Here is the text of the Covenant between the Anglican Diocese of Ballarat and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ballarat. It is a very influential covenant which effects much of our life together such as our celebration of the coming Canonisation of Blessed Mary McKillop. Fr Richard.
Covenant Agreement
between
The Anglican Diocese of Ballarat
and
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Ballarat
In accordance with the understandings of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission, and in particular of the Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry Document; the Anglican Diocese of Ballarat and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ballarat each discern and recognise within the other and desire to live and to promulgate the Catholic and Apostolic Faith as understood by us to be enshrined in the New Testament and in the Tradition of the Early Church.
Upon this basis we make Covenant as follows:
(1) That although organic unity has not presently been achieved; each Diocese recognises the Baptisms ministered by the other, and gives assent that the Eucharist and other Liturgies celebrated by the other are efficacious in Christ as means of salvation.
(2) That on this basis, continuing dialogue on matters of faith, discipline and administration, should occur at diocesan and parish level, between the bishops clergy and laity of each diocese; bearing in mind the principle that we should not do alone what can be done together.
(3) That, as and where possible and just; plant, equipment and resources could be shared: and that common witness and mission could be expressed in the sharing of educational strategies and facilities.
(4) That there should be a common witness in matters of ethical concern.
(5) That there be regular combined meetings of the bishops, vicars general, and consultative staff of both dioceses.
(6) That this covenant makes it a joyful privilege for each diocese to pray for the other, and also entails that degree of mutual support and encouragement appropriate to its nature.
(7) That the Ballarat Anglican/Roman Catholic Joint Diocesan Commission be the monitoring agency for this covenant.
Signed: +Peter Connors Signed: +David Ballarat
30 November, 1997