Many congregations, regions and dioceses have been preparing for this decision. Some now share covenanted relationships with ELCA congregations. Lay leaders and clergy have been meeting for conversations with ELCA colleagues in many places. Several provinces have had or will have discussions of the Concordat in their gatherings. In October 1996, ELCA and ECUSA Bishops will meet in an historic joint session of their houses to discuss the Concordat, its challenges and hopeful vision for full communion.

Each congregation is encouraged to continue and deepen its engagement and consideration of the Concordat. This resource collection and study outline is intended to help you work on that critical task. You are free to photocopy and use the materials as you wish. Your study and preparation is best done with ELCA members who may be in your community. The joint planning and shaping of this educational process with your ELCA colleagues can be understood itself as a part of the reception process for the Concordat.

In prayer, scripture reading and study, discussion, and reflection, we seek God's guidance for this critical decision for our churches and for our life in unity and mission for the Gospel.

This packet contains basic resources to assist congregations and others in the two churches to:

Implement the Lutheran-Episcopal Agreement of 1982, which calls for the development of common Christian life through such means as worship, covenants, study of the Bible and each other's history and traditions, joint programs in evangelism, education, theological discussion and social action.

Receive the report of LED III, Toward Full Communion and Concordat of Agreement to help determine whether the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will make it part of their life and faith and act on its recommendations.