The Covenant reads:
'Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your caling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all'. (Ephesians 4:3-6)
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 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 deeper unity and to a greater sharing of our mission in his world.
We therefore commit ourselves
To persevere in seeking common understanding of God's message of salvation in the Gospel;
in the power of the Holy Spirit, to work towards the visble 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 brothers and sisters in Christ, towards communion in faith, life and witness; so that, united in one body and by one Spirit, we may together witness to the perfect unity of his love.
Signed:
+Rowan Cantuar
Michael Heaney
+ Vincent Nichols
+ Jana Jeruma-Grinberga
This Personal Covenant was signed at Jesus House on 21st November 2011.
The first Personal Covenant was signed at Windsor Castle on 2nd June 2002.
The Personal Covenant is a current expression of the Swanwick Declaration which was signed in 1987.
This document is an illustration of covenants which are also signed by church leaders, representing their denominations, at regional and local level too.
