Since the very beginning of the church, the community of Jesus’ disciples has been founded upon a commitment to one another, shared ministry and a desire to seek the good of others. The church is a communal witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, expressed through and within the reality of daily life. The central witness of the church is realized in its mysterious unity experienced amid celebrated diversity. Without its diversity, the church becomes simply a collection of individuals acting as an individual. Without its unity, the church fails in its mission to bear witness to the resurrected Christ within the world. As the church, we live as citizens of the present and coming Kingdom of God, which has laid ultimate claim to our allegiances, possessions and traditions. We believe that all members of this great community share in the responsibility of ministry.