➢ At the heart of the covenant and report was the New Testament call to Christian unity, expressed in two primary scriptures, quoting both Jesus and Paul.

▪ “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” - Romans 15:5-7 (NRSV)

▪ “The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” - John 17:22-23 (NRSV)

➢ This extensive report included significant recommendations to the board for restorative reconciliation and relationship building; it covered ways in which individuals and congregations might adopt practices of respectful conversation; and it called for development of a process to handle disagreements between congregations and individuals to maintain unity.

➢ The centerpiece of the Way Forward Team’s report was the Way Forward Covenant, now renamed the Way Forward Commitment, which included outlining Christian standards for both the District Board and for individuals and congregations. Each section, for the district board and for individuals and congregations, includes 5 points that are basic to faithful Christian life and practice.

Atlantic Northeast District Way Forward Commitment

“May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

~ Romans 15:5-7 NRSV

We of the Atlantic Northeast District are aware of the divisions in the Church of the Brethren, and we grieve that some are choosing to leave. For those of us who, at this time, are choosing to remain with the Church of the Brethren in the Atlantic Northeast District, we desire to share our witness to the world as a church that is known by embodying Christ’s love for each other, so we embrace this way forward together as a district.

As the Atlantic Northeast District Board, we commit to:
• Support all church members and all congregations who wish to continue to be Church of the Brethren, welcoming them into the fellowship and shared ministry of the district;
• Make available resources for congregations which helpfully interpret Brethren beliefs and practices, so that we might all learn more about Brethren teachings and traditions;
• Encourage the District Ministry Commission to uphold the importance of pastors embracing Brethren beliefs and teaching those beliefs to their congregations;
• Provide opportunities for congregations and their members to enter into dialogue with each other around issues of which we may not all be of one mind;
• Provide leadership when disagreements arise, and to respond according to the guidelines outlined in the 2004 Annual Conference Statement “Congregational Disagreement with Annual Conference Decisions.”

As individuals and congregations, we commit to:
• Remain in fellowship with each other and the Atlantic Northeast District, striving to support each other’s ministries as we all follow Jesus Christ;
• Extend respect to each other and strive to understand one another, refraining from disparaging each other while openly upholding others’ dignity, as we are called to seek the mind of Christ together and join in common ministry opportunities;
• Embrace a renewed emphasis on teaching our members about Brethren beliefs and practices, affirming Brethren identity, as we uphold the teachings in the New Testament as understood by the Church of the Brethren;
• Participate in respectful conversations within the district regarding controversial issues;
• Deal forthrightly with disagreements that may arise, honoring the call of the Spirit while striving to be faithful to the call of Scripture, as outlined in the 2004 Annual Conference Statement “Congregational Disagreement with Annual Conference Decisions.”

“The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” 

~ John 17:22-23 NRSV

➢ The District Board voted to adopt the covenant/commitment for themselves in June 16, 2020. The district now invites individuals and congregations to make this commitment for themselves. It is our prayer that every member of the ANE District, individuals as well as congregations, will join us in embracing the Way Forward Commitment.

➢ The original report included a recommendation for a team to assist the board in implementing the Way Forward. This team, called “The Way Forward Shepherding Team,” has been working diligently to assist the District in getting the work of moving forward accomplished. The current team includes Natasha Beaumont, Enten Eller, Sam Frankhouser, and Pete Kontra.

➢ Some of the work the Board is doing to live out their commitment to the Way Forward includes:
▪ The board continues with a commitment to prayer about reconciliation and moving forward.
▪ Each commission continues to discern how their current work supports the Way Forward, and what new ministries may be implemented.
▪ The board has created a Shalom Team to assist with reconciliation.
▪ The ministry commission is committed to fostering COB beliefs and practices with our
ministers, new and current.
▪ The ministry commission hosts June ministers/families gatherings for fellowship and supporting connections across the district.
▪ Staff are working at re-evaluating the district’s events and gatherings, asking “What are fresh ways for us to connect and gather together?”

What Congregations and Individuals Can Do

➢ Agree to the Way Forward Commitment, and let it inform your thoughts, words, and deeds.
➢ Pray for one another.
➢ Discern how you can foster relationships with sister congregations.
➢ Worship with others in the district.
➢ Share in service projects with others in the district.
➢ Think about how your resources might also strengthen others in the district.
➢ Intentionally engage in fellowship opportunities with others in the district, enjoying the richness that we share in Christ.
➢ Choose to make the effort to engage in wider district events and conversations, Bible studies and other meetings, to foster relationships, understanding, and how we work together as a district.
➢ And finally… send us your stories! Share with the district office, or with anyone from the Way Forward Shepherding Team, experiences that show how well we can move forward together, so that those stories can be used to encourage and inspire others!