1981-09 A Resolution on Ashram Episcopal Lutheran study

81-9 RESOLUTION ON ASHRAM JOINT STUDY CONFERENCE II BETWEEN EPISCOPALIAN AND LUTHERAN STUDENTS

Background

Ecumenical movements among students are fine if these movements succeed. Ecumenism require two groups serving as natural religious resources to be tapped for Christian growth and outreach despite difference of hierarchies. As Paul pointed out to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 12:5, :… there are differences of administration but the same Lord.” We, as Lutheran Christians, are witnessing the ecumenical dialogues between clergy. Yet, nineteen years have passed since the last joint study conference between Episcopalian and Lutheran students at Stephena College in Columbia, Missouri in 1962. The Ashram Conference marks the general move of Episcopalian students from denominationalism to diocesan or local inter-denominationalism. The Episcopalian students have only met one other time nationally, in 1974, for a dialogue on ecumenism at the Morning Star Conference in Florida. This year, a liaison, Father Richard McNamee, has been sent to the National Ecumenical Student Conference (NESC) to investigate rumors of formation of an Ecumenical Student Christian Conference. The Episcopalians are part of WSCF and NESC.

Therefore BE IT RESOLVED

1. that LSM-USA delegates leave this Assembly with a formal draft to Father McNamee at NESC for revitalization of Ashram Lutheran/ Episcopalian joint study conferences on the diocesan level, first as a test for cost-dialogue effectiveness, since LSM-USA may not have sufficient funds for a national joint study conference.

2. that if the diocesan study conference works, plan for regional/ provincial Ashram joint study conferences in the future;

3. that if the regional/ provincial study conferences work, plan for a national Ashram joint study conference between Lutheran and Episcopalian students;

4. that to evaluate the progress of these conferences, nominate Kevin W. Olive, due close proximity to be one of the Episcopalian members of the National Board on Ministry for Higher Education.

Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be sent to:

-Father Richard McNamee, Protestant Episcopal Church, United Ministries on Education, New York, New York:

-Father John Warrell, National Board on Ministry in Higher Education, President of the Episcopalian Society on Ministries In Higher Education, rector of Autry House, Houston, Texas;

-Greater Houston Lutheran Council

-Pastor Ballard Pritchett, University of Houston, A.D. Bruce Religion Center, Houston, Texas 77004;

-National Lutheran Campus Ministry, 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1847, Chicago IL 60601;

-Pastor Charles H. Born, Executive Director, Lutheran Campus Ministry of Texas