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role and responsabilities of synod and district ecumenical officers in the united reformed church The following list is the fruit of a one-day consultation with ecumenical officers. The consultation recognised that synods, in their diversity, would take different decisions about which responsibilities should be done by which officers. It was therefore agreed that all ecumenical officers would receive each mailing, but that a free copy of new publications would only be sent to the synod ecumenical officer or the convener of the ecumenical committee. The list was approved by the Ecumenical Committee in September 1999. 1. Working towards the goal of visible unity which is both God’s gift and calling. 2. Ensuring that a synod policy is discussed and developed on the United Reformed Church’s ecumenical commitment to all the various kinds of LEPs and any proposed new developments. 3. Working closely with the County Ecumenical Officers and with the ecumenical officers from the other churches. 4. Encouraging, sometimes initiating, ecumenical consultation on deployment, grouping of churches and sharing resources. 5. Keeping a current list of all LEPs, especially in which the URC is involved, and fostering the relationship between the LEPs and the District Council for the benefit of both. (N.B. the Synod is required to keep a register of Sharing Agreements). 6. Similarly keeping informed about the life of the Churches Together in the area and encouraging the District Council and the Synod to hear stories from them of the churches working and witnessing together. 7. Playing a full part in the Intermediate Bodies – taking part in reviews, persisting in bringing United Reformed Church concerns and plans on to the agendas and in bringing appropriate matters from the Intermediate Bodies on to the District and Synod agendas. 8. Disseminating useful advice material from the national ecumenical instruments, such as that on sharing buildings, constitutions, arranging joint finance, shared worship. 9. Encouraging new ecumenical developments of all kinds, including more ecumenical worship, and being known to be available for advice and guidance. 10. Maintaining good channels of communication and consultation between local church, District Council, Synod and the Secretary for Ecumenical Relations. (good communication with the Synod Trust Officer is very important).
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