P 330)

Issue: Can a congregation call a pastor of their choice?

Supporting: Yes. Pastors on the ELCA roster of ordained pastors can be called. Effective January 1, 2001 all currently ordained pastors are eligible to be on the initial list. (CCM15)

Opposing: If a congregation calls a newly graduated seminarian, that congregation presently has the power, and privilege of ordaining him/her as their Pastor, and that new Pastor may be ordained by another Pastor. Under the terms of the CCM, the congregation loses that right and privilege. Pastors may participate, but the new Pastor must be ordained by a bishop who is in the HE or the new Pastor will not be considered properly ordained in the ELCA. (CCM20) After January 1, 2001, no church may call a newly ordained pastor who for reason of conscience chooses not to be ordained in the HE or by a bishop. Rostered ELCA Pastors who were not ordained in the ELCA or its predecessor bodies will not be interchangeable under the provisions of CCM. (MH5)

Issue: Can laity continue to preside at Communion?

Supporting: According to former bishop Jessen there will be no change in the roles of laity, as it relates to Communion. (MCCM)

Opposing: Episcopalians have a sacramental episcopate. This gives special grace only to the clergy who can then "confect the Eucharist", that is to prepare and serve communion. For Lutherans the laity can preside and this power comes from the word alone. (WER#4,p.3) Opponents to CCM also point to The Augsburg Confession, Article VII, quoting "For it is sufficient for the true unity of the Christian church that the Gospel be preached in conformity with a pure understanding of it and that the sacraments be administered in accordance with the divine word. It is not necessary for the true unity of the Christian church that ceremonies, instituted by men, should be observed uniformly in all places." It is as Paul says in Eph.4:4,5; "There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belong to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Since this article expresses one of the core Lutheran beliefs, it is a strong argument against the requirement of accepting the HE by the Lutheran Church.

Issue: Could my ELCA congregation be served by an Episcopal priest in the future?

Supporting: It is possible a bishop may include Episcopal Priests as candidates in the call process. The driving concept behind CCM is the exchange of pastors and priests and the creation of joint Episcopal / Lutheran congregations. (PQRA7)

Opposing: It is true that with the acceptance of this arrangement, an existing congregation may call an Episcopal priest. The priest doesn't have to believe in the Lutheran Confessions, but he/she must only agree to teach in accordance with the Confessions. The concern is congregations will adopt joint service arrangements which sacrifice Lutheran distinctiveness for the sake of acceptance by our Episcopal partners. (PQRA7)

Issue: Will bishops preside for confirmation?

Supporting: Pastors of the ELCA will continue to preside at confirmations. (TR13) (ELCA Secretary Almen reported to the Episcopal assembly that the Tucson Resolution was not voted on at the ELCA assembly.)

Opposing: If as ELCA Secretary Ahmen affirms, The Tucson Bishops Resolution is binding on both parties then Lutheran Pastors will continue to confirm. If it is not binding on the ECUSA, then there maybe changes down the road as we "live in full communion." Confirmation duties of the ELCA Pastors are not specifically addressed under CCM. However, The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal church has Bishops presiding at all confirmation services.

All referenced documents are available in the Resource Center

Topic: Can the conflict be resolved within the ELCA?

Note: The format of this paper has been changed because some issues do not fit in the supporting/opposing format.

Issue: Have there been attempts to oppose the implementation of CCM?

Supporting: The ELCA is moving forward to implement CCM. Beginning in 2001 all newly elected ELCA bishops must be consecrated into the office of bishop by three bishops, one of whom is Episcopal. No exceptions will be allowed. (LC 1)

Opposing: As of May 2000, 22 of 65 ELCA synods had passed resolutions opposing the implementation of CCM. (LC 1)

Issue: Have there been attempts to moderate the requirements of CCM?

There have been requests to allow flexibility in CCM to those who cannot accept the Historic Episcopate. March 25, 2000 the Eastern North Dakota Synod voted 436-57 to allow congregations, pastors and bishops to "freely accept or reject local implementation of [a] historic episcopate". February 16-18, 2000 an informal consultation of 18 people, pro and con on CCM was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 17 of the 18 voted for a "Common Ground Resolution" calling for the freedom for some synods, or a non-geographic synod, to be free of the historic episcopate. (LC2)

Issue: What has been the response of the bishops of the ELCA?

ELCA Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson sent a letter to the Episcopal Church addressing CCM from the ELCA Conference of Bishops. This letter suggests the possibility of discussions for exceptions to CCM text that a bishop preside at all Lutheran ordinations. (COB1). Contrary to Bishop Anderson's letter, the ELCA Church Council on April 10, 2000 stated "the ELCA's 65 synods are not free to accept or reject portions of governing documents of the Church". (CCM).

Issue: What has been the overall result of the conflict surrounding CCM?

Supporting: There appears to be the ever-increasing threat of a split forming in the ELCA. Bishop Anderson has suggested that those who want the CCM rescinded should make use of the constitutional processes of the ELCA, as he has on many occasions since the passage of CCM. He also referred to the newly amended constitution of the ELCA in every discussion of CCM. The constitution, he maintains, precludes any discussion about compromise on CCM. (WAN1).

Opposing: The Word Alone Network has formed a new association of Lutheran congregations which provides a "safe haven" for those congregations, pastors and seminarians who refuse on confessional grounds to participate in the historic episcopate. This association is named "Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ". LCMC will provide some of the functions of the ELCA. In the beginning it will focus its efforts on establishing new congregations. It will also serve as a sort of "clearing house" for pastors and congregations seeking pastors who are, and want to remain, free of the historic episcopate. (WAN2).

Issue: What about seminary students?

Supporting: Bishop Anderson has suggested that seminarians who cannot in good conscience accept the amended constitution of the ELCA "should engage in conversation with their bishop about whether they want to be in this church" (WAN1).

Opposing: LCMC will provide an avenue for those seminarians to attain a position as a pastor. (WAN2).

References: LC1 = Lutheran Commentator, May/June 2000. LC2 = Lutheran Commentator, March/April 2000. CB = ELCA Conference of Bishops, March 6,2000. CCM = ELCA News Service Archives, April 2000. WAN1 = WordAlone Newsletter, March 2000. WAN2 = WordAlone Network News, September 2000.

Topic: What are the options for Individuals, Clergy, and Congregations?

Background: With all the concerns expressed about Call to Common Mission, just what are the options for those individuals (laity), clergy, and congregations that find significant problems with CCM? This paper attempts to identify some potential courses of action. The one primary course of action for all concerned is to pray for the Church, the Lutheran faith, the ELCA, and LCM. This is something all of those who are concerned about CCM must do, regardless of our views on CCM.

Issue: What are the options for those individuals (the laity) who in good conscience can not accept CCM?

Issue: What are the options for those seminarians, and ordained members of the clergy who in good conscience can not accept CCM?

Issue: What are the options for those congregations who in good conscience can not accept CCM?

Issue: What are the options for every Lutheran regardless of their view on CCM?

Courses of Action Pray for understanding of other's viewpoints and for God's guidance.

Issue: What has Lutheran Church of the Master done?