Inextricably linked with the gospel message of salvation through faith in Christ and our growth into holiness and wholeness in his image, in the context of eternity.
Jesus’ ministry of healing attracted vast crowds to his wider ministry of teaching and preaching about the kingdom of God. Christ’s mission was essentially about reconciliation and healing of the relationship between God and his creation. As the Body of Christ we need to live out this beautiful message in all that we are and do, in the world today.
The ways in which we conduct our deliberative and legislative business through synodical government demonstrate publicly at national level, the extent to which we are able, or choose, to live out the message. From my experience as an elected lay member of General Synod (1995-2005) I can remember how, on occasions, keeping the message in our consciousness can be a struggle when we are far from united over a matter or holding opposing views.
Nevertheless, as the Church evolves and grows into wholeness, we need to be ever mindful of the signals we give out to the society in which we minister. However much of a struggle or painful the journey of healing and growth into wholeness may be for us, individually, synodically and corporately, we need to be understood as the Church which is willing to be reconciled and healed, as well as the Church through which Christ’s ministry of healing is offered.
The Revd. Beatrice Brandon
The Archbishops’ Adviser for the Healing Ministry
