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Guide for Ministers
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- 10.1 Ecumenism
- 10.1.1 Ecumenical events
- 10.1.1.1 Ecumenism: Divine services and acts of blessing
- 10.1.1.2 Ecumenism: Special congregational events
- 10.1.1.3 Ecumenism: Weddings
- 10.1.1.4 Ecumenism: Holy Baptism with water
- 10.1.1.5 Ecumenism: Funerals
- 10.1.1.6 Other ecumenical events
- 10.1.1.7 Church exhibitions and conventions
- 10.1.2 Use of Church premises - for church use
- 10.2 Interreligious dialogue
- 10.2.1 Participation in divine services
- 10.2.2 Involvement of non-Christian clergy in wedding ceremonies
- 10.2.3 Interreligious dialogue: Involvement of non-Christian clergy in funerals
- 10.2.4 Participation in devotionals
- 10.2.5 Use of Church premises - other use
10.1.1.1 Ecumenism: Divine services and acts of blessing
Since, despite many commonalities, there are differing conceptions on various matters, in particular as concerns ministry, we are in agreement with our ecumenical counterparts that there will not be any joint sacramental acts or acts of blessing. This means that there will be no joint celebrations of Holy Communion or baptismal acts, and no joint dispensations of blessing at weddings or funerals.
If participation in other collective church events is planned, the responsible church leaders will discuss this in advance.
In our churches, addresses by the clergy of other confessions should not be given from the altar. Addresses by New Apostolic ministers in other churches should not be made from the altar or pulpit either.
Ecumenical divine services begin and end without a gesture of blessing. The New Apostolic liturgy is not used in these divine services. Following is a selection of Bible passages from which a blessing may be chosen:
Blessings at the beginning of an ecumenical divine service
1 Corinthians 1: 3 | “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” |
1 Peter 5: 14 (excerpt) | “Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus.” |
Isaiah 57: 19 (excerpt) | “‘Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near’, says the Lord.” |
For the season of Advent and Christmas
Luke 2: 14 | “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” |
Luke 19: 38 (excerpt) | “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” |
Blessings at the close of an ecumenical divine service
Philippians 4: 7 | “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” |
1 Corinthians 1: 3 | “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” |
2 Thessalonians 3: 16 | “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.” |
Romans 15: 13 | “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” |
Numbers 6: 24–26 | “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” |