Ecumenical Agreement for the St Brelade group of churches Declaration of Intent
In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we the ministers and congregations of the Methodist, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches in the civil parish of St. Brelade, Jersey, bind ourselves to God and to one another in the mission of Christ in this place.
We accept in His name the duty to share the riches of the Gospel with others, to seek the unity of all Christian people and the whole human family; we shall serve one another not only in words but also in deeds; we shall witness to the world of our love for one another; we shall seek ways to strengthen our action, our prayer, and our worship in common during this year; we shall continue to search for ways to express the unity which already exists between us; we shall continue to explore that unity in order to grow more united in the Christian family; we shall continue to pray for each other that each may grow in the grace of Christ.
Signed on June 17, Trinity Sunday 1984 by representatives of the Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic Churches, at St. Bernadette's Church, Jersey.
This declaration was signed for the purpose of uniting these 3 denominations to a common goal within St. Brelade. Ecumanism in St Brelade is much more than a written Covenant. It is about living and working with our companion church communities at all levels.
The clergy and leadership team meets quarterly for breakfast at our Ecumenical Community centre, Communicare. They are, Mark the Rector, Father Kevin Hoiles Roman Catholic priest, Rev Billy Slatter The Methodist minister and Maurice Allair who leads the New Life Christian Fellowship. Together we build up our common life as ministry leaders.
There are several regular activities we do throughout the year which bring the various congregations together:
1) Easter Sunrise service in the Fishermen's Chapel. 2) Liberation Day service at Noirmont Headland. 3) Ecumenical Remembrance Sunday parade and service.
Much of the focus for our working together is centred around Communicare (see separate page). Communicare is an Anglican/Methodist partnership which runs a Community centre caring for all ages (cradle to grave) and is used by around 2000 people a week. It has a dedicated Youth Wing which is run in partnership with the Jersey Youth Service for our young people.
The Methodist Minister and Rector are joint chair of the Communicare Council which is made up of members of the participating churches with the Parish Connetable, Communicare Manager and Youth Team Leader.
Ecumanism isn't something we do as a deliberate activity, it is simply part of our life here in St Brelade.
and in partnership with The New Life Christian Fellowship.