Common Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Baptism - National ...
Common Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Baptism - National ...
Common Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Baptism - National ...
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
7. Mindful that the active participati<strong>on</strong> <strong>of</strong> clergy and laity <strong>of</strong> the respective communi<strong>on</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the<br />
spouses is at present allowed in interchurch weddings, we also recommend the practice <strong>of</strong> inviting<br />
clergy or lay guests to <strong>of</strong>fer prayers, proclaim a Scripture reading, preach, and/or c<strong>on</strong>fer a blessing in<br />
the rite <strong>of</strong> <strong>Baptism</strong>, maintaining respect for the rites <strong>of</strong> each communi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
8. We recommend the participati<strong>on</strong> <strong>of</strong> clergy in local ministerial associati<strong>on</strong>s in order to facilitate the<br />
pastoral dialogues that need to take place to foster ecumenical cooperati<strong>on</strong> at <strong>Baptism</strong> and at other<br />
important times in the faith journeys <strong>of</strong> Christians. Ministerial associati<strong>on</strong>s can be a means for<br />
fostering life-l<strong>on</strong>g spiritual accompaniment in faith both for clergy and for the laity whom they serve.<br />
In additi<strong>on</strong>, such associati<strong>on</strong>s may find other creative symbolic ways to foster ecumenical sharing in<br />
a town, neighborhood, or village.<br />
9. At the funeral rites <strong>of</strong> members <strong>of</strong> our communi<strong>on</strong>s, including other Christians with whom we are<br />
in ecumenical dialogue, we recommend the use <strong>of</strong> a prayer or rite (e.g. sprinkling <strong>of</strong> the casket, the<br />
white pall, etc.) as a final commendati<strong>on</strong> that calls to mind the enduring gift <strong>of</strong> grace received in<br />
<strong>Baptism</strong>.<br />
10. We recommend the use <strong>of</strong> those liturgical opti<strong>on</strong>s already available in our <strong>of</strong>ficial ritual books for<br />
the celebrati<strong>on</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Baptism</strong> that enhance ecumenical awareness <strong>on</strong> the local level.<br />
11. Mindful that in many instances local c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s may not be able to implement all these<br />
recommendati<strong>on</strong>s at the present time, we recommend a patient and prudent process <strong>of</strong> discernment<br />
am<strong>on</strong>g laity and clergy. We recognize that the journey towards full, visible unity depends <strong>on</strong><br />
openness to the grace <strong>of</strong> God and humility before the initiatives <strong>of</strong> God‘s Spirit am<strong>on</strong>g us, which are<br />
themselves based <strong>on</strong> <strong>Baptism</strong>. Let us above all work to promote the works <strong>of</strong> charity and service not<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly to those who are <strong>of</strong> the household <strong>of</strong> the faith, but also to all people and to all <strong>of</strong> creati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Kimberly Whitney, Ph.D.<br />
Feb 8, 2011<br />
Source Documents:<br />
1. These Living Waters: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Comm<strong>on</strong></str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Agreement</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong> <strong>Mutual</strong> Recogniti<strong>on</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Baptism</strong> A Report <strong>of</strong> the Catholic Reformed Dialogue in United States<br />
2. Jeffrey Woodard, UC News, December 7 2010.<br />
6
Change language