| We, the Ministers and Congregations
of these churches in Banstead and Nork: St. Ann’s
Roman Catholic Church
The United Reformed Church of Banstead
All Saints’ Church of England (Banstead)
St. Paul’s Church of England (Nork)
Banstead Methodist Church
confess to our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour
according to the Scriptures, and acknowledge our calling
to serve him in the world. We give thanks for all that
we have in common; but recognise that our lack of unity
is a hindrance to that calling. We repent of all that has
been sinful in our divisions.
Since we recognise in one another
the faith in one Gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed in
Scripture, and in the Apostles’ and
Nicene Creeds; and since we recognise one another as within
the one Body of Jesus Christ, pledged to serve his kingdom,
and sharing the unit of the Spirit.
We therefore covenant together
to make visible the unity of Christ’s people in our neighbourhood, not yet
knowing what form that unity may eventually take, but believing
that, by taking the steps to which we now commit ourselves,
we shall be led to a fuller understanding of that unity
which is Christ’s will for all his people.
We pray for the divine gifts of love and grace to enable
us to work together and therefore we pledge ourselves:
to foster a growing unity in prayer, worship and fellowship;
to learn to value the spiritual traditions of all Churches
for the glory of the Father;
to support each other in deepening and renewing our several
traditions for the enrichment of all members;
to explore our Christian convictions and their practical
application;
to co-operate as Churches in ministry and pastoral care;
to work as a team in caring for the community;
to co-operate in Christian witness;
to develop and extend our activities in Christian education
and training.
We would hope that when new ministers are appointed it
will be acknowledged that the special needs of the covenanted
churches should be borne in mind by the church authorities,
which should involve prior consultation.
The operation of this project shall be reviewed from time
to time and at least after every period of five years.
To this end we place ourselves in the hands of God that
he may use our endeavours to achieve his purpose.
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