All require the formal approval of the appropriate denominational authorities. If you are considering starting such a partnership, check out your plans first with your Denominational Ecumenical Officer and the County Ecumenical Officer who will guide you.
The best known is the SINGLE CONGREGATION PARTNERSHIP. This is one joint congregation sharing ministry, money and decision making, usually with just one worship centre. It may formed by the joining of two or more local congregations of different denominations, or it may be a “plant” where several denominations combine to ‘grow' a new congregation.
In rural areas especially there may be only one place of worship, extending a welcome to regular worshippers from many traditions. It can offer a formal “Declaration of Ecumenical Welcome and Commitment”, but this does not have the formal status of a Local Ecumenical Partnership.
CHURCHES IN COVENANTED PARTNERSHIPS
This is where two or more congregations serving the same area may find much in common and thereby reach a level of trust, commitment and inter-dependence which seems best declared in a formal public covenant. This should stem from a conviction that this deeper commitment to unity represented by their covenant is a response to Christ's call and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
They will remain as distinct worshipping congregations, with their own government and finances, and usually with ordained ministry from their own denomination. Before you think about forming a Covenanted Partnership you should consider prayerfully whether all involved share that sense of purpose and mutual commitment that is best demonstrated in a covenant relationship.
A Local Covenant should state its purpose clearly - both in terms of a faithful response to God and in specific local action. Again, you should seek the approval of the appropriate denominational authorities through your Denominational Ecumenical Officers and the County Ecumenical Officer.
3. SHARED BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS (With a Sharing Agreement under “The Sharing of Church Buildings” Act, 1969)
This describes a Partnership where there is at least one shared building, covered by a legal Sharing Agreement, enabling one building to be used by two or more distinct Church traditions, following their own styles and practice.
4. CHAPLAINCY PARTNERSHIPS to Higher and Further Education (Universities and Colleges), Prisons, Health Care, etc.
5. MISSION PARTNERSHIPS, to Industry, Commerce, Broadcasting, etc.
Local examples are Industrial Mission (Derby), and the Church of North India – Derby Churches Link.
6. EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS, e.g. Lay Training, Ministerial Training, Joint Schools
(condensed from Guidelines issued by Churches Together in England)
Other Categories of L.E.P.