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WHEN CHURCHES JOIN

3. Pitfalls and other Unexpected Difficulties
- Matters for consideration regarding Episcope/Support

There is a need for appropriate authority (episcope) in co-operative ventures, but there is an attempt to avoid the use of the word 'oversight' because it means different things to different denominations. With the separation of the churches following the Reformation the churches ordered the ministry of episcope in different ways. We believe the Church is a communion of co-responsible persons: no function, no gift, no charisma is exercised outside or above this communion. The ministry of oversight implies an ordering and differentiation within the communion of the church. In many parts of the world, however, the ecumenical movement is increasingly leading to a degree of shared oversight .

There must be a two-pronged approach to the provision of episcope / support:

From the Uniting Church perspective the Presbytery (and Synod) needs a formal body which deals specifically with matters of partnership. This body needs to be willing to support local ecumenical projects, to stand alongside the congregations entering into co-operative partnerships and their clergy, to assist and lend support in bringing the matter to a satisfactory conclusion, to trust their members involved in them, and to be challenged by their experiences. It needs to be in regular conversation with the equivalent body of participating denominations. This provides a framework of agreed co-operation and ecumenical courtesy to guide (and bind) the participating parties in any co-operative ventures.

Throughout the ongoing negotiations ensure that approval is obtained from the council/person with episcopal oversight - Presbytery and Bishop. It is important to have the approval of the "Bishop-in-Council", i.e. the Presbytery, which might mean less likelihood of a break in the event of a change of Bishop. The question has been raised: Can a Committee perform the ministry of episcope? Reports from time to time to Presbytery Pastoral Relations Committees may not be adequate, especially if there is a troublesome issue to be resolved. Is the Presbytery Minister the most appropriate person in this situation to provide assistance and support, usually having a longer term of office than the Chair of Presbytery?

It is also necessary to establish a joint body to provide ongoing pastoral 'oversight'. Presbytery representatives, which may be Presbytery Ministers, Bishops, Archdeacons and appropriate members of other traditions are encouraged to meet together to establish this pastoral process, to oversee co-operative work, and to consult as to the most appropriate form of ministry that can be offered collaboratively between each communion within the confines of budget and personnel limitations, and to consider the deployment and location of clergy. Ensure there are continuing and regular meetings of these episcopal authorities from both/all the participating churches so that the support and oversight provided for co-operative partnerships is satisfactory.

Examples of such bodies include the:
* Regional Council of Co-operation: U.C.A. Presbyteries of Eyre Peninsula and Frome with Anglican Diocese of Willochra
* Joint Advisory Council of S.A. S.A. U.C.A. Synod co-operating with the Churches of Christ

Whilst various states have ecumenical bodies which support local ecumenical networks and endeavours, and state rural ministry support groups within some denominations, there is to date no representative, national, ecumenical, rural ministry body which can give specialised support to rural ecumenical co-operatives. One form of support, however, can come from electronic inter-denominational sharing about rural ministry and related issues through internet discussion groups such as RFD+ which can be found at http://ruralchurch.org.

Provide for periodic review of the venture. Regular meetings of the joint body allow for review of the work in co-operating congregations, or there could be a review of the local Covenant prior to an annual act of worship at which the Covenant is renewed.

Relationship to Parent Churches

Any co-operative ministry is expected to safeguard and present the doctrines, practices and traditions of each participating denomination in such a way that they can be recognised and appreciated along with degrees of blending which evolve.

The members need to retain strong relational bonds with their own tradition through the co-operating congregation if their project is to remain truly ecumenical. Giving to the mission of the wider church beyond the parish must be maintained and people kept as informed about what each of the co-operating churches is doing in their church's wider work as they would be if they were in a 'normal' parish.

Each part of the co-operative remains part of its parent church and requires accountability and participation in the life of that parent church. Changes in personnel at any of the levels may require adjustments. This maintenance of relationships needs to be encouraged and supported, rather than become a matter for resentment. So normal relations must be maintained with the wider church structures e.g. Presbytery, Diocese, etc. Clergy should be granted opportunity to attend the meetings of the 'other' sister church's councils. This requires special effort as relating to more than one structure imposes greater and more complex demands. It may not always be possible for ministers to attend all the meetings and choices may have to be made. Regular attendance of lay representatives at these meetings is also important for keeping in touch.