Seeking Unity – Day 2 of EKHN Partnership Consultation and a letter of solidarity to Bishop Mariann E. Budde

On the second day we discussed how to deal with moral and ethical discernments in our international fellowship and how we are seeking unity in times of nationalism, populism and divisions. On the initiative of participants, a letter of solidarity to Bishop Dr. Mariann Edgar Budde (Episcopal Diocese of Washington) was drafted and signed by numerous participants.

We started with a presentation from the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) about experiences with moral and ethical discernments in their fellowship. An introduction to the study document of the World Council of Churches (WCC) “Churches and moral Discernments Facilitating Dialogue to Build Koinonia” (https://www.oikoumene.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/Churches_MoralDiscernment_VolII_Web.pdf) showed us instruments for dialogue and koinonia.

We stated in our final statement:

“Notwithstanding the difference in our churches’ stance on challenging theological and ethical issues, we agree that change has always happened in our churches and still in our time as well. … Changes are shaped in interdependence with norms, theological scientific insights, influences of the prevailing societies, new scientific developments, leadership structures, demographics, and more.

As partner churches strive for an understanding of each other’s processes of change, we

• • accompany one another in our journeys with our prayers and loyalty,
  • remain open to listening to one another, withhold our judgement, and encourage mutual solidarity (Romans 14:10+13),
  • recognize that there are issues in which we currently disagree, be it of theological or cultural origin, but we remain in rational and purposeful discussions about these issues,
  • mutual recognition that all churches strive to remain faithful to the gospel,
  • encourage meaningful conversations on these issues in secure and braver spaces,
  • know that what binds us together as Christians in this world is stronger than singular issues that we might currently disagree on,
  • are reminded of our responsibility as Christians to deal with one another in the spirit of mutual respect, peace and love (Romans 12:9-21).“

Experiencing in most of our countries that democracy is threatened by nationalist, populist, fascist or extremist parties and groups we pledged in the final statement to be advocates of a healthy democracy.

“We do this by:

• • actions in solidarity and in prayer,
  • human rights advocacy, especially where needed most,
  • committing to interfaith and ecumenical dialogue and actions,
  • providing secure and braver spaces for discourse,
  • empowering people to speak out, and making heard those whose voices are silenced,
  • fighting misinformation.

As churches we want to stand up for those who are persecuted in our societies, for the weak, and the marginalized. We are involved in works of reconciliation, peace and justice for all, for by our actions we are blessed. (Matthew 5:3-10).“

In the context of our debate’s participants started an initiative to write a letter of solidarity to Bishop Dr. Mariann Edgar Budde (Episcopal Diocese of Washington). The letter was signed by numerous participants during the consultation.

The letter in the wording:

The letter with all signatures as pdf for download at the end of the blog.