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1.
Introduction |
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11.
Vestments |
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2.
Work |
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12.
Continued formation |
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3.
Being part of the One Church |
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13.
Holy Orders |
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4.
Working in the community |
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14.
Membership of the Order |
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5.
Liturgy |
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15.
Overseas Provinces |
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6.
Prayer |
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16.
Resignation from the Order |
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7.
The Bible |
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17. |
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8.
The place of ‘the traditions of the church’. |
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18. |
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9.
Language usage |
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19. |
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10.
Authority within the Order |
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20. |
Being
part of the one church.
1)
The Order’s view and understanding of scripture is that there
is one body which has Christ as its head, and the Order is but a very
small part of that body, the world wide church.
2)
Even though there may be substantial differences in practice and
theology between the churches and groups within that body, members of
the Order should not make adverse or negative comments regarding
individuals, other groups, churches or their work. There is a sense
in which when any part of the body of Christ is judged, then Christ,
its head, is judged too. We should remember our place within the body
of Christ - we are simply called to serve and have no authority to
judge the work of others.
3)
In respect of the work of those outside the Order, differences
regarding current or historical practices and theology should be
respected at all times, but not necessarily accepted or followed. To
show respect for these things does not constitute or imply agreement,
particularly where conflicting issues regarding actual ministry
exist. Since we are bound to serve under God’s commandments of
love, we are already committed to dealing with need regardless of any
‘man made’ obstacles or objections.
4)
When working with those outside the Order, members should try to
confirm and build upon areas of agreement rather than build upon
areas of disagreement. This principle is 'unity in essentials,
liberty in non-essentials and charity in all things' (Rupert
Meldenius*). It is the responsibility of all members of the Order to
build up the body of Christ and bring it unity wherever possible.
5)
As has already been stated, members of the Order are obliged to
‘work supportively with individuals, churches, Christian group
and the local community, where ever needed and when ever needed’.
Members may not find this easy in practice, particularly where there
are very strong disagreements regarding the application of canon,
current or historical practices and theology. Members’ attitude
in this circumstance should be (in as much as they can) to look
beyond their disagreement and treat this as a matter of obedience,
trust and service to Christ.
6)
The Order and its members are part of the whole body of Christ. The
Order on the basis of Holy Scripture therefore considers itself to be
‘in communion’ with all the other parts of the body.
Whether this is reciprocated, in as far as the Order is concerned, is
a matter for others to decide – it is not within the Order’s
jurisdiction.
7)
In summary, members should give due respect to others but only be
bound out of love to do those things that are required by God.
*
During the 1620's Lutheran pastor and theologian Peter Meiderlin,
disturbed by the division caused by the doctrinal disputes following
the Protestant Reformation, wrote under the pen name of Rupert
Meldenius. 'A Prayerful Admonition for Peace to the Theologians of
the Augsburg Confession', from which the words come, was almost
forgotten until republished in 1850 by Friedrich Luecke.
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