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Sweden: Joint Church
Something Special Stirring in Sweden
At the beginning of June I had the privilege of
attending very important and special meetings in Stockholm, Sweden. It
was wonderful to be with some of the Swedish sisters at this stage of
the new historical development taking place at present. I was also able
to meet up with „old' friends (see photographs) – Aina Rasmussen,
Birgit Karlsson and Karin Wiborn. John Upton, BWA President was also
attending these meetings.
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For
more than three years the Baptists, Evangelical Methodists and the
Mission Covenant Churches have been having discussions to determine if
it would be possible to come together as one united Church. In many
small villages these denominations have already been cooperating with
each other; because of financial restraints it has not been possible
for each church to employ a pastor and so resources have been shared
and the people have worked closely together. Recently there has been
dialogue in each denomination with their members discussing some of the
difficult theological issues pertinent to each denomination. The people
had the freedom to express their opinions and give their reactions to
proposals. These discussions culminated on 4th June 2011 when voting
resulted positively when they made an agreement to be united in one
Joint Church. How pleasant when brothers (and sisters) dwell in
harmony! At this meeting byelaws were adopted and an executive
committee elected but as yet no president or general secretary
appointed. The name of this new church has not been decided either but
will continue to be called by its unofficial title – Gemensam Framtid
(Joint Church) – for an interim period. As of 2012 these three
denominations will merge into one. The youth of these denominations
united in 2008.
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There
are still many questions which require answers and issues which need
ironed out but the people are determined to comply with Jesus' prayer
for unity as this was the primary motive for this amalgamation. Each
church will continue to work and serve as is acceptable for them, just
as they have been doing.
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The women's organisation also desire to come together in unison. In
fact last year at our EBWU conference in Budapest we welcomed Methodist
pastor Rev. Alice Cooper who came with the Swedish women. She
thoroughly enjoyed herself and the fellowship shared together and we
benefited from her being amongst us and enjoyed her company. One
afternoon was set aside specifically for the women. I was able to bring
the greetings of EBWU to the Swedish women. I was also invited to sit
in on the Board Meeting where the women's leaders of the three
denominations met for discussion. A decision was made for a general
meeting to take place on August 27th 2011. At this gathering the new
women's organisation will come into being and decide on the structure
for leadership etc, choosing a specific Leader. It is anticipated that
they will desire to apply for membership of EBWU and this would be a
new situation for us too.
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This
is a new beginning for many in Sweden and has not been entered into
without much soul-searching, discussion and prayer, but it now appears
to be the way forward for the Baptist, Methodists and Mission
Covenanters. Please pray for our Swedish brothers and sisters that God
will give wisdom and clearly lead them; that He will use them to build
up the believers and to bring others into the Kingdom. Pray also for
the meeting on 27th August that again God will give clear guidance in
all their deliberations and in the choice of leaders.
Livija Lame
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