What is a Full-Communion Agreement?
In recent decades, many Christian churches have worked to heal old divisions and deepen their shared mission. One way this happens is through what are called “full-communion agreements.” The Episcopal Church has entered into several such partnerships, including the better-known “Called to Common Mission” covenant with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
A full-communion agreement does not mean that two churches merge into a single denomination. Each church keeps its own traditions, governance, and identity. Instead, full-communion means that each denomination recognizes the other as an authentic part of the Church. They acknowledge the validity of one another’s baptism, ordained ministry, and sacraments; and they commit themselves to closer cooperation in mission and ministry.
In practical terms, full-communion allows churches to share in worship and ministry in meaningful ways. Congregations may join together for special services, mission projects, and community outreach. In many instances, clergy may serve congregations across denominational lines (as has happened in our legacy dioceses and will continue in the Diocese of the Great Lakes). Bishops may also participate in one another’s ordinations and consecrations as a sign of the unity shared between the churches.
The Episcopal Church is currently in full-communion with seven denominations. These include not only the ELCA, but the Moravian Church Northern Province and the Moravian Church Southern Province, the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar in India, the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht, the Philippine Independent Church (also known as Iglesia Filipina Independiente), the Church of Sweden, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
The Episcopal Church is also engaged in ecumenical conversations that could lead to additional full-communion relationships. One of the most significant ongoing dialogues has been with the United Methodist Church (UMC). The UMC approved the agreement (titled “A Gift to the World: Co-Laborers for the Healing of Brokenness”) at its General Conference in Charlotte, NC on April 30, 2024. And the Episcopal Church will vote whether to ratify the agreement too at General Convention 2027 in Phoenix, AZ.
Full-communion agreements bring several important benefits. They allow churches to work together more easily in mission and service, whether through evangelism, community outreach, disaster relief, or advocacy for justice and peace. They can also help congregations share clergy resources, which can be especially valuable in smaller communities or rural settings where churches may have limited staffing.
These relationships also enrich the life of congregations. Joint worship services, shared study groups, and common celebrations allow Christians from different traditions to learn from one another and grow in faith together. Members often discover that, while their churches may have different histories or customs, they share the same core commitment to Christ and the Gospel.
Perhaps most importantly, full-communion agreements offer a visible witness to Christian unity. In the Gospel of John, Jesus prays that his followers “may all be one.” When churches build partnerships across long-standing denominational boundaries, they give a living expression to that prayer. Rather than ignoring their differences, they acknowledge them honestly while recognizing that their unity in Christ is deeper than the things that have divided them.
Agreements such as these remind us that the work of reconciliation within the Christian family is part of the Church’s calling. By praying together, serving together, and learning from one another, churches in full-communion strengthen their ability to proclaim the Gospel and to serve God’s people in the world.
– The Rev. Mike Wernick
Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer
The Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes
One Response
I believe the work of reconciliation is crucial for the episcopal church as well as for the world. The Holy Spirit taught us at Pentecost that we are all connected and valuable. We all carry the image of God and are interdependent. Finding common ground needs our attention and intention.
Are there interspiritual efforts being pursued?
Thanks for your dedication to this vital mission.