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Last update:
13 August 2008

URC SOUTHERN SYNOD LOGO
Ecumenical

The URC is an ecumenical Church uniting the Congregational and Presbyterian denominations in 1972 and later the Churches of Christ and the Scottish Congregational Church.

Our Scheme of Union affirms our intention to go on praying and working with all our fellow Christians for the visible unity of the church in obedience to Christ’s calling to be one in faith and mission.

Many of our congregations are ecumenical including worshippers from all Christian backgrounds and none. Within the Southern Synod almost 50 of our 175 local churches are either united congregations or in covenanted partnerships with Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Roman Catholic and Independent Churches. Most of our other UR Churches are active members of Churches Together groups across the Synod.

We continue to work alongside our fellow Christians in growing partnership in both urban and rural, old and new communities; seeking to serve and to witness to Christ in the unity of his love.

Ecumenical Officer
Revd Bryan R. Shirley B.D.
Synod Ecumenical Officer
15 Chancellors Park,
Hassocks,
West Sussex
BN6 8EY

Tel: 01273 841049

E mail:ecumenical@urcsouthern.org.uk

The Ecumenical Officer works half-time, giving ecumenical support to the Synod, Districts and local churches. In conjunction with our District Ecumenical Officers and the Moderator, he offers pastoral oversight to all LEPs and united churches, with special emphasis upon the support of local ministry. He shares this work with the ecumenical officers of other denominations in Kent, Sussex, S. London and Surrey. His experience is in the uniting and covenanting of churches, ecumenical initiatives and church planting in new areas, team ministries and the drafting of constitutions and sharing agreements. His primary commitment concerns the 'mission' of the Church, called to serve and witness in the unity of Christ's love.

Bryan is married to Rosemary who is currently studying for self-supporting ministry at STETS (Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme). They have two adult children Michael, a professional bass guitarist and Rebekah who has recently graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in Illustration and Animation. Bryan's interests include hiking, reading, politics and travelling. He combines his ecumenical post with the half-time ministry of Hassocks URC near Brighton.