A Pastoral Letter from the Council of District Executives

Out of concern for the state of our denomination, we, the Council of District Executives, offer this pastoral letter to the Church and the gathered body at the 2011 Annual Conference.

We are acutely aware that we live in a time of great anxiety and apprehension, and we recognize that tension exists within the Church. We see this tension straining our bonds of affection, trust and cooperation. In the months preceding Annual Conference, some in our midst already were asking: "How will our denomination survive the internal and external pressures placed upon it?" We also recognize that differing points of view over Biblical interpretation and authority are causing deep pain with the denomination. We affirm our belief in the authority of Scripture as a guide for our living, while acknowledging that Brethren disagree on matters of interpretation.

We see our Church struggling to find that narrow way between several Scriptural mandates. Some in our body sincerely believe they are prophetically calling us to holiness, purity and righteousness and out of the immorality and sinfulness of the prevailing culture. Others sincerely believe they are prophetically calling our Church toward justice for the oppressed and excluded, and inclusion and welcome for those with a different point of view. Members of the body wrestle with discerning sins to be repented of or delivered from and what is to be celebrated as part of the diversity of God’s creation.

We have observed the impact that the district Standing Committee hearings have had on individuals and congregations. We have heard the cry of those who wish to keep the Church together while speaking truth in love to those who hold differing points of view. And we grieve over statements made out of deep convictions but phrased in ways that do not show the love of Christ.

We, the Council of District Executives, are unanimous in our desire to do all we can to keep the Church of the Brethren focused on our unity in our one faith in God revealed in Jesus Christ (Eph. 4:5).

Therefore, individually and as the Council of District Executives:

• we covenant to do the hard work of discerning the times that call for forbearance and discerning the times that call for judgment (Acts 15).
  
• we covenant to pray for God's direction and truth for the Church.
  
• we covenant to gather in community around the Scripture, seeking the mind of Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

We urge all members of the Church to join us as we seek God's direction and the mind of Christ. Further, we call our brothers and sisters to renew their baptismal and membership vows, to live and share in the bonds of Christian May we, by God's grace, put aside anxiety, seek Christ's peace, and walk together in faith, hope and love toward the future God has promised.

These Biblical references informed the writing of this letter Jeremiah 7, 1 John 4, Acts 15, 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 4, Psalms 46, Romans 8 and Micah 4, John 14:27