Who we are

Partner Churches

The Church in Aotearoa‑New Zealand works and lives in unity in Christ. The nation is founded on Te Tiriti 0 Waitangi, which provides the context within which the church pursues God's mission. The Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa is one catalyst in this mission.

The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.
The Associated Churches of Christ in New Zealand.
The Congregational Union of New Zealand
The Methodist Church of New Zealand - Te Hahi Weteriana O Aotearoa.
The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Forum Purpose

The Forum of Uniting Congregations of Aotearoa New Zealand:

Promotes the unity of the Church by whatever actions are necessary.
Proclaims local, regional and national expressions of unity and mission as authentic
Pursues the ecumenical intention expressed by the Partners in the Act of Commitment 1967.
Administers the Guide to Procedures in Cooperative Ventures

In pursuing its purpose the Forum recognises with patience and understanding the difficulties and the complexity inherent within the journey to unity.

Co-operating Parish

A cooperating parish is one in which some or all of the Partners have agreed to share to a considerable degree ministry, worship, buildings and other aspects of local church life. The legal position is that the former parishes or mission districts are still considered to exist within the life of the Cooperating parish.

Co-operative Ventures

The inclusive term to cover Union and Cooperating parishes, Joint use schemes, Shared ministries, Covenants and other joint local ecumenical activity working together within approved guidelines.

Union Parish

A Union parish is one in which some of the Partners other than the Anglican Church have united to form one parish.

Local Ecumenical Project (LEP)

A project where at least two congregations in an area formally agree to work more closely together. LEPs may include congregations who are not a party to the Forum.