Introduction

This document is intended as an aid to synods, dioceses, congregations and church-wide ministry offices in furthering the process of the exchange, on an occasional or extended basis, of pastors and priests. This exchange is an important part of the full communion relationship established between the Episcopal Church (EC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The authors look to the Constitutions and by-laws/canons of the two churches for guidance regarding the exchange. Diocesan canons and/or synodical procedures, which vary to a degree around the country, will also be important.

Both the EC and the ELCA have taken votes in their respective national legislative bodies to amend constitutions, canons or by-laws as needed to enable the exchange.
The ELCA has gained first hand experience in the sharing of leadership resources by virtue of the several other full communion relationships to which it is committed. This document benefits from and builds upon that experience.On the following pages are presented a brief background to the adoption of Called to Common Mission and a statement of principles that shape the possibilities of exchange. Later in the document there is an elaboration of procedures/guidelines and resources specific to each denomination. Individual dioceses and synods will no doubt supplement these broad guidelines with additional procedures that apply to the local context.

Staff of the Division for Ministry of the ELCA (now the Vocation and Education unit), and of the Office for Ministry Development and the Church Deployment Office of  EC, are grateful to all those in our two churches who assisted in the creation of this document.