House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris delivered the following remarks Nov. 22, 2023, at the closing Eucharist of the Church of Sweden’s General Synod at Uppsala Cathedral. Ayala Harris led an Episcopal delegation affirming a full communion agreement between the two churches. Learn more.
Walking Together Toward Justice and Peace
Dear Friends in Christ:
This is a joyous occasion to be here with you all today as we come together to affirm this full communion partnership, continuing to make official what has been true for centuries: that our churches’ collective witness to the world of love of stranger, love of creation, and love of one another can be transformative to the communities we serve and for our own communities of faith.
It is truly an honor to be here with you all. I am thrilled to participate in this ceremony and to enthusiastically celebrate our partnership, which began out of our common callings to address some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today, such as climate change, global migration, and immigration.
It is with great joy that we gather today to celebrate this historic moment of full communion between The Episcopal Church and the Church of Sweden. After many years of dialogue, shared ministry, and growing friendship, we are now taking the next step in our partnership.
This full communion agreement has been over a decade in the making. Our churches have walked together in companionship since 2007, building trust and understanding. In 2015, we strengthened our ties through the Called to Common Mission agreement. And now, we make a solemn commitment to fully recognize one another’s ministries.
As the resolution from our 2022 General Convention states, this agreement is grounded in our common heritage and shared passion for justice. The Church of Sweden has long been a prophetic voice for human rights, from opening its doors to refugees to advocating for climate action. We share a spirit of radical welcome and belief in the dignity of every human being.
In this agreement, we do not become one church. We remain autonomous while also binding ourselves to one another. This partnership enables us to collaborate even more deeply on issues like economic justice, migration, and care for God’s creation. Together, we can amplify our witness to God’s love.
The fires of the Holy Spirit are moving among us in fresh ways, forming what is to come. We are called to help the church evolve and take a new shape. As the prophet Isaiah declares, God is doing a new thing. Today, we celebrate commitment, renewal, and hope. Today, we celebrate the incarnation of the Holy Spirit that dwells in this space and in each of us. Today, we celebrate our ability to reimagine our hopes and dreams in a modern society that tries to turn those dreams into nightmares. Today, we celebrate how God turns our hope into action.
In this celebration, we must fix our eyes on Christ, the source of our life and renewal. For we are the salt of the earth—when we live the radical love embodied by Jesus. We are the light of the world—when we walk in the way of justice, mercy, and humility. The light shines in the deep night, and it cannot be overcome. Despite the uncertainty surrounding us, we are being called to have courageous hope and radical trust in God’s dream for humanity.
This is why the ceremony that we are here to do today is so important. Together, we must do the urgent work of addressing climate change and environmental degradation on this fragile Earth, our island home. We are being called to work together to aid those who are fleeing their homelands in order to find safety and opportunities to flourish. We are being called to ecumenical partnership for the sake of unity and the Gospel.
My friends, our hope is found in community, in walking this journey together. As we look ahead to the future, may we have faith to dream bold dreams. May we engage our communities in new ways, building bridges across divides. May we radically trust in God’s guidance and provision. Above all, may we shine the light of Christ wherever we go—whether in this cathedral, on the street, at home, or in the digital world. For it is in giving that light that we receive life.
Come, Holy Spirit, kindle your flame within us. Empower us to walk the way of Jesus in this time and place. Unite us in ministry and service as the body of Christ.
There is much rejoicing in this moment. But even more so, there is anticipation for the work ahead. As we live into this covenant, I pray that our bonds of affection continue to grow. May we walk faithfully together, bringing Christ’s light to the world.
Thank you for your partnership and friendship. I look forward to all we will accomplish in this new chapter. And may the love of God, the grace of our brother Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, both now and always. Amen.
