Synodical Covenant

Why do we need a covenant? Consider this definition of a covenant (albeit one emerging from a different context than ours) in a recent article on the Alban Institute website:

“It is not a set of rules that, if broken, will result in a hand slap for the offender. Rules make relationships rigid. They constrain. They limit. Covenants, on the other hand, offer us goals that are in keeping with the values and teaching of our faith. They give us a way to talk about the behavior and practices we adopt in our work together as leaders who wrestle with change and with differences. “

In response to a very helpful comment from Harold Remus at the recent Synod Assembly, the draft document has been edited:  content unchanged; format change only.

What used to be bullets are now numbers.

This should make it easier to post and follow comments.  The suggested format for a comment on any part of the text would be:

“Synod promises, Communication, point #5 . . . “

“Congregational promises, Financial Support, point #3 . . . “

Our thanks to all who have posted comments.

If you have not yet posted a comment, would you consider doing so?  You would enrich the conversation by giving us your views.

Welcome to the Covenant blog, an interactive forum on the relationship between congregations and the Eastern Synod.

For almost a year a draft document has been posted here.  We are now pleased to announce that the final version has been approved by Synod Council and posted in place of the earlier draft.  The next phase of implementation will be roll-out to congregations.  This will take place between now and the end of 2013.