Twinnings

AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DIOCESE OF CHELMSFORD AND THE DIOCESE OF KARLSTAD

1 Background 
  The Dioceses of Chelmsford and Karlstad both belong to the Reformed tradition of European Christianity. Since 1986 both dioceses have deepened their mutual contact through common Eucharist, the shared life of our congregations and friendship. Both bishops have on several occasions visited each other. Priests and lay people have shared experiences in the life of the Church.

During 1995 the Church of England and the Church of Sweden have adopted the Porvoo Declaration, which provides possibilities for a deepened solidarity between the two Churches. The unique relation between the Dioceses of Chelmsford and Karlstad, with a regular exchange since 1987, creates a special responsibility for these dioceses to deepen their co-operation on basis of the intentions of the Porvoo statement.
 
2 Purpose
  To promote Christ in our nations by the witness of unity and by the fruit of co-operation.

3 Specific Objectives 
  3.1 To hold in each Diocese during 1997 a Service which celebrates the Porvoo- Borgå Declaration and which inaugurates our own Agreement of commit ment to each other.
  3.2 We will aim to make at least one Diocesan exchange visit each year, alternately from Chelmsford to Karlstad and from Karlstad to Chelmsford, with its objectives and programme planned through mutual consultation. 
  3.3 To establish an annual "Karlstad/Chelmsford Sunday" to be marked in each diocese with the supply of worship resources and information about our link. 
  3.4 To declare our unity at each other's Ordination Service at least once a year by inviting the participation of a bishop or priest, and by an appropriate addition to the liturgy.
  3.5 To commit ourselves to prayer for each other at regular times, including the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
  3.6 To encourage exchanges at parish and deanery levels and between other interest groups, such as confirmation candidates and other young people, church musicians, teachers, lecturers, etc.
  3.7 To send representatives to each other's conferences of clergy and laity where appropriate. 
  3.8 To establish opportunities for sabbatical and other training extensions and to develop theological dialogue.
  3.9 To take part in pilgrimages in each other's dioceses. 
  3.10 To create and develop an Internet site to exchange information and generate a widening web of personal contacts.
  3.11 To review this Agreement and its working during 2001, and thereafter at agreed intervals.

Nov. 1996