Some history was made in Natchez Saturday, as officials with two Christian denominations in Mississippi announced a new joint mission organization &045; the first of its kind in the nation.

The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Southern District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod will likely undertake missions similar to those that a joint task force has done in recent years, such as disaster response and literacy programs for inmates and their children.

It is a step toward unity among all Christian churches, and a sign that such unity is not impossible.

All of us can learn from the new partnership. The projects already undertaken by the members of both churches &045; ministering to young and old, rich and poor &045; is a great example of service to our fellow man.

And the unique partnership among the churches shows us that groups can always find common ground despite their differences &045; and despite long years of separation.

As a community, we’re honored to have hosted such a large group of delegates at this year’s Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, one of the largest conventions Natchez has seen in its new convention center.

And we’re honored the delegates made history in such a positive way right here in our community.