Indianapolis - The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ continue to work together to strengthen their relationship. On May 6, 2004, in meeting of a re-constituted Ecumenical Partnership Committee between the two groups, considerable time was devoted to receiving reports on a wide range of initiatives and programs that bring life and vitality to the partnership through congregational, regional and national arenas of the churches' life and mission. For example:
The Committee celebrated that more partnership activities and work was identified than had been anticipated. The Committee also recognized that there are still issues to be addressed both to strengthen current projects and relationships, and to stimulate and encourage partnership efforts at the general/national and regional/conference levels.
Broad areas of focus for the future were identified by the committee as that of ministry, especially around issues related to education, licensing, and standing; youth and young adult ministries; and common work in social justice and advocacy.
The committee also raised the question of proposing a third "Common Gathering" of the Disciples General Assembly and the UCC General Synod. Because of current contractual commitments, the first date that such an event could take place would be in 2011.
Dr. John Thomas, the general ministering president of the United Church of Christ, in summarizing the day's work, stated, "There is more good news in our partnership than many of us in each denomination may know about or even expect. We need to build upon the exciting work already underway, as together we continue to give expression to the gift of unity and reconciliation that both of our churches claim at the heart of our identity, ethos, and witness."
The next meeting of this Partnership Committee is set for January 27 to 28, 2005 in Indianapolis.
Members of the Partnership Committee include:
For Disciples:
For UCC: