Happy Resurrection Friends,
Today is the dawning of a new day. I AM excited! My spirit is ignited! I AM a child of God and rejoice in Christ’s resurrection! Alleluia!!
Resolution Number: 2079-A035
Title: Declare a Statement on Christian Unity
Resolved, That this 66th General Convention declares: The visible unity we seek will be one eucharistic fellowship. As an expression of and a means toward this goal, the uniting Church will recognize itself as a communion of Communions, based upon acknowledgment of catholicity and apostolicity. In this organic relationship all will recognize each other’s members and ministries. All will share the bread and the cup of the Lord. All will acknowledge each other as belonging to the Body of Christ at all places and at all times. All will proclaim the Gospel to the world with one mind and purpose. All will serve the needs of humankind with mutual trust and dedication. And for these ends all will plan and decide together in assemblies constituted by authorized representatives whenever and wherever there is need.
We do not yet see the shape of that collegiality, conciliarity, authority and primacy which need to be present and active in the Diocese with its Parishes as well as nationally, regionally, universally; but we recognize that some ecclesial structure will be necessary to bring about the expressions of our unity in the Body of Christ described above. We do not yet know how the particular traditions of each of the Communions will be maintained and developed for the enrichment of the whole Church. We do not see how the Church will be shaped by the particular histories and cultures within which she is called to fulfill her mission. All Christians are challenged to express more fully among themselves the biblical call to mutual responsibility and interdependence. We believe ways can now be found to express this call to a communion of the Churches in the Body of Christ. As the Churches become partners in the mission they will move from present interrelatedness to interdependence.
This resolution was revisited at our last General Convention in Austin, Texas, July 2018, in Resolution A035 – The Church Towards a Common Vision.
A035: Commend “The Church Towards a Common Vision”
Resolved, That the 79th General Convention commend to every Episcopalian for study both the 2013 convergence statement published by the World Council of Churches, The Church: Towards a Common Vision, and the draft response from The Episcopal Church, which can be found on the website of The Episcopal Church.
It is relevant now as it was when the resolution was originally presented in 1979. This is a time to recognize each other’s gifts and talents, “acknowledge each other as belonging to the Body of Christ at all places and at all times” and “proclaim the Gospel to the world with one mind and purpose”
As we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, let us not forget the joys and sorrows of our friends and neighbors all over the world who are living in fear of COVID-19. Please wear a face mask, practice social distancing and wash your hands.
Let us pray:
Creator of the universe, you made the world in beauty and restored all things in glory through the victory of Jesus Christ. We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war, and greed, the new creation in Jesus Christ may appear in justice, love and peace, to the glory of your name.
Amen.
~ Luke Thompson, Resolution Review Committee, Diocesan Council
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