* FINAL VERSION - Concurred
Resolution:A076
Title:Establish Dialogue with the Church in Sweden
Topic:Ecumenism
Committee:18 - Ecumenical Relations
House of Initial Action:Bishops
Proposer:Standing Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 76th General Convention direct the Standing Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations to begin a dialogue with the appropriate ecumenical offices of the Church of Sweden, the ultimate goal of which is to reach a relationship of full communion between The Episcopal Church and the Church of Sweden; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission do so in consultation with the Standing Inter-Anglican Commission on Unity, Faith, and Order.


EXPLANATION

The relationship between The Episcopal Church and the Church of Sweden goes back to the beginnings of The Episcopal Church, including the transfer of oversight of several Swedish Lutheran congregations during the colonial and Revolutionary periods. In addition, the Lambeth Conferences of Bishops have given favorable consideration to the historic Episcopal succession of the Church of Sweden (see relevant Resolutions from the 1908, 1920, and 1930 Lambeth Conferences). However, the informal recognition of the validity of each Church's Orders by the other has never been formally instituted by The Episcopal Church and the Church of Sweden. During recent dialogues among the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht and la Iglesia Independiente Filipina with The Episcopal Church, with Swedish Lutheran observers present, this lack of formal recognition became highlighted. Pursuing a formal dialogue will not only result hopefully in a full-communion agreement, but also raise the question anew of joining the full communion relationship between the Scandinavian Lutheran churches and the Church of England known as the Porvoo Agreement. It will also help to facilitate common ministry, mission and witness in the Convocation of American Episcopal Churches in Europe.

* Note: The final language, as well as the final status of each resolution, is being reviewed by the General Convention office. The Journal of the 76th General Convention and the Constitution and Canons will be published once the review process has been completed.