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Presbyterians and Lutherans will now be able to take Communion at each others' churches. Presbyterian congregations may hire Lutherans to be their pastors, and Lutherans may hire Presbyterians. Members may start joint churches. The agreement will be sealed at an October 4 worship service at the University of Chicago.

In the heart of tobacco country, Presbyterians voted to approve a resolution urging Congress to set a tax of at least $1.10 per pack on cigarettes. In addition, the resolution also urged the elimination of cigarette vending machines.

Presbyterians also passed a resolution calling on members to remove handguns and assault weapons from their homes. While supporting gun control before, the resolution is the first to urge members actually to remove their weapons.

Philadelphia minister Bernice Warren said, "I have been to too many funerals of young people, particularly young black men, who have been killed by handguns."

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August 10 1998, Vol. 42, No. 9