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221 Membership

221.1 Definitions

All who have been baptised with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit are members of Christ's body the church. Those members who have expressed their intention to live their discipleship as part of the fellowship of the Cooperative Venture are called to exercise the full responsibilities and privileges of membership. This membership may be affirmed and recognised by the parish council (church meeting in case of churches in the Congregational Union) on

  • membership at the time of inauguration of one of the local churches forming the Cooperative Venture or
  • a public commitment known variously as Profession of Faith, Confirmation, Admission to the Lord’s Table or the production of a letter from another parish certifying membership or
  • the parish council (or church meeting)in special pastoral circumstances and with the concurrence of the ordained minister(s), being satisfied that a person might be considered eligible.

221.2 Authority

All members recognise and accept the authority of the parish council and other courts of the Partners.

221.3 Rolls

a) Parish Roll. Membership in the parish shall be recorded in a single roll, denominational affiliations may be noted if desired by the members concerned b) Pastoral Roll. A pastoral roll shall be maintained of all persons under pastoral care, including those known in some Partners as adherents.

221.4 Denominations

On all rolls kept the denomination of members and families may be indicated in one of the following ways

  • as members of one of the Partners if so desired
  • as members under reciprocal agreements between the Methodist, Presbyterian Churches, the Associated Churches of Christ and the Congregational Union.
  • As an isolated member where a Church of Christ is not a participant, the General Secretary of the Churches of Christ being informed.

Parish life, order and mission

Parish government

Note: In some parishes, session/leader’s meeting/church board/elders meeting will need to be read as approximating to the parish council.