"We are concerned that the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has decided to adopt Bylaw 7.31.17 entitled "Ordination in Unusual Circumstances." This appears to be a unilateral alteration of the mutual commitment that both our churches have solemnly made to enter into full communion based on the document entitled "Called To Common Mission"(cf. paragraph 3). We are mindful of the pastoral realities within the ELCA which prompted this action, but are concerned that it has seemingly created, or may create, two classes of clergy within the ELCA and that it seems to ensure that argument over "Called To Common Mission" will continue.

Even more importantly, it appears to us to jeopardize the role of bishop as a focus for unity in service to Word and Sacrament. This could complicate the hopes of many in the ELCA for closer relations and full communion with the majority of other churches that already perform ordinations in the historic catholic tradition and so do not acknowledge ordinations by pastors. Obviously, it is too early to tell how frequently the "Ordination in Unusual Circumstances" will occur or what the Episcopal Church's likely response will be. Only our General Convention can speak officially on that. We do pledge our ongoing partnership with the ELCA in the Gospel, and our desire for the provisions of "Called To Common Mission" to be fully realized. We still hope and pray that they will be."

Frank T. Griswold, III
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church USA