Two of the mainstream Protestant churches in the United States, the Episcopalians and the Lutherans, yesterday inaugurated a far-reaching alliance, Patrick Smyth reports from Washington. However, the pact stops short of a full union. The agreement, reached after some three decades of discussion, involves a joint membership of 7.7 million people and will allow both churches to share clergy, churches and missionary work. It brings together two churches which have long been divided over the role and nature of bishops, but a dissident group of Lutherans, put at some 4,000 and 135 congregations, is still resisting the agreement. Bishops in both churches insist the model of the new relationship is one that provides potential for other alliances. The agreement allows for the preservation of diversity "without the animosity and estrangement". While the Lutheran and Episcopalian Churches share much of their theology and liturgy, the latter believes the spiritual authority of bishops derives from its unbroken lineage from St Peter. That is reflected in a process of consecration involving the laying on of hands and ordination by other bishops. Lutheran bishops are regarded simply as good pastors and are elected for six-year terms.
Under the new arrangement all new bishops will be ordained through a laying on of hands, although existing Lutheran pastors and bishops will be recognised by Episcopalians. The Episcopalian Church has 2.5 million members, while the Lutherans have some 5.15 million members.