Statement of Reaffirmation of the Purpose and Mission of the Faith and Order Commission

The Interprovincial Faith and Order Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Provincial Elders’ Conferences (PECs) of the Moravian Church in America, Northern and Southern Provinces. The Commission is comprised of clergy and laity appointed by their respective PECs. Special consideration is also given to maintaining the presence of bishops on the Commission.

The primary role of the Interprovincial Faith and Order Commission is to provide a theological and ethical context for consideration of issues that confront the Moravian Church, whether these issues are identified by one or both of the PECs or by the Commission itself. Generally, the Commission will produce written documents to inform any ensuing dialogue on matters of concern. The Commission has no authority to promulgate or distribute theological statements independent of approval by either or both PECs. The Commission will work proactively to identify issues that impact ecumenical dialogue and keep the Church abreast of the contemporary theological landscape.

The Faith and Order Commission meets at least twice a year. This task is undertaken in the context of prayer and worship, by which the commission believes the will of God is more clearly known and obeyed.

Approved by the Provincial Elders of the Moravian Church, Southern Province
November 14, 2006

Approved by the Provincial Elders of the Moravian Church, Northern Province
November 21, 2006

History
The Interprovincial Faith and Order Commission was created by action of the 1986 Provincial Synod of the Northern Province.

The legislation which established the Commission invited the Southern Province to join in it. This happened, first by action of the Southern Provincial Elders’ Conference and then through endorsement of the 1989 Provincial Synod of the Southern Province.

The Commission’s first order of business was to consider matters of doctrine and practice regarding baptism, confirmation, and Holy Communion. In succeeding years the Commission has dealt with the authority of scripture, homosexuality, racism, the orders of ministry, worship, religious pluralism and tolerance, and the ministry of healing, among other matters.

The Commission has drafted declarations or position statements which have been commended to the Provincial Elders’ Conferences of the two provinces. Some of these have been adopted and published by the PECs.