The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation
An Initiative of The Episcopal Church
Welcome
Thanks to many advocates, The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation was overwhelming adopted at The Episcopal Church's General Convention in July 2009. The Office of Lifelong Christian Formation at the Episcopal Church Center and The Standing Commission for Lifelong Christian Education and
Formation will continue to gather educators together and develop strategies for living out this groundbreaking document in the months and years to come. Your ideas and thoughts are welcome!
Issues & News regarding Christian Formation on Twitter http://twitter.com/XFAdvocate
DIOCESAN RESOLUTIONS! The work continues as dioceses begin to study and implement The Charter. At 2009 diocesan conventions, these dioceses adopted resolutions regarding The Charter. Perhaps your diocese would like to write a resolution, modeled after one of these:
- Diocese of Alaska has posted their entire resolution here.
- Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation: Resolved, that the 177th Diocesan Convention of The Episcopal Diocese of Vermont commend ?to the committees, commissions, deaneries and parishes within the diocese of Vermont The ?Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation (attached) for the purpose of study, collaboration and implementation over the next three years.
- Commendation of Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation: Resolved that
the 172nd Convention of the Diocese of Indianapolis urges all congregations and
institutions of the Diocese to adopt the Charter for Lifelong Christian
Formation, and urges conversations, study, and consideration for implementation
of the Charter across the range of our ministries as a Diocese.
- Explanation: The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation articulates the heartbeat of mission across our ministries and provides a call for our renewed attention to Christian Formation for all.
- Resolution on Lifelong Christian Formation: Resolved, that this 193rd Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Ohio affirm the action of the 76th General Convention in adopting the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation, Resolution A082 and be it further, Resolved, that we urge each parish to read and study the Charter and to live it out locally and be it further, Resolved, we urge the Office of Christian Formation for All and the Christian Formation Commission to engage this Charter as a tool to advance the support for persons in their lifelong faith journey.
- Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation: Be it resolved, that the 157th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Iowa adopt The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation as an underlying standard for Christian Formation in the Diocese of Iowa; and Be it further resolved, that we affirm that Christian Faith Formation in The Episcopal Church is a lifelong journey with Christ, in Christ and to Christ; and Be it finally resolved, that every congregation in the Diocese of Iowa read and study the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation and attempt to live it out locally.
- Diocese of San Joaquin's Lifelong Christian Formation Directive can be found here.
- Support of Formation for Children, Youth, & College Students: Resolved,
That this 219th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island
claim as among its chief mission priorities for the triennium ahead formation
of and ministerial support for children, youth and young adults of college age;
and be it further resolved,
That this diocese, including the Standing Committee and Financial Officers,
evaluate use of resources of money and personnel, to direct more resources
toward this mission priority, including strengthened support for campus
ministries; and be it further resolved,
That this convention endorse the Charter For Lifelong Christian Formation approved
at General Convention in July 2009 and disseminate it to every congregation for
their study and implementation.
- Explanation: Rhode Island has approximately 358 primary and secondary public schools serving 153,122 students. The state’s 8 top colleges serve 65 thousand undergraduates alone! This is a huge mission field of increasingly unchurched young people - in fact, people with little or no spiritual formation, in many cases. From these generations will come future clergy and church members - but only if we invest in offering them the kind of targeted education, formation, recruitment, and support that incarnates Christ to them where they are, and uses media they access regularly and face-to-face contact with ministers, lay and ordained, who will encourage and help them shape their leadership skills. In ECC this diocese has a wonderful facility, program and staff to serve some young people, but it is not adequate alone to make contact with, offer the Gospel to, and serve the thousands of young seekers on many campuses and in schools -- but often not in churches -- throughout Rhode Island.
- The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation: Be it resolved, That the 121st Annual Convention of
the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon adopt The Charter for Lifelong Christian
Formation as an underlying standard for Christian Formation in the Diocese of
Oregon; and Be it further resolved, That we affirm that Christian Faith Formation in The Episcopal Church is a lifelong journey with Christ, in Christ and to Christ; and Be it finally resolved, That every congregation in the Diocese of Oregon read and study the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation and attempt to live it out locally.
- Explanation/Rationale: The General Convention of The Episcopal Church adopted the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation [Resolution A082] in July 2009. Resolution A083 called upon all dioceses to promote and encourage lifelong formation.
- Definition: Christian Formation is the lifelong process of growing in relationship with God, self, others, and all creation, becoming transformed into the people God wants us to be. Lifelong Christian Formation describes the many processes by which we live into that Baptismal covenant. It encompasses a broad set of activities, supported by a rich array of communities and institutions, serving people from cradle to grave.
- Vision for a transformed church: We affirm that lifelong Christian formation is foundational and an integral part of the process by which we will rebuild The Episcopal Church. Our congregations will grow in numbers and health when supported by leaders who know their identity in Christ and are able to access their tradition for the purposes of proclaiming and living out the Gospel.
- Implications/Financial Impact: Implementing the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation at the parish/mission, convocation, and diocesan level will yield many intangible benefits. Our diocesan Ministry of Lifelong Christian Formation plans to focus current budgeted funds towards this work and encourages congregations to do the same.
- Explanation/Rationale: The General Convention of The Episcopal Church adopted the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation [Resolution A082] in July 2009. Resolution A083 called upon all dioceses to promote and encourage lifelong formation.
- Life-Long Learning: Be it resolved that this 170th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri formulate a strategy for Lifelong Christian Formation, taking into consid eration the guidance provided in General Convention Resolution 2009-A083; and Be it further resolved that the Bishop of Missouri appoint persons to design, develop, and implement such strategies for this diocese and that such persons report on their work to the 171st Conven tion of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.
Within this website are resources for those who have a passion for lifelong Christian Formation to begin to engage others in its importance for The Episcopal Church. Herein you will find The Charter, the full resolution as adopted, as well as 'talking points' and facts about education, learning and faith formation. Whether you are volunteer or paid, in a congregation or diocese, ordained or lay, deputy or bishop, or a person of any age who has a passion for this resolution, you are encouraged to pray and discern how you might implement this vision in your home, church, or diocese.
Another resolution (A083) directs all dioceses to formulate a strategy for Lifelong Christian Formation in the next Triennium (2009-2012).
Check out the conversation about The Charter on Facebook!
