Lutherans and Episcopalians closer than ever with shared office space in Kansas City, Missouri

The Diocese of West Missouri
Posted Feb 4, 2019

Reflecting the increasing collaboration of their two denominations, the Central States Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Diocese of West Missouri, a part of The Episcopal Church, are now sharing offices at diocese’s Diocesan Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Bishop Roger R. Gustafson (Central States Synod) and Bishop Martin S. Field (The Diocese of West Missouri) started discussing the possibility in mid-2018 after recognizing great potential for shared mission opportunities, including the development of closer relations between the clergy and members of the two churches, cultivating joint ministries in the future, and possibly merging currently redundant ministries. Key staff members were brought into the conversation soon thereafter.

When asked about the idea, Bishop Field stated, “It started one morning when Bishop Gustafson and I got together for breakfast. As we talked over our eggs and toast, one thing led to another, and the idea was born. To me it instantly made sense because the possibilities for partnering and collaboration are numerous and will be facilitated greatly by our proximity.”

The conversation about sharing office space raised another benefit: lower costs for both staffs.

That initial exchange moved quickly from an idea, to a conversation, to reality.

“Our two denominations approved Called to Common Mission 20 years ago,” Bishop Gustafson said, “which was really a mutual recognition that our churches agree on the essentials of the Christian faith. Today we’re living out our joint commitment to be united as a visible sign of God’s mission to love and bless the world.”

As of January 31, the Synod and Diocese have completed the move and are sharing space at 420 West 14th St., Kansas City, MO 64105. The office phone for The Diocese of West Missouri is 816-471-6161, while the Central States Synod’s main phone line remains 913-948-9701.

Further Information
If you’d like more information, please contact Gary Allman, Communications Director at (417) 522-5151 or email him at communications@diowestmo.org.

Links
Central States Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: https://css-elca.org
The Diocese of West Missouri: https://www.diowestmo.org
The Episcopal Church: https://www.episcopalchurch.org

News Release Issued by:
The Diocese of West Missouri & Central States Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
420 West 14th St., Kansas City, MO 64105


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