Emmaus Equal Commitment Rule

EMMAUS EQUAL COMMITMENT RULE

The equal commitment rule encourages participation of both spouses in The Walk Wise sponsorship is the lifeblood and strength of every Emmaus community. It involves much prayer and openness to God about who to sponsor and who not to sponsor. It means demonstrating agape love by faithfully completing a long list of sponsorship responsibilities. Understanding and following the spirit of the equal commitment rule is another aspect of wise sponsorship. The following excerpts are taken from The Emmaus Library booklet titled SPONSORSHIP, by Richard and Janine Gilmore, 1998. Emmaus strongly supports the sanctity of marriage and does not want to become a wedge or a divisive force in marriage relationships. To support these values, Emmaus has developed the equal commitment rule, which is designed to promote harmony in the marriage relationship. It does not mean that Emmaus is only for married couples. Emmaus encourages single persons to participate. Present information to both spouses at the same time The equal commitment rule states that Emmaus encourages the participation of both spouses in The Walk to Emmaus. The sponsor presents the information about The Walk to the husband and wife at the same time. Both parties have the opportunity to get the information firsthand and in each other’s company. Each partner may ask questions and hear the questions raised by the spouse. Allow time for prayer If one partner does not choose to attend, suggest that the couple think and pray about the decision for six to nine months. During this time, the couple may discuss and pray about attending The Walk to Emmaus. After that time, talk with them again. If one partner is still disinterested, then sponsor the one who does want to attend, if you are assured that the other partner agrees. If one spouse does not participate in the church and understands his her spouse’s involvement, you need not wait the suggested six to nine months. The equal commitment rule does not assure marital tranquility, but it does remove an area of potential conflict within the marriage. Following the rule can strengthen the bond of the marriage and the family. Support of equal commitment rule increases participation of hesitant spouses Adherence to the equal commitment rule has resulted in increased participation by many husbands and wives who attended The Walk so their spouse could attend. Later they realized that The Walk was actually meant for them. Wisdom not law Administration of the equal commitment rule does not mean a person cannot attend The Walk unless the spouse also attends. The sponsor needs to honor the wisdom of the rule and acknowledge it as a practical ideal for the Emmaus communities to follow. Please understand the equal commitment rule represents wisdom, not law. Experience, however, shows that it works far beyond our expectations and produces excellent fruit.