..... the Evolution of the Communion Partnership

Since the 19th century there have been multiple Anglican Episcopal jurisdictions in Continental Europe – namely the Spanish Episcopal Reformed Church, the Lusitanian Catholic Apostolic Evangelical Church of Portugal, the Convocation of American Churches in Europe of the Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. (ECUSA), and the Church of England Diocese in Europe – alongside other Churches in communion with them – the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht and the Nordic and Baltic Lutheran Churches of the Porvoo Agreement.

At a meeting in May 1997 the bishops of the four Anglican Episcopal jurisdictions committed themselves to resolving this anomaly. Toward this end they wrote a letter to the 1998 Lambeth Conference and began a process of consultation with the clergy and laity of their respective jurisdictions.

At the first Consultation held by the bishops with one clergy and one lay delegate from each of the four jurisdictions, in Madrid in February 1998, the participants explored ways in which our churches could grow, in steps, toward closer unity in mission and fellowship. Based on the participants' belief that knowing one another better can bring closer fellowship and strengthen our shared ministry and mission amongst ourselves and with the communities in which we live and work, a booklet was written for our members and others as one of the first steps toward a more unified mission, and ultimately a single European Province within the Anglican Communion.

A second Consultation was held in Oporto, Portugal, in May 1999, to discuss further the way ahead, this time with representatives of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht and the Nordic and Baltic Lutheran Churches of the Porvoo Agreement. Chapters on these churches were added to the original booklet.

What to look forward to in these "Communion Partnership" pages

Chapters from this book, as well as the letter from COABICE to the 1998 Lambeth Conference and reports on the Consultations form the central part of these website pages on the evolution of the partnership. A companion study guide developed for use by parishes is also included. Designed for four or five sessions, it raises issues for reflection and discussion similar to those considered at the Consultations in Madrid and Oporto. To these core chapters will be added questions and concerns, progress reports, and information of joint activities.

It is hoped that parishes and individuals will read and reflect on these chapters, using the study guide as a starting point for discussion. They are invited to follow up this initiative by finding concrete ways to share and cooperate in prayer and worship, teaching and nurture, witness and service. Thus it is hoped that our journeys of mutual discovery will involve the active participation of all our parishes and parishioners throughout Europe.

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