What We Believe
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So what is a Moravian and how does a Moravian differ from members of other denominations? Like the Universal Church, Moravians believe in the Triune God who revealed Himself in the Lord Jesus Christ as the only Savior of all people. To that end, Moravians declare His living presence and Lordship over the Church. Moravians recognize and respect the mysteries contained in the Scripture while acknowledging that other denominations attempt to explain such mysteries. Out of respect for our fellow Christians, the Moravians hold to the following principle "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity." The Moravian Ground of the Unity speaks concisely on the Moravian Church's spiritual beliefs. The Ground of the Unity acknowledges that God created the Moravian Church and that it is by His grace alone that we exist. As such, Jesus Christ is the proclaimed head of the Moravian Church. Just as Jesus Christ came to serve and not to be served so too should members of the Moravian Church. There is also an understanding that there is individual revelation in the midst of shared spiritual fellowship. "The Unitas Fratrum [The Unity of the Brethren] was called into being by God as a Church which stresses fellowship...We recognize that it is the Lord’s will to confront and call to Himself each individual through His Spirit and that formal membership in a congregation is for no one a substitute for a personal encounter with the Savior, nor does it relieve any from making a personal decision to accept Him. We learn from the Scriptures however that it has pleased God to make the Church the place where God’s fellowship with humanity becomes a reality. A living Church is the clearest witness for its Lord to the world." For a theological perspective comparing the Moravian Church with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, click here. The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living provides general thoughts on conduct for Moravians, ranging in topic from being a good Christian witness, Moravian unity, marriage, family life to our role in the larger community and the world. The Moravian Book of Worship is not only a source for pieces of the worship ceremony, the liturgies contained in it form the beliefs of the Moravian church. Spoken responsively or sung, the Moravian liturgies are open prayers to our Lord that are a consistent part of our Sunday service. |
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