As followers of Jesus gathered at the 81st General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, we, the members of the House of Deputies, commit ourselves to uphold and embody the principles of our Baptismal Covenant and Holy Scripture in all our interactions and deliberations. Recognizing the sacredness of our call to represent the diversity of God's people, we pledge to:
- Respect the Dignity of Every Human Being (Genesis 1:27): Acknowledging that all are created in God's image, we commit to treating every person with respect, dignity, and kindness. We will listen deeply, speak courteously, and engage with one another in a spirit of understanding and compassion, especially as we debate and discuss issues openly with integrity and faithfulness.
- Seek and Serve Christ in All Persons (Matthew 25:40): In our words and actions, we will strive to see Christ in everyone we encounter in Louisville, serving one another in love. We will endeavor to bridge divides, foster reconciliation, and actively elevate underrepresented voices in all our relationships and decision-making processes.
- Strive for Justice and Peace (Micah 6:8): We will actively work to create a convention environment that is equitable and just. We will stand against any form of discrimination, oppression, or harassment, ensuring that every voice can be heard and valued.
- Safeguard the Integrity of Creation (Psalm 24:1): Mindful of our responsibility to steward the gifts of creation, we commit to sustainable practices during our convention that honor and preserve our environment for future generations.
- Promote Accessibility, Safety, and Inclusivity (Romans 15:7): We pledge to foster an atmosphere where all participants feel safe, respected, and included, free from fear of judgment or harm. We commit to curating an environment where all can engage meaningfully and effectively in the governance work before us. We will be vigilant in our efforts to prevent misconduct, responding promptly and justly to any concerns that arise.
- Pray for Guidance and Strength (Proverbs 3:5-6): Recognizing our dependence on God's grace, we commit to praying for one another, for the work of this convention, and for the wider Church, that we may be led by the Holy Spirit and The Way of Love in all our deliberations and decisions.
- Hold Each Other Accountable (Galatians 6:1-2): We commit to lovingly holding one another accountable to these principles throughout the convention, seeking to continuously embody its vision of Christ-like love and justice.
By agreeing to this voluntary Community Covenant, we affirm our commitment to embody these principles throughout this 81st General Convention, ensuring that our time together is marked by a spirit of mutual respect, love, and service to our loving God.
Closing Prayer:
Almighty and gracious God, we give you thanks for the privilege of gathering as your people in this 81st General Convention. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may be empowered to live out the commitments of this covenant. Give us grace to truly respect, serve, and love one another as Christ loves us. Guide our deliberations and decisions, that they may be pleasing to you. Lead us forth from this place renewed in our call to strive for justice, peace, and the dignity of every human being, all for your glory and the upbuilding of your Church. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.