13/03/2026
Information Sheet
This page contains information about ecumenical practice, which would be useful for dioceses, deaneries and parishes.
Most of the information on this page is available on an single A4 document.
View this sheet here.
Christian Unity is a high priority for the Church of England. It is a response to the prayer of Christ that his disciples should be one. Ecumenism has many potential benefits, including in mutual support, mission, deployment, creativity and finances. We are better together!
The Council for Christian Unity (CCU) exists to continue, promote and enhance effective ecumenical working at all levels of the church.
Faith and Public Life, Ecumenical Sub-team
- Revd Dr Matthias Grebe: National Adviser for Ecumenical Relations
- Revd Tim Norwood: National Officer for Local Ecumenism
- Angeline Leung: Executive Assistant (Inter Faith and Ecumenical)
Diocesan Ecumenical Officers (DEOs)
- or “ecumenical representatives” - sample role descriptions are available
Each diocese should have at least one DEO, who a) builds and nurtures ecumenical relationships, and b) encourages Christians to work together in mission. There is an annual training course for new DEOs in February, an annual conference in September and other support. Set a budget of approx. £500 per year for expenses and have a mechanism for reporting to senior staff.
National Ecumenical Instruments
Churches Together in England: Over 50 member churches plus working together + training and conferences - www.cte.org.uk
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland: Helpful for joint projects, resources, advice and partnerships - www.ctbi.org.uk
Christian Aid: Works internationally on behalf of 41 sponsoring churches - www.christianaid.org.uk
National Ecumenical Working Groups
These are a few key ones to know about
- Churches Forum on Interreligious Relations (CTBI)
- New Housing Forum (CTE)
- Mission and Evangelism (CTE)
- Racial Justice Advocacy Forum (CTBI)
- Racial Justice Working Group (CTE)
- Living with Diversity (Sexuality) (CTE)
Intermediate Bodies
Locate your Intermediate Body on the map on CTE website - www.cte.org.uk
County Ecumenical Bodies are key for relationships, prayer, support and joint working. They are useful for communication and engagement with local government, civic and voluntary organisations. County Ecumenical Officers (CEOs) are usually employed by the Intermediate Bodies to facilitate ecumenical mission and practice and provide administrative and communications support.
The Flexible Framework: Types of Agreement
See www.cte.org.uk for latest documents and advice
Type A: Working Agreement - ideal for a one off event like a holiday club, a course or an event
Type B: Partnership Agreement - needed for a longer term project or ongoing partnership like a local covenant
Type C: Constitutional Agreement - essential if a new charity is required to manage people, property, money or other resources
Unity Groups
Local networks which bring congregations together
Purpose: A combination of a) joint mission and/or b) building together a diverse range of churches and congregations
Churches Together groups: Some of these networks call themselves “Churches Together” - but other titles are used
Alternative groups: can be missional, but are sometimes exclusive in some way - multiple groups often exist alongside each other
Covenant Partnerships
A booklet is available with more information
A light-touch permissive framework that allows for sharing of ministry and resources in a larger area without heavy structures
Focussed on a) shared vision, b) shared ministry and c) shared mission - through relationships, prayer and pilrimage
Can be established through a Partnership Agreement, rather than a Constitution — no new charity required
Single Congregation LEPs
See www.cte.org.uk for latest documents and advice
- There are over 400 SCLEPs in England - new ones are still being creates for ecumenical mission eg new communities
- When Anglicans are involved, use the new CIO model constitution (Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
- Research suggests that LEP congregations are more “sustainable” and intercultural or may be growing faster than non-LEPs
Sharing Buildings
Contact the National Ecumenical Officers for current guidance
Host and Guest congregations should view this as a relationship - it’s not just another booking!!
It is important to have a clear Hiring Agreement. Other permissions may be required. Parishes should always seek advice.
Be aware of safeguarding. Guest churches may require a “local designation” by the bishop. Guidance notes are available.
Key Documents
Canon and Measure: The legal documents that define what can and can’t be done in ecumenical ministry and mission
Code of Practice: A document produced by the House of Bishops which gives more detail and clarifies issues
List of Designated Churches: The list of churches which are “designated” nationally which enables certain permissions
Communication Channels
Website: www.churchofengland.org/about/building-relationships/ecumenical-relations
Monthly Newsletter: Subscribe to Ecumenical Matters