Christian Churches Together

2007 Church of the Brethren Recommendation

Christian Churches Together (CCT) in the USA seeks to provide a new space that is inclusive of the Christian families in the United States. Currently, there is no process or forum for such a gathering. The National Associations of Evangelicals and the National Council of Churches of Christ each provide important ministries in their own right, but neither has found it possible to bring together people from all the Christian families.

CCT’s purpose is to enable churches and national Christian organizations to grow closer together in Christ in order to strengthen the Christian witness in the world. To fulfill this purpose, CCT focuses, in its annual meeting, on praying together, discerning the guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer and theological dialogues, and providing fellowship and mutual support.

CCT welcomes churches, Christian communities and national Christian organizations that:

  • Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Savior according to the Scriptures;
  • Worship and serve the One God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and
  • Seek ways to work together in order to present a more credible Christian witness in and to the world.

The Committee on Interchurch Relations has discussed this matter for the past three + years. We believe that our participation in CCT will not hinder our work with other ecumenical agencies. Indeed, leaders from the NCCC gave encouragement to CCT early in its development. We are pleased that the General Board has affirmed our recommendation at their fall meeting.

At the September 2006 meeting of the Committee on Interchurch Relations, the following two actions were taken:

Approved CIR Action for Annual Conference decision

The Committee on Interchurch Relations recommends to Annual Conference that the Church of the Brethren become full participants in Christian Churches Together in the USA to enable us to participate in a broader Christian community. We will review our participation periodically, to ensure that it meets our goals of building Christian unity, being spiritually uplifting, and welcoming to the beliefs and values of the Church of the Brethren.

Approved CIR Action
The Committee on Interchurch Relations invites the General Board to affirm this recommendation.

At the October 2006 General Board meeting, the following action was taken:

Action

The General Board affirms the recommendation of the Committee on Interchurch Relations that the Church of the Brethren become a full participant in Christian Churches Together in the USA. Affirmed.

Recommendation: Approve full participation by Church of the Brethren in Christian Churches Together in the USA.

Action of the 2007 Annual Conference: Annual Conference approved the Church of the Brethren becoming a full participant in Christian Churches Together in the USA.