The Diocese of East Tennessee                                                                          The Rev. Jocelyn Bell, Rector 
 

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 Statement of Affirmation

 

Just as all people are created in the image of God, we believe that all are worthy of our respect and honor. In our baptismal vows, we committed ourselves, with God’s help, to seek and to serve Christ in all persons by loving our neighbors as ourselves, by respecting the dignity of every human being and by striving for justice and peace among all people. Yet all persons are not always treated as loving and beloved members of the household of God. We see that in our society, and even in our churches, these baptismal promises have not been fulfilled. We see prejudice, discrimination, hatred and even violence against those who differ from the majority, whichever group that may be. We recognize that fear of, and discrimination against, the "other" is part of a tragic history within the Church and society which distorts our relationship with God and with each other and diminishes the humanity of all.

We, therefore, feel compelled to make explicit our welcome of all people, regardless of their race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or socio-economic status, into this congregation. We encourage all people who desire to be a part of our community to participate fully in the life, ministry and governance of this church, to enable us to show forth more fully the presence of God in this time and place to which we have been called.

We further acknowledge that all have sinned and have become estranged from God and that God is calling us back into a loving relationship. We repent of any part which we may have played in this estrangement and we pledge ourselves to be a people of reconciliation Where we see divisions, injustice or ignorance, we will seek, with God’s help, to heal, offering a love which casts out all fear, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead us all into truth.

Adopted by the Vestry of Christ Church

July 20, AD 2003

   

 
 
The Diocese of East Tennessee is one Church. We are called to love in the name of Jesus Christ and to grow in people and in resources for ministry and for mission. We anticipate miracles, as God works through us!

 

Contact Information:   email: ChristChuchChat@aol.com     Phone: 423-266-4263      Fax: 423-266-5326