Sister Parish Relationship

The covenant between St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Chapel of the Cross, who have entered into an ongoing sister parish relationship for the purpose of shared Christian life and common interest in spiritual growth, shared mission with each other, and prophetic witness to God in the world. For more information, contact Robert Hooke

History Of The Relationship

The journey to this commitment started in 1992 when the Rev. Stephen Stanley of the Chapel of the Cross and the late Rev. Nathaniel Gaylord, former pastor of St. Paul AME Church, along with parishioners from each church, began to discuss the possibility of cooperation between the two parishes.

The congregations of the two oldest parishes in Chapel Hill committed themselves to a sister-parish relationship on Oct. 23, 1994. That day, the Rev. John Burton, Rev. Gaylord's successor, and the Rev. Stephen Elkins-Williams, rector of Chapel of the Cross, shared the pulpit in both churches during Sunday morning services. The following statement of commitment was recited by the congregations at each service:

We, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church and Chapel of the Cross, having worshipped God and served others in this community and beyond for a combined total of nearly three centuries, do now commit ourselves to a sister parish relationship with each other.

We do so for the purposes of mutual fellowship, of shared ministry, and of common witness to the Church and to the world of God's creative and dynamic love, and in service to the sick, the friendless, and the needy in the spirit of Great Commission.

We do so conscious of the Baptism which unites us as brothers and sisters in Christ in which we proclaim one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all.

We do so respectful of, and grateful for, any differences in our racial histories and religious traditions.

We do so strengthened by the national ecumenical dialogue in which our respective national churches are now engaged.

We ask God's blessing on this endeavor, and we pledge ourselves to do all that we can to strengthen this sister parish relationship.

Since then, Rev. Larnie Horton succeeded Rev. Burton and continued the commitment until 2005.. The current pastor of St. Paul AME is The Reverend Thomas O. Ni.

Activities Of The Relationship

Consistent, continuous uniques relationship building

• Shared joint events
• Shared participation in the Community of the Cross of Nails
• Pulpit exchange
• Joint worship
• Bible study activies
• Sister-parish video story and outreach

Campus ministry

• Opportunities for worship, study, discussion, fellowship and community service for students of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Community involvement

• Habitat for Humanity partnership
• Carr Court Head Start and Community Center
• Costa Rica church-building mission trips (1997, 1999)
• A growing commitment to global ministry

Last updated: May 28, 2006