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WHEN CHURCHES JOIN

Introduction

(This section considers the origins and authority of this document.)

On Developing Ecumenical Co-operating Partnerships with Congregations of other Denominations

At the Ninth Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia, held in July, 2000, the following two resolutions were carried:

00.62.01 to acknowledge the difficulties being experienced by small rural congregations in sustaining their ministry, and affirm the need for them to be given encouragement, freedom and flexibility to initiate/negotiate arrangements with other denominations which meet the needs of local situations, and

00.62.02 to request Unity and International Mission, as a matter of urgency, to:
(a) initiate (or revive) dialogue with other denominations at the highest level to explore ways in which Christian ministry might be more effectively provided in small centres, and
(b) encourage Synods and rural Presbyteries to encourage and foster local ecumenical initiatives to enhance Christian life and witness in rural communities.

The guidelines in this document have been produced by the Christian Unity Working Group of Unity and International Mission as part of its contribution towards meeting the request to "foster local ecumenical initiatives".

They draw together guidelines and suggestions from many current examples of co-operating partnerships, and from the experiences gained by participants in those co-operative ventures. It is hoped that congregations moving towards co-operation in some form with a local congregation of another denomination may benefit from drawing upon the expertise of those who have already travelled this road.

Following consideration of the bases for our engagement in co-operative ecumenical partnerships you will be introduced to many of the different forms of co-operation possible. You will be guided through the processes involved in developing a co-operative venture, the support structures which are necessary and the documentation which is required. Your attention will be drawn to a number of matters which must be considered. Experience has found that these matters must be addressed adequately at the outset for the satisfactory development of a co-operating partnership.

Included also are the conclusions and principles drawn from Case Studies of five co-operating partnerships in the U.S.A. There is a comprehensive collection of documents amongst which you may find a model suitable for adaptation to meet the needs of your co-operative venture. They include ecumenical agreements, covenants, vision statements, policies, rules and constitutions. Particular issues that relate to partnerships between the Uniting Church in Australia and several other specific denominations may be found at the conclusion of this document. A list of Sources is provided which include policy statements and guidelines, descriptions and reports of ventures, minutes and reports of meetings and conferences.

NOTE: Since the drawing up of some of the following documents there have been changes to some Uniting Church in Australia regulations, structures, procedures, ministries, terminology, and the use of inclusive language. New documents drawn up on the basis of these models will need to take any changes into account.