News
That They May Be One – Ecumenical Partners
May 23, 2022
“I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.”
As Jesus was with his disciples on what he knew was the last night of his life, he prayed, “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.” We are those who have come to believe through the apostles’ word, and while it must surely grieve God that so many divisions remain among God’s followers, we are a church that strives to live out Jesus’ prayer for unity. Through the ELCA’s Full Communion relationships with other denominations, we in the Nebraska Synod are able to provide ministry in many places where, apart from the partnerships we have created, ministry would be far less vital—or would not be at all.
The Nebraska Synod has working relationships—either ELCA and Full Communion congregations in partnership, ELCA leaders serving Full Communion congregations, or Full Communion ministers serving ELCA congregations—with members of The Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church USA, the Reformed Church in America, the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church. In each instance, ministry is happening and powerful witness is given to our desire to live out the unity for which Jesus prayed.
As the ELCA continues ecumenical dialog with still other denominations, the Nebraska Synod seeks to be a good and faithful partner in creating imaginative and inspired relationships for the sake of the gospel, “that they may all be one.”
Throughout the season of Easter, the Nebraska Synod will continue lifting up various Nebraska Synod ministries and serving arms that have a connection to the upcoming worship text. The text referenced here is from John 17:20-26 the Gospel reading for Sunday, May 29, the Seventh Sunday of Easter.