InLutheranism, analtar and pulpit fellowship is anecumenical collaboration between two Christian organizations, equivalent tofull communion,[1] orcommunio in sacris.[2]Altar refers to thealtar in Christian churches, which holds thesacrament ofHoly Communion.Pulpit refers to thepulpit, from which apastor preaches.Altar and pulpit fellowship is therefore a specific understanding of "doctrinal agreement and confessional unity" that "allows the pastors of one church to preach and celebrate Holy Communion in the church of another".[3]
Most European churches that arose duringthe Reformation are in altar and pulpit communion (full communion) through the Concord of Leuenberg, forming theCommunion of Protestant Churches in Europe. The churches who signed the agreement areLutheran,Reformed (includingPresbyterian),Methodist, andUnited churches, and also the pre-reformationWaldensian,Czech Brethren, andHussite church. All members also recognize the valid ordination of other churches within the Communion.[4][5]
Anglican churches have full communion with Scandinavian Lutheran churches through thePorvoo Communion, and with several other churches such asOld Catholic,Mar Thoma Syrian, theEvangelical Lutheran Church in America, theEvangelical Lutheran Church of Canada, and thePhilippine Independent Church.[6][7]
TheLutheran Church-Missouri Synod has altar and pulpit fellowship with 38 other churches: seven in Africa, eight in Asia, 12 in Europe, eight in Latin America, and three in North America. The LCMS also calls these organizations "partner churches".[8] TheAmerican Association of Lutheran Churches says their altar and pulpit fellowship with the Missouri Synod means the two church bodies are "separate but interdependent",[9] and that pastors of each organization may be called to permanent pastoral positions in the other.[10]