Intermediate Body Review

A major review of the intermediate ecumenical instruments, between the local and the national, was received by the Enabling Group of Churches Together in England at its September 2011 meeting. The review group was led by Revd Bill Snelson, the former General Secretary of CTE. It arose from a previous strategic review which identified as CTE’s first priority the support of local and intermediate structures.

The review group interviewed County Ecumenical Development Officers and others and analysed material from two on-line surveys. The report describes the various origins of the intermediate bodies and their subsequent developments and the ways in which they network between their partner Churches. It makes 43 recommendations to various bodies and an implementation committee will be appointed by the Enabling Group of CTE to coordinate the responses to them. 25 appendices gather together the information on which the report is based, including the surveys.

In presenting the report, Bill emphasised that Intermediate Bodies are firstly 'visible signs' of the churches' commitment to Christ and each other and, secondly, instruments for the churches to proclaim the gospel together by common witness and service in their localities. The report notes that the present state of Intermediate Bodies is ‘the result of a changing scene – the desire for lighter structures, reduced human and personal resources, the tension between mission and unity, the increased profile of other faith communities, the more varied and diverse nature of Christian communities, and an accountability culture.’

The report is available as a PDF download and printed copies may be obtained from the London office at cost (£4).