A Statement of Understanding

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”  (Acts 2:4)

• As ministers, we recognize gratefully and in a spirit of humility that we have been gifted by that same Holy Spirit that anointed the apostles. And in the same way, acknowledge that we, too, at times speak in different tongues, but in voices that are reflective of God’s Love and Presence in our hearts and ministries.

• We, the ministers, representing a variety of religious traditions, recognize that each of us has been gifted by God, each in his or her own interpretation of God’s calling.

• Coming together as leaders in our individual Churches we recognize there are challenges to striking a balance between promoting our Churches’ creeds and at the same time respecting the creeds of other sister Churches.

• We recognize the dignity of all people of God and in this statement of understanding we focus on our deep and mutual respect of our brothers and sisters who are the Church leaders, the servants of God and God’s people.

• As brothers and sisters in ministry, we join one another in one dominant voice to facilitate and build up the Kingdom of God here in southwest Louisiana.                             

• We, as ministers, are gifted to lead our own flocks in such a way that God’s voice may be heard clearly and lovingly throughout the area. 

• All ministers of God’s people are role models for those to whom we minister. Thus, by our word, example and leadership, we pledge not to knowingly perform or promote any deeds or vocalize in such a way as to detract from our joint purpose and subsequently lead our flocks in fostering or creating any form of division.

• We agree to not degrade or minimize the positions or teachings of others.

• However, we are free and open to offer differing viewpoints or further interpretations, including those of a Biblical nature or spiritual tradition, but in a character of mutual charity and reverence.

• We pledge to emphasize our common beliefs and to seek out and build on our mutually agreed upon priorities.

• While differences in our spiritual persuasions do exist, we pledge to respect others’ viewpoints, traditions and beliefs.

• We recognize that it is necessary for us to be pro-active in bringing about positive changes within our community and that we will take an active role in these efforts to facilitate such change.

• Further, we strive through prayer, dialogue, study, service and social activities to contribute to the bringing about that which the apostle Paul insisted to the community of believers at Corinth, “I urge you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.”  (I Corinthians 1:10)

Ratified by Consensus

12 July 2006

Meeting at United Christian Fellowship, Lake Charles, Louisiana