29th April, 2007

 The Extent of The Moravian Church 

The Provinces of the Unitas Fratrum or Moravian Church are found in many areas of the world and among many races and languages. All are indigenous to their geographical and national location. Some are found in highly industrialized communities; others are in developing regions of the world. As a consequence, the Provinces of the Unity offer a wide variety of economic, social and political development. Yet all are supposed to be one, without distinction, in their membership in the Unity, however, it is not always so. There are times when race, the perceived developed economies and the perception that some cultures are better than others, create cracks in the Unity.

There are 16 Independent Unity Provinces, 3 Affiliated Provinces and 5 Mission Provinces in the Moravian Church world wide. In addition, there is work on-going in SOUTH ASIA. Because of this divergence in circumstances and development, some Provinces must of necessity look to other Provinces or to the Unity as a whole for assistance with workers, money, encouragement and advice. This support is given and received in a spirit of mutual love and concern, and is an essential feature of the fellowship of the Moravian Church.

All Provinces share equally in the common faith, tradition and witness of the Church. The members of all the Provinces are in relationship with one another. The goal set before each Province is to fulfill the calling of Christ in its life, worship, witness and organization.

All Provinces are linked together in a constitutional form of government which, while encouraging the liberty of Provincial development, may provide mutual help and cooperation and provide the corporative responsibility of the Unity towards its Provinces.

The Saviour, through the work of the Holy Spirit, has given each Province gifts which can be of help and blessing to other Provinces of the Unity. Each Province has a mandate to work for the extension of the Kingdom of God in its own area and wherever possible, among people who have not come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Each Province therefore, is challenged to do its best to educate its congregations members for the mission of the Church as it seeks to minister wherever it is planted.

Next time we will begin to look at the 16 Independent Unity Provinces.

Written by Rev. Dr. Cortroy Jarvis