Committee for Christian Unity (CCU)

Committee Purpose:

To monitor ecumenical progress in England and Wales; to represent the Conference on various ecumenical committees and, through the Department of Dialogue & Unity, to provide the Conference with background information with regard to all matters of ecumenical concern.

Brief description of Ecumenism

The key element of local ecumenism is the "Churches Together" arrangement and process. The Ecumenical Instruments set up in 1990 to replace the old Council of Churches model, seeks to foster co-operation between the denominations. This works at a local, regional and national level. At a local level in fosters co-operation between the churches both in terms of common worship and common action. The regional (or county) bodies exist primarily to facilitate this. Nationally, Churches Together in England seeks to encourage the various denominations to work together on things which are of mutual concern.

The Catholic Church in England and Wales is fully committed to the 'Churches Together' process. At a local level many catholic parishes form part of a formal 'Local Ecumenical Partnership' - some even sharing church buildings with other denominations. In many places there are examples of co-operation, especially in respect of social issues (such as care for the homeless). There are also many examples of common Christian witness, such as Good Friday processions and even joint missionary activity.

Obviously the level of co-operation is dependent on local situations and leadership, but overall the picture is very encouraging.

The commitment to ecumenism is worked through 'ecumenical instruments', of which the Catholic Church is a full member. At a national level these ecumenical instruments are Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), Churches Together in England (CTE) and Churches Together in Wales (CYTUN). There are also regional and local 'Churches Together' groups.

The Committee for Christian Unity serves the following bi-lateral groups;

1. Diocesan Ecumenical Representatives (DERS) who meets twice yearly with the Committee for Christian Unity (CCU) committee members thus known as the CCUDERS Meeting during which stories of ecumenical practice from the local scene were exchanged. The result of which is to advise the Conference, through the Department of Dialogue and Unity on ecumenical issues, and supports for ecumenical activity in the dioceses.

2. British Methodist-Roman Catholic Committee (BMeRRC)

3. Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Forum (COOF)

4. English Anglican-Roman Catholic Committee (English ARC or EARC)

5. United Reformed Church-Roman Catholic Committee (URCRC)

You will find more readings on Christian Unity and Ecumenism through any of the following;

The Vatican

The Pontifical Council for Christian Unity (PCPCU)

PCPCU History

Unitatis Redintegratio - Vatican II Decree on Ecumenism, 1964

Ut Unum Sint Pope John Paul II Encyclical on commitment to Ecumenism 1995

A Handbook of Spiritual Ecumenism, Cardinal Walter Kasper (ISBN 1565482638)

CCUDERs Resources Reference List - Oct 05 - For those involved in local ecumenism

The Search for Christian Unity (English)

Chwilio am Undod Cristnogol

Ecumenical Declaration - Of Welcome and Commitment from other Churches 2002

Blessings at Communion - Issues and Clarification 2004

The Guidelines for Catholics in Local Ecumenical Partnerships were launched at a conference at London Colney on the 23rd July 2004. Catholics are very involved in Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs) and similar arrangements in England and Wales. It is the hope of the Committee for Christian Unity that these leaflets will both support present LEPs and encourage the growth of new ones:

LEP Leaflet - Introduction

LEP Leaflet 1 - Singles

LEP Leaflet 2 - Covenants

LEP Leaflet 3 - Shared Buildings

LEP Leaflet 4 - Chaplaincy

LEP Leaflet 5 - Mission Partnerships

LEP Leaflet 6 - Education

Prologue - Why LEPs