"That they may be one..."

Tuesday, May 24, Bishop Stephen London, the office staff, and representatives of the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton spent the morning getting to know Bishop Larry Kochendorfer, the office staff, and representatives of the Alberta and Territories Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCiC). Although the two denominations share full communion, and there have been many years of cooperation between the diocese and the synod, it was the first time many of the staff had met in person. The group was also joined by the Rev. James Lavoy, pastor of Rio Terrace Moravian Church. The Anglican Church of Canada and the ELCiC are working toward extending full communion to the Moravian Church in Canada.

After an opportunity to get to know each other over coffee and snacks, the group contemplated a passage from John 17 in which Jesus prays to the Father that his followers “may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.” (John 17:22, 23) Bishop Larry insisted he had not deliberately chosen the passage, though it could not have been more appropriate for the ecumenical gathering.

The Rev. Prema Samuel, Assistant to the (Lutheran) Bishop for Congregational Life, led the group in sharing Holy Communion. Then with the short time remaining, Bishop Larry provided a tour of the synod offices and Trinity Lutheran Church, which is part of the complex where the offices are housed.

The group plans to continue making intentional efforts to connect. The Edmonton diocese will host the next gathering, though a date has not yet been set. 

Group picture from left: Marla Berg, Prema Samuel, James Lavoy, Sheryl Burry, Scott Sharman, Shelly King, Bishop Steve, Bishop Larry, Alex Meek, Margaret Glidden, Faith Nostbakken.