wfn.org | ACNS - A personal covenant between the Presidents of Churches

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Together in England

ACNS 3005 - LAMBETH PALACE - 31 May 2002

A personal covenant between the Presidents of Churches Together in England

Here is the text of the personal covenant to be signed by the four
presidents of Churches Together in England:

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey

The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor

The Revd Tony Burnham, Moderator of the Free Churches Group

The Revd Esme Beswick, representing the smaller churches.

The signing will be in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and will take
place in the Vicars Hall, Windsor on Sunday 2 June.

We believe in the Triune God: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Because we
confess "one, holy, catholic and apostolic church" our paramount ecumenical
task is to show forth this unity, which is always a gift of God. Jesus
Christ revealed to us on the cross his love and the mystery of
reconciliation; as his followers, we intend to do our utmost to overcome the
problems and obstacles that still divide the churches.

We rejoice that the Churches in England are steadily growing closer in
mutual trust and respect. As Presidents of Churches Together in England we
have in common many joys and hopes, and we have much to offer and to receive
from one another in the rich diversity of our traditions.

We believe that in our common pilgrimage we are being led by the Holy
Spirit, and that God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, is calling
us to a deeper unity and to a greater sharing in our mission in his world.

We therefore commit ourselves to persevere in seeking a common understanding
of Christ's message of salvation in the Gospel; in the power of the Holy
Spirit, to work towards the visible unity of the Church of Jesus Christ in
the one faith, expressed in common discipleship, worship, witness and
service.

We undertake:

to develop our mutual friendship and support

to pray, study and work together for the unity and mission of the Church

to consult together on issues affecting the common good

to promote justice, integrity and peace

to speak with one voice to give common witness to Jesus Christ, as far as we
are able

We pray God to lead us, with all our sisters and brothers in Christ, towards
communion in faith, life and witness; so that, united in one body by the one
Spirit, we may together witness to the perfect unity of his love.

_______________________________________________
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