Ecumenical Network

The Scriptures, the Augsburg Confession and the ELCA Constitution all commit us to the cause of Christian unity. The Ecumenical Coordinating Committee (ECC) is one of the New England Synod’s efforts in that cause.

Since NES covers six states, we have relationships with six State Councils of Churches, six UCC Conferences, seven Episcopal Dioceses, three Presbyteries of the PCUSA, three United Methodist Conferences, and several Roman Catholic Dioceses.

In addition, the NES is involved in local dialogues or full communion implementation teams with the UCC, the PCUSA, the Episcopal Church, the UMC, and the Roman Catholics. We have covenant agreements for mutual worship, learning and work with Roman Catholics and Episcopalians. Many of our local parishes have vital and innovative projects with these and other partners.

Given the range of relationships, formal and informal, and our commitment to effective action that enhances our common faith with other Christians, the ECC exists to encourage new ventures in ecumenical work, to sustain those already functioning, and to coordinate various programs and projects so they do not conflict, but augment each other.

Besides its work toward Christian unity, the ECC will be recommending some ways for our Synod and our parishes to engage in the ever more pressing work of interfaith relationships.

The Rev. Ted Asta is the member of the Synod staff who oversees the ecumenical portfolio. Pastor Scott Cady is the Chair of the ECC. Pr. Cady is also the President of LERN, the Lutheran Ecumenical Representatives Network. As such, he works closely with the Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations Office (EIR) of the ELCA. The EIR has a fine web site filled with great resources.

For further information contact Pr. Scott Cady, Chair.