Editing Full communion (section)

==Definition and terminology==

Full communion is an [[ecclesiology|ecclesiological]] term for an established relationship between [[Christian denomination]]s that may be constituted by shared [[eucharist]], [[doctrine]], and ecclesiology. Different denominations emphasize different aspects or define the term differently.<ref name="wcc-1991-canberra">{{cite web|author=Seventh Assembly of the World Council of Churches|date=20 February 1991|title=The unity of the Church: gift and calling - The Canberra Statement|website=oikoumene.org|location=Geneva|publisher=[[World Council of Churches]]|url=https://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/commissions/faith-and-order/i-unity-the-church-and-its-mission/the-unity-of-the-church-gift-and-calling-the-canberra-statement|access-date=|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025043253/http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/commissions/faith-and-order/i-unity-the-church-and-its-mission/the-unity-of-the-church-gift-and-calling-the-canberra-statement|archivedate=25 October 2014|url-status=live |at=n. 2.1}}</ref>

Several Protestant denominations base their idea of full communion on the [[Augsburg Confession]] which says that "the true unity of the church" is present where "the gospel is rightly preached and sacraments rightly administered."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Confident.Faith |date=2019-11-12 |title=Article VII. Of the Church {{!}} Book of Concord |url=https://thebookofconcord.org/augsburg-confession/article-vii/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=thebookofconcord.org |language=en-US}}</ref> They believe that full communion between two denominations is not a merger, but rather is when two denominations develop a relationship based on a mutual understanding, respect and recognition of [[Baptism]] and sharing of the Lord's Supper. They may worship together, exchange clergy, and share commitments to [[evangelism]] and service.<ref name="elca">{{cite web |title=Full Communion Partners |website=Evangelical Lutheran Churches in America |url=https://www.elca.org/Faith/Ecumenical-and-Inter-Religious-Relations/Full-Communion |access-date=4 April 2017}}</ref> For example, groups recognized as being in full communion with the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America|Evangelical Lutheran Church]], on this basis, include the [[Presbyterian Church (USA)]], [[Reformed Church in America]], [[United Church of Christ]], the [[Episcopal Church (United States)]], the [[Moravian Church]], and the [[United Methodist Church]].<ref name="elca" /> These churches are not necessarily in full communion with each other, however; each denomination is free to develop its own relationships with other churches. For example, The Episcopal Church, in addition to being a member of the [[Anglican Communion]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Office|first=Anglican Communion|title=Anglican Communion: Member Churches|url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/structures/member-churches.aspx|access-date=2021-07-24|website=Anglican Communion Website|language=en}}</ref> is in full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Moravian Church (Northern and Southern Provinces), [[Mar Thoma Syrian Church of India]], [[Old Catholic Churches]] of the Union of Utrecht, [[Philippine Independent Church]], and the [[Church of Sweden]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Full Communion Partners|url=https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/ecumenical-interreligious/full-communion-partners/|access-date=2021-07-24|website=The Episcopal Church|language=en-US}}</ref> They are not, currently, in full communion with the Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, or the United Church of Christ, though they are currently in dialogue with other churches; including the United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), and [[Roman Catholic Church]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ecumenical Dialogue Partners|url=https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/ecumenical-interreligious/ecumenical-dialogue-partners/|access-date=2021-07-24|website=The Episcopal Church|language=en-US}}</ref>