1 |
Background |
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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 |
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To promote Christ in our nations by the witness of unity
and by the fruit of co-operation. |
3 |
Specific Objectives |
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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
