20th May, 2007
Unity Undertakings
The Moravian Church as a Unity is very resilient and gives support to any initiative of the Unity collectively. Apart from the 16 Independent Unity Provinces, the 3 Affiliated Provinces and the 6 Mission Provinces, the Unity is involved in other work which is supported by all the Provinces.
Each member of the Unity is expected to deposit a copy of any important Moravian publication whether official or unofficial, in the Herrnhut Unity Archives. In addition, wherever Provincial Archives exist, it is advisable that documents be sent to these Archives for safe keeping in case of disasters. All Provinces of the Unitas fratrum, therefore, have a special responsibility for the maintenance, preservation and further development of Archives.
The Moravian Church Foundation, is a non- profit corporation created under the authority of the Unity Synod of the Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum) for the financial support of the work of the Moravian Church worldwide. The Moravian Church Foundation allocates funds to its various Provinces and undertakings in the following order of priority:
Continuation of its present support for theological training.
Support to the Moravian Church in Suriname for economic, educational, and social work.
The Unity Archives in Herrnhut, an annual grant of US $1,500.00.
Unity Undertakings consisting of the work in North India, the Moravian Rehabilitation Centre Star Mountain near Ramallah and the Unity Fund.
Help may be given in the form of grants or loans for projects which play a significant role in the welfare of the requesting Province; priority shall be given to projects which support Mission and Evangelism, and justice, peace and the integrity of creation; help will only be given to start projects, and not to cover their running costs. Requests may be made for loans for projects as described above. A loan must not exceed US$ 20,000; the amount and terms of a loan shall be determined by the Moravian Church Foundation.
The requests presented to the Unity Board must include a statement of the purpose of the project, a clear description of the project, an official recommendation from the respective Provincial Board and a financial budget indicating the Province’s own contribution. There is a regime of strict accountability for any funds disburse.
Written by Rev. Dr. Cortroy Jarvis