United Methodists, Lutherans take root together

Bishop Mark Hanson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America preaches at the 2008 United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. A UMNS photo by Paul Jeffrey.

By Linda Bloom*

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS) — In a rootless, restless world, Christians “have a powerful testimony to give,” according to the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Bishop Mark Hanson, who also is president of the Lutheran World Federation, preached during the April 29 morning worship at the United Methodist General Conference—one day after conference delegates overwhelmingly approved an agreement of full communion with the ELCA.

Pointing to an increasingly rootless society, as well as the worldwide migration caused by famine, war, poverty and national disasters, Hanson reminded the 992 delegates and visitors that “in a rootless, restless, hopeless world, we have good news to share.”

That good news is in the words of Jesus: “I am the vine, you are the branches. I have loved you the way my Father has loved me. You didn’t choose me, remember: I chose you.”

The choosing is not conditional upon our cooperation, Hanson said, because the roots of Christians already “are deeply planted in God’s grace and mercy.”

ELCA pastors have told him about the pressure to attract members in today’s religious marketplace with a self-help, feel-good gospel, he added, but the radical gospel of Christ is all that is needed. “Lives rooted in Christ the vine will bear fruit.”

For both denominations, fruit has come from 30 years of theological dialogue. “This is why we, as the ELCA, and you, as The United Methodist Church, vote on full communion—because we believe together we might more imaginatively, evangelically, prophetically and abundantly bear fruit for the sake of the Gospel and the life of the world.”

For a vine to successfully bear fruit, it must also be pruned, the bishop pointed out. The ELCA’s membership is 97 percent white, but since the denomination was formed 20 years ago, there has been a desire for more diversity. To truly achieve a multicultural denomination, Hanson said, “We white folks must be pruned of our power and privilege. We will not bear fruit in mission if we are not pruned of the racism within ourselves, our church and our society.”

Christians must remember the “unshakable promises” of Jesus, which offer a life full of purpose, people and joy, Hanson said.

*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service writer based in New York.