resolution

Affirm and Implement a Full Communion Relationship Between The Uniting Church of Sweden and The United Methodist Church

2016 Book of Resolutions, #3148

The Uniting Church of Sweden and The United Methodist Church agree that in their legislative bodies there shall be one vote to accept or reject, without separate amendment, the resolu- tion that follows. If adopted by both churches, each church agrees to take the following measures to establish a relationship of full communion:

Whereas, Jesus Christ calls us to unity so that the world may believe; and

Whereas, The Uniting Church of Sweden and The United Methodist Church are united in the wish to deepen our witness and work together for the sharing of the love of Christ in the world and its communities,

Therefore, be it resolved, that The Uniting Church of Sweden and The United Methodist Church hereby:

recognize each other as constituent members of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church, the body of Christ, as described in the Holy Scriptures and confessed in the church’s historic creeds;
recognize the authenticity of each other’s sacraments and welcome one another to partake in the Eucharist;
affirm the authenticity of each church’s Christian ministry;
recognize the validity of each other’s offices of ministry.
actively commit to working together as partners in mission and co-laborers in the ministry of Christ Jesus, and as a visible witness to the unity of Christians in sharing the love of God among all peoples and throughout Creation.

To facilitate growing into this relationship of full communion, the two churches will appoint a coordinating committee with members from The Uniting Church of Sweden and from the Northern Europe Central Conference. This agreement will take effect upon an affirmative vote by the General Conference and a concurring vote by The Uniting Church of Sweden.

ADOPTED 2016

See Social Principles, ¶ 162.

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