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Gbwc_superuserelines for interim shared Eucharists with the Episcopal Church were recently released by Bishop William B. Oden, who serves as ecumenical officer for the United Methodist Council of Bishops.

Pastors are asked to be aware that the canons of the Episcopal church are more restrictive than those of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, with whom the UMC already shares Communion.

According to Oden, the gbwc_superuserelines can be summarized as follows:
? United Methodist bishops and diocese Episcopal bishops jointly give permission for such services.
? Only official United Methodist liturgies or official Episcopal liturgies can be used.
? These gbwc_superuserelines are appropriate when the Eucharist is shared in churches of either communion.
? In a United Methodist church, wine can be used but grape juice must be available. The same applies in an Episcopal church.
? The consecrated elements must be consumed or set aside for hospital or shut-in use.

Once a UM bishop and an Episcopal bishop give permission in a diocese or area, no further permission is needed for individual situations. However, most bishops want to be informed of such services.

The study book, 'Make Us One,' is in its final stages and should be available after Jan. 1.