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Christian
Unity
Introduction
That Christians will be united
under the Pope “in our lifetime” has been predicted
by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor. It would be he
said, a unity of love and service not jurisdiction. The
Parish of St. Joan of Arc seeks this unity of love and service
with all Christians and with all peoples. We believe this
unity is already in existence between Christians locally
and will grow stronger, through the Holy Spirit and our
efforts to live the Gospel message. For details about Christian
Unity please contact Michael McDonnell or Dorothy Russell
by email.
The Church.
We believe the Christian
Church embraces all people who believe in Jesus Christ,
believe he is the Son of God and that he died for us to
redeem us from our sins and give us eternal life.
Visible Unity.
The Unity we are seeking is
a unity of love and service for God, for all mankind and
for all of God’s creation but it also includes unity
of purpose – living and proclaiming the Gospel message.
In as far as we live the Gospel message, we will be seen
to be One United Church. If Christians really loved one
another and all mankind (and for example always told the
truth), they would be a visible entity in our society and
the World.
The Big Issues e.g. the
Eucharist, Jurisdiction.
We don’t believe the
average Christian is occupied regarding Unity on the big
issues. These matters are being addressed by the Church
leaders. Today’s Christian has enough to do, living
the Gospel message through his worship and daily life.
The Way Forward.
We should concentrate on
living the Gospel message. Our different Christian traditions
are precious and cherished, and we shouldn’t think
of merging them. They record how individuals and groups
have responded in different ways to God’s call. For
most Christians their church and tradition is the main inspiration
and motivation for their Christian life.
How do we interrelate with other
churches?
We seek mutual understanding
and respect with other traditions and look for opportunities
to work together. At times we have differences. Saint Agustine
said “Unity in essentials, Freedom in non essentials,
Charity in all things.”
Jesus prayed:
“I ask that they may all be one, as you Father are
in me and I am in you. May they also be one in us, so that
the World will believe that you have sent me.”
(John 17, 20-21)
This
means,
All
Christians are called to be one as members of Christ’s
body.
So the Good News can be seen by the World.
This is our Mission.
As supporters of Churches
Together in Farnham we join with other Christians in a variety
of activities including:
Interchurch Services,
Lent programs,
Good Friday Walk of Witness,
Christmas day lunch for people who would otherwise spend
the day on their own.
Friday Focus Christian feature in the Farnham Herald.
Christmas Crib in Farnham Library.
Churches Together
in Farnham. Churches Together in Farnham, Annual
General Meeting will take place on Thursday 13th October
2011 - venue to be advised. For details contact
Michael McDonnell. Monthly prayer meetings are held
on the third Tuesday of each month at St Joan's at 10.30am.
The Churches Together
in Farnham website will be pleased to publish any Parish
activity – please send info to Mary Clark.
secretary@churchestogetherinfarnham.org.uk
Links:
Churches Together in Farnham
– www.ChurchesTogetherinFarnham.org.uk
Other Christian Churches in Farnham – www.ChurchesTogetherinFarnham.org.uk
See also Farnham Community Directory – Churches.
Farnham Christian Community Trust –www.fcct.org.uk
Catholic On Line - www.catholic.org/cathcom/international
First Base - helping
the homeless locally.
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