By Mary Beth Marino

The New Year surged forward with the historic signing of a covenant between the Catholic and Episcopal Churches. The event took place at the Shroud of Turin exhibit, located at the Omni International Complex, downtown Atlanta.

At noon, Tuesday, Jan. 3, more than 150 people -- religious leaders, lay people, Catholic and Episcopal priests – witnessed the signing of this document that decreed cooperation between the two Churches.

The bishops of the two dioceses and their assistant processed in with the opening hymn, “This Is The Day” which was sung by a folk group from Holy Family Church in Marietta called The Promise.

The opening prayer was offered by Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan. Following this, Reverend Don Taylor, ecumenical liaison for the Episcopal Diocese, led the people in reading Psalm 105. This was followed by Father Alan Dillmann, priest secretary of the Religious Unity Commission, and pastor of the Church of the Holy Spirit, reading Psalm 133.

Episcopal Bishop C. Judson Child commented on the joy in the document’s written commitment to mutual prayer, study and spiritual life. He shared his delight that this new work toward unity was given official recognition. “It is always good to have the official okay,” said Bishop Child with a smile.

Archbishop Donnellan received a warm response as he commented about having to follow “a good act.” He stated, “We have come to declare a unity to which Christ calls us.” He said that documents had been studied on a national level since 1965, and in 1970 a firm determination was made to move ahead and seek a covenant on a local level. “Give thanks to God for this historic moment,” he stated, as he and Bishop Child embraced. Silent prayer then followed.

Father Alan Dillmann and Reverend Don Taylor escorted the bishops to the podium, where they proceeded to sign the covenant and light the covenant candle among smiling faces that gave approval to this historic moment.

In an interview later, Archbishop Donnellan said he felt everyone had an obligation to extend themselves in seeking the unity Christ prayed for. “The Church at large has sought unity and has studied the differences between churches, and this covenant is a result of the study,” he said.

When asked how this would be implemented on a parish level, he said the Religious Unity Commission would continue to work towards this implementation. The covenant itself lists the pairing of sister parishes, community dialogues, joint retreats and shared social ministry.

The Episcopal and Roman Catholic Covenant pledges to pray and work together for greater unity. “We agree to show mutual respect for each other’s status, positions and (where possible) issue joint declarations,” the document decreed.

Lunch was served and both Catholics and Episcopalians enjoyed the beginning of a new unity.