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LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER ON OUR KNEES ... CAN WE? 

by Bill Spaulding

As time goes on, there will be more attempts to combine Lutheran and Episcopal congregations. On the surface this sounds good, but there are some drawbacks that should be considered.

Property — Whose building will you use? What will happen to the vacated building (if there is one)? Careful here, the synod or diocese may step in and say, "It's mine. You don't own it."

Financial support from synod or diocese? Again, be careful. The synod and/or diocese may require that your church council turn control over to them, regardless of what your constitution says. You'll have no say whatsoever as a governing body. If you refuse, your support may be withdrawn.

The Episcopal Church does not always allow "open" meetings. Council meetings are closed to the congregation. Clandestine meetings (without the pastor's knowledge) are acceptable. Minutes from council meetings are not shared with the congregation, even in abbreviated form. Same for financial reports.

Fundraisers, including games of chance, raffles, drawings, wheels and prizes, selling tickets, etc. - all OK. Fundraising is often confused with stewardship. How will you handle the offerings as a combined Lutheran-Episcopal congregation? How will you know Lutheran contributions from Episcopal contributions? Envelopes? Then what about loose offerings, etc? The simplest solution is to combine everything into one bank account and say, "We trust each other." You may trust each other, but the Episcopal bishop has the right to demand your books for auditing anytime he wishes. A Lutheran bishop must ask, but the end result will probably be the same.

Benevolence is voluntary in the ELCA. In ECUSA it is called apportionment and is required. Therefore, the amount of (Lutheran) benevolence will be dictated by the apportioned amount required by the Episcopal Church.

Membership — Who determines what denomination will claim a new member?

Is your congregation accustomed to occasional lay preachers? The Episcopal Church does not allow lay people to preach.

If you must use a supply pastor, and your congregation is strapped for money, you may be tempted to use an Episcopal priest because, in plain terms, they work for less. Our synod guidelines recommend a specific amount for a Lutheran supply pastor; that amount is almost double the amount for an Episcopal supply.

Holy Communion may change. The Episcopal Church encourages use of the common cup and/or intinction. No more small individual cups, if that's what you are used to. No more kneeling at the communion rail. Communion takes on a sacrificial air rather than a celebration. You will no longer sing, "This is the feast of victory for our God.." Nor will you sing, "Thank the Lord and sing his praise.."

"Create in me a clean heart, O God..." has been replaced with the doxology.

The Kyrie is eliminated.

Pictures may be removed gradually from the building. It might be suggested that "stations of the cross" be used. Episcopalians may want to use a tabernacle (for reserve host) and bells.

Congregational autonomy does not exist in the Episcopal Church, but is tolerated to some extent in blended congregations. But for how long?

You must be very, very cautious when selecting a pastor for a blended congregation. Why? Because your church council will be made up of an equal number of Lutherans and Episcopalians plus the pastor (ex officio). A pastor of either denomination must be open-minded enough not to side with either faction. Personally and with all due respect, I don't think an Episcopal clergy-person can do this simply because priests and deacons take an oath of obedience to their bishop, answering directly to him. They will not violate that oath. Episcopal laity appear subservient to deacon, priest and bishop, meaning they will go along with whatever they are told. Seldom will they oppose their clergy.

The Episcopal bishop is a person of power. He/she must personally approve each council member in all congregations, including Episcopalians serving at blended congregations. Also, he performs all confirmations and must personally approve all baptisms and all new members.

My friends, are we ready for this? Lutherans have enjoyed freedom for so long, I doubt that we can exist any other way. All the above is true and is based upon personal experience.

Questions? Write to Bill Spaulding, 7904 Apple Valley Drive, Louisville, KY 40228. 
Mr. Spaulding is the president of Fellowship Lutheran Church, a new mission start in Louisville, KY, affiliated with the Augsburg Lutheran District

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