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Shirley Bovender, a member of Immanuel - New Eden Moravian Church, writes this editorial that appeared in the Winston Salem Journal on March 11, 2003. She is glad that Dr. Sawyer has offered clarification of the Churches beliefs on Salvation through Christ alone. She expresses hope that leaders will now act in accordance. |
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Ground of the Unity As a Moravian, I was very interested in the letter to the editor from Robert E. Sawyer published on Feb. .20. Sawyer is the president of the Provincial Elders Conference and director of the Board of World Mission. I was gratified to learn that the foundation of the belief of the Moravian Church that Jesus Christ is the only son of God, and that there is no salvation apart from him, as stated in the Ground of the Unity, has not been abolished or amended. This foundation is an essential element of our faith and should not be subject to compromise. However, what I fail to understand is how a denomination with such a doctrine can provide a forum for individuals who advocate other ways to salvation. If the Moravian church wavers on this point, it may be that eventually it will no longer be a part of the body of Christ, as it appears in that action it is moving somewhere left of center toward Unitarianism. I appreciate Dr. Sawyer's clarification of the beliefs of the Moravian church. I hope that our leaders will now act in accordance with the original premise of the founding fathers of the Unitas Fratrum and that this matter is resolved once and for all. SHIRLEY M. BOVENDER |