The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us.
Unity in the church is grounded in our common faith in Jesus Christ and in the teachings of Scripture. It is expressed through mutual love, respect, and service. Rather than uniformity in every detail, biblical unity allows for diversity of gifts, cultures, and expressions of worship within the bounds of truth.
We are called to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This requires humility, patience, forgiveness, and a willingness to place the good of the body above personal preference. In a divided world, a united church bears powerful witness to the reconciling love of God.
