August 8th marked one year since the ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted “A Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment: A Policy Statement of the ELCA.” Next year will be the 30th anniversary of the church’s first declaration: “A Declaration of Ecumenical Commitment: A Policy Statement of the ELCA” (1991).

Over the past year, the ELCA has worked to support the interpretation and implementation of this document across the church. Recently, a new ad hoc committee was appointed by the presiding bishop to develop pastoral guidelines for ministry in a multireligious world, as called for in the document. Many pastors and bishops frequently receive (and gladly accept!) invitations to participate in events that equip people to live out the commitments articulated at the heart of the document. What happened on Aug. 8, 2019, was not a static action of the church but a dynamic witness to the church’s long-standing work — as well as future potential — in this vital area of ministry. 

A Declaration of Ecumenical Commitment has stood the test of time because it established policy that was ahead of its time. The goals and stages it sets forth have supported major developments in the ecumenical landscape since, including and especially the dialogues, discourses and full communion partnerships that have become so critical as a sign of Christian unity, but also for our self-understanding as Lutherans.

Our thanks to Rocky Mountain Synod for reminding us of these important documents and policies, and helping us with the language to celebrate them.