Copy of text from Saskatchewan Church leaders, released in Dec. 1990

Towards Greater Co-operation in Ministry

Joint communique from Saskatchewan Church Leaders concerning shared ministries:

Anglican Church of Canada
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
The Presbyterian Church in Canada
The United Church of Canada

To all Saskatchewan congregations within our jurisdictions:

1. Preamble

The Saskatchewan leaders of the Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and United Churches are aware that rural and remote Saskatchewan is facing difficult times. The congregations of Christ's Church are the presence of Christ's grace and pastoral care in their own communities. However, many rural and remote congregations are discouraged by decreasing numbers and aging population. Fewer people are called upon to provide the energy and financial resources for ministry. Thus, they are prevented from fully celebrating the Good News of the Gospel and serving the needs of their community.

2. Covenantal Relationship

The leaders and governing bodies of our Saskatchewan Churches believe there are opportunities for rural and remote congregations to join hands across denominational lines for worship, fellowship, and service together, where the congregations believe it appropriate to do so. We have sought and received approval from our respective governing bodies to proceed on an experimental basis. Our intent is that shared ministry congregations be oriented toward mission rather than survival. A process for developing a common mission / purpose statement, and a recommended model for shared ministries are [available from us].

We covenant to work together inter-denominationally with you the local Church leaders, believing it to be a more positive witness to Jesus Christ to encourage shared ministry than to continue marginal ministries individually. Our aim is to provide vibrant, celebrative and effective use of human and fiscal resources in worship, fellowship and witness. We believe the initiative should rest with local congregations. It will be necessary to involve the respective Church leaders and judicatories of the denominations in such discussions for advice and permission at every stage of development.

We ask the prayers of all, that we may face these challenges with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, keeping in mind that WE ARE ONE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, with distinctive theologies and practices whose integrities must be respected.

(signed)

The Presbyterian Church in Canada
Rev. Bruce Gourley
Moderator of the 85th Synod of Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Rev. Telmor Sartison
Bishop

The United Church of Canada
Ms. Jacqueline Andreas
President of the Saskatchewan Conference

The Diocese of Saskatchewan of the Anglican Church of Canada
The Rt. Rev. Thomas O. Morgan
Bishop

The Diocese of Saskatoon of the Anglican Church of Canada
The Rt. Rev. Roland A. Wood
Bishop

The Diocese of Qu'Appelle of the Anglican Church of Canada
The Rt. Rev. Eric Bays
Bishop