Anglicans and Evangelical Lutherans in Canada have signed an agreement of full communion, allowing for mutual recognition of each denomination’s clergy and sacraments.

The agreement, approved July 6, is similar to the accord between Lutherans and Episcopalians in the United States, which came into effect this year. The agreement is not a merger, say leaders of both groups, but will allow members of each church to “freely communicate at the altar of the other.” Ordained ministers will also be able to officiate at churches of either denomination.

The move was unanimously approved by delegates from both groups meeting in Waterloo, Canada. Anglicans and Lutherans have a combined church membership of around 880,000 in Canada.