ACNA–LCMS Dialogue III

[caption id="attachment_1889" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="ACNA-LCMS Dialogue III at Walther Library"][/caption] The third dialogue between the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) and The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) on "Contemporary Issues Facing the Church in North America," began on 27 October 2011 on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne. Presentations engaged the question of the ordination of women to the office of Holy Ministry and on other challenges facing the church such as post-humanism and trans-humanism. The first dialogue, held 10-11 November 2010 in Saint Louis at Concordia Seminary, focused on the historical backgrounds of the ANCA and the LCMS. The second dialogue, held 12-13 May 2011 held in Bluebell, PA at the Reformed Episcopal Seminary, focused on the question of authority, both Scriptural authority and ecclesial authority. Participants from the Anglican Church in North America (ANCA) included: Dr. Grant LeMarquand, Professor of Biblical Studies and Mission at Trinity School for Ministry, Dr. Jonathan Riches, Assistant Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Liturgics and Theology at the Reformed Episcopal Seminary, and Bishop Ray Sutton, Diocese of Mid-America, REC/ACNA and Chair of Ecumenical Relations Task Force (ACNA). Participants from the LCMS included: Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President, Dr. Frederic Baue, Pastor Emeritus, Dr. Albert Collver, Director of Church Relations, Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, Executive Director of the CTCR, Dr. Lawrence Rast, President of Concordia Theological Seminary, and Rev. Larry Vogel, Associate Executive Director CTCR. Participants from the LCC included, Dr. John Stephenson [caption id="attachment_1890" align="aligncenter" width="315" caption="Dr. John Stephenson Preaching in Kramer Chapel"][/caption] Rev. Dr. John Stephenson, Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary Brock University of the Lutheran Church – Canada (LCC), preached in Kramer Chapel on Matthew 15:1-9. After lunch, the group toured the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary. [caption id="attachment_1891" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="ACNA-LCMS Group Touring CTSFW Campus"][/caption] While there are many areas of agreement between the ACNA and the LCMS, there also are differences. The dialogue has taken an open and honest approach in recognizing differences between the church bodies. President Harrison noted that Herman Sasse said that there is more fellowship between Christians who honestly disagree with one another than with Christians who gloss over or who agree to disagree about their differences. At 7 PM, there will be an Open Forum, featuring President Matthew Harrison of the LCMS and Dr. Jonathan Riches of the Reformed Episcopal Seminary, speaking about contemporary issues facing the church. The public is invited to attend the open forum. Some photos from the dialogue. The agenda for the dialogue is posted below: Dialogue III Schedule-final