AGREEMENT THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA Between THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA and THE MANIPUR EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH (A constituent member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Himalayan States)

The following agreement is based on our common faith in Jesus Christ as the one Lord of all creation. Our companion relationship in the Gospel springs from communion with the Triune God, and is confirmed in the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. We pledge ourselves to cooperate in an equal partnership of Christian fellowship, to further the preaching of the Good News of Jesus Christ so that all people can come to accept the love and salvation of God The Manipur Evangelical Lutheran Church (MELC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) understand this companion relationship to be in no way exclusive and we acknowledge and respect each other’s selfhood. In the bilateral and multilateral aspect of this agreement the following points are noted:

1. We affirm the unity of the Church in the Lord and will 1. We affirm the unity of the Church in the Lord and will strive together so that God’s love, justice, peace and salvation may be demonstrated in the world. 2. We agree to exchange information to enable to understand each other’s situation (culture, history, religious expres- sions, traditions, etc.)and fulfill our commitment of mutual solidarity. 3. We strive to strengthen our common Lutheran identity within the context of the global communion and the wider Asia region; and reflecting the contexts and times in which we live.

4. Both Parties may provide opportunities for short or longer term exchanges of personnel [such as global personnel, pastors, evangelists, seminary stu- dents, women, young people, students, professors and specialists] for Christian fellowship, mutual enrichment, service, communication, study and observation; and mutual visits by church leaders. 4.1. Any exchange, service or visit shall be done in the spirit of mutuality, in consultation and agreement between the two Parties, and upon invitation. 4.2. Where appropriate or within the bounds of the law, either church will provide for work permits, visas or visitor permits for personnel to visit or serve in their midst. 4.3. Each Party shall be responsible for its own debts and expenses inclu- ding all financial expenses of travel, accommodation etc. for person- nel sent to the other. If deemed necessary, other arrangements may be made by mutual agreement.

5. Both Parties will offer opportunities to engage each other 5. Both Parties will offer opportunities to engage each other and share resources in programs that enhance the mission of the church. 6. Special consultations may be held from time to time to study new developments in each other’s areas and to explore together matters of theology, policy and strategy of mission. 7. Responsibility for liaison and correspondence between the two Parties shall be borne by the appropriate offices of the respective churches: the office ofthe bishop of the MELC and the Asia Pacific Desk of the Global Mission Unit of the ELCA. The English language shall be the medium of official correspondence.

8. Both Parties promise to fulfill their responsibility willingly 8. Both Parties promise to fulfill their responsibility willingly to pray, cooperate and contribute to the cause of mission for the glory of the Lord and the welfare of God’s people. 9. Ninety days’ notice should be given in the even that either Party wishes to rescind the agreement. This Agreement is valid until it is discontinued by the mutual consent of the Manipur Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Likewise, the Agreement can be amended by the mutual consent of the MELC and the ELCA. The Agreement becomes effective upon signing on this day of 15 July, 2018.