The Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have been in “full communion” now for ten years. During that time, both denominations have been hurtling pell-mell down the road of increasing theological liberalism and both have been suffering equally catastrophic numbers of people fleeing their churches for less “inclusive” pastures.

Considering that the numerical growth has been drastically negative, it is a little odd that the churches are getting together to pool their successes and even more odd that they are planting a tree together to symbolise “continued growth” – which if it continues at the present rate will see the end of both denominations within a few decades.

From here:

Tree planting symbolizes hope for continued growth.

Anglican and Lutheran leaders ended their first joint meeting with a tree planting ceremony on the grounds of the Queen of the Apostles Renewal Centre, a symbol of their hope for the continued growth of their Full Communion.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s (ELCIC) National Bishop, Susan Johnson, said the tree is a “reminder of the work that needs to be done” to realize the full potential of Full Communion.

Canadian Anglicans and Lutherans are “standing back with great humility and joy,” as they celebrate a decade of Full Communion this year, said Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. He described the meeting of members of the Anglican church’s Council of General Synod (CoGS) and the ELCIC’s National Church Council (NCC) as a “watershed moment.”