Forming a local grouping

 

Are we prepared to adopt the Churches Together in England Basis?

 

Do all prospective members share the ecumenical vision spelt out in the Aims? Do we want to change the emphasis somewhat?

 

Have we got the area right? Does it follow natural boundaries? Does it split Roman Catholic parishes? Should it include neighbouring villages?

 

Have we liaised with our County Ecumenical Officer? Are we going to send agendas and minutes to the County Ecumenical Officer? Are we on the mailing list for ecumenical newsletters and Churches Together in England’s enews?

 

Have we approached all the churches in the locality?

It is not a good witness if some churches take a step to deeper commitment and others are marginalised. If some local churches are hesitant, or dismissive, try to find out why. What is this telling us? Are they at least supportive of us in what we are doing? How can we develop relationships with them? Are there Christian organisations or projects in the locality which are not churches? As long as most of the members are churches, to include such groups will be an enrichment to the life of the Churches Together.

 

Self explanatory.

 

What size of Forum are we looking for? Is there to be an Enabling Group/Executive as well, in which case the Forum could be larger?

 

Should the churches be asked to appoint one representative each or should the Forum elect out of the total representation? How big should it be - a tight group may make for efficiency, a large one be more representative?

 

What level of funding do we need? What expectations are there? Is our income likely to be so large (£1,000 per year) that we will need to register as a Charity? Will churches be challenged to provide extra funding for specific events or projects? Have we someone external to the local churches who will inspect our accounts?

 

Has the draft been approved by all the prospective Member Churches?

 

Have we lodged a copy of the adopted constitution with the County Ecumenical Officer? Does each church have a copy of the Constitution in its own records?