All true theology is based on some form of a divine covenant. The Christian religion must be understood covenantally, for that is how God has chosen to relate to man, whether in the garden or after the entrance of sin into the world. The goal of all divine–human covenants is summed up in the words found throughout the Bible: “I will be your God and you will be my people, and I will dwell among you.”

The Old Testament stories, especially those of Abraham and Sarah, of Noah, and of David tell us of God’s promises to our biblical ancestors—promises of what the future will be like.

Implied in this Covenant is the fact that God is completely and totally in charge. This promissory covenant suggests that we need to let go of our need to be in control, and that we get used to the idea of sharing the world with God, confident that we do not face the future alone.

By choosing to take part in this Covenant, we choose to work together as a diocese, to work with God, to make God’s dream for all of creation come to reality.