In advance of the celebration of Emancipation Day in Bermuda this week, parishioners and guests of St. Anne's Church in Southampton will look together for a very special service this Sunday to celebrate unity in diversity, under the leadership of the church's new rector, Rev. Carl Williams.

"We have to live together. It is a small island and therefore, it is important to celebrate unity in diversity," Rev. Williams shared.

Central to the service is the symbol of the Compass Rose.

"The Compass Rose is a symbol of unity in the diversity of the Anglican Communion," explained Rev. Williams. "The centre depicts the cross of St. George and is surrounded by the inscription in the Greek, '¿the truth will make you free,' (John 8:32). The points of the compass reflect the spread of Anglican Christianity throughout the world. The mitre at the top indicates the role of Bishops and the Anglican Order."

The symbol was first modeled, according to Rev. Williams, in 1954, and is the set in the nave of the Cathedral of Christ in Canterbury. It was dedicated at the final Eucharist of the 1988 Lambeth Conference by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Relying on 1 Corinthians 13, Rev. Williams spoke of the Anglican church's "shared faith in which there is a need for a deep sacrificial love for one another."

"People want to unite. People are looking for unity in diversity, but its important that in our life, we need to learn to live along, honouring our uniqueness and differences. Life is a journey that requires tolerance and grace so that no one should be hurt, and that every one should feel a sense of belonging. We must have respect for each other."

The goal of the church, he explained, was to "continue to work toward the share experiences of one another."

The Lambeth Quadrilateral, which identifies the Anglican faith and was passed as a resolution by a meeting of Bishops in Chicago in 1886, is central to the expression of unity within the Anglican community. It states:

"As inherent parts of this sacred deposit, and therefore as essential to the restoration of unity among the divided branches of Christendom, we account the following, to wit:

1. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the revealed Word of God.

2. The Nicene Creed as the sufficient statement of the Christian Faith.

3. The two Sacraments,Baptism and the Supper of the Lord,ministered with unfailing use of Christ's words of institution and of the elements ordained by Him.

4. The Historic Episcopate, locally adapted in the methods of its administration to the varying needs of the nations and peoples called of God into the unity of His Church." (anglicansonline.org)

"There is no quick or simple solution," Rev. Williams said of the disunity and disharmony so present today. "I urge every person to recognise in one another our common sanctification in Christ. All are made in the image of God. We are free to choose, love, create, reason and live in harmony with man and creation."

Loss of freedom and communion with God stems from our wrong choices and our desire to put ourselves in the place of God.

"God loves each and every person. God has revealed his will for us¿ in his beloved son, Jesus Christ. When we reject his teachings, that is when we have these great differences. Our aim is to love and care for one another. Jesus came to liberate and so that we can live in peace with each other."

"There are people who are difficult to love, but you have to continue. You cannot do it unless you do it through the Holy Spirit and the firm conviction that you want to do something about it."

The service, which will be held on Sunday, July 29 at 10:30am, is to be a multi-cultural celebration, featuring the Holy Eucharist, as well as a variety of ethnic presentations, including the bagpipes, trumpet, liturgical dance and steel pan music. Ms. Ruth Thomas, former Government Cultural Affairs officer, will also be sharing on the topic, "Unity in Diversity."

Those attending are encouraged to wear ethnic clothing, and the service will be followed by a special fellowship meal in the Parish hall, featuring local and international dishes.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown and Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley will be attending the service.