Ecumenical Announcements

 

The Bristol District has offered to respond to the report produced by the Anglican Methodist Covenant Joint Implementation Commission (JIC) The form of the request and a suggested way of responding are  given in the letter to us from the Connexional Officers. Rather than set up groups as suggested I simply want to invite members around the District to let me have their comments on any of the issues that the Covenant discussions have raised. These are given in the letter together with details of how to access the Commission’s report on any particular issue.

 Where possible we must always try to form our opinion in conversation with those members of the Church of England and other denominations whom we know and work with in ecumenical partnership. Although we are being asked for a District response and Circuit and local responses are being gathered elsewhere, I would like to receive any comments related to Circuit and Local relationships, as well as those who hold District Office.

Just to give you a start, here are some of the topics mentioned in the Connexional letter that you might like to address.

  • ·         What does it mean to be in a covenant relationship with the Church of England in your context.
  • ·         What does the goal of ‘full visible unity’ mean in your context.
  • ·         Are they theological difference between us? For example our understanding of who is saved and who is not, who is a Christian and who not?
  • ·         Ministries of the Whole People of God  for examples: the role of local preacher and lay reader.  chaplaincy, partnerships in youth , community, fresh expression  ministries.
  • ·         The diaconal ministry: our different understandings.
  • ·         The presbyteral ministry: joint ministry to become an interchangeable one?
  • ·         Episcopacy (in particular Presidents of Conference as Methodist bishops)
  • ·         Decision making : at District, Circuit and local. Is it easy or difficult and why?

 I will collate the comments and send them in to the Connexional to meet their deadline of December 31st 2009.

Therefore I would be grateful if you could let me have your comments by Monday December 14th.

 

Thank you

John Emmett
District Ecumenical Officer