INDIANAPOLIS— The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada has taken an important step in its ecumenical journey as the 227th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved GAR-10, authorizing the beginning of a formal bilateral dialogue toward full communion between the two denominations.
The action follows the unanimous recommendation of the General Assembly’s Relationships Committee and was approved by the General Assembly as part of its consent agenda at the opening of the Assembly.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was represented at the General Assembly by General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens and Rev. Paul S. Tché, President of Disciples Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry (CUIM). Rev. Hord Owens greeted the Assembly on behalf of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), reaffirming our church’s commitment to Christian unity and expressing gratitude for the growing relationship between our two communions. During the Ecumenical Dinner, Rev. Tché also offered remarks on behalf of the Disciples, celebrating this hopeful new chapter in the relationship between the two churches.
The formal dialogue is expected to begin later this year and will bring together representatives from both churches to engage in theological reflection, historical study, and conversations on ministry, sacraments, governance, and shared mission as they discern the possibility of establishing a full communion relationship.
What Is Full Communion?
A relationship of full communion is one of the highest expressions of unity that churches can share while remaining distinct denominations. It is not a merger. Rather, it is a covenant in which two churches recognize one another as authentic expressions of the one Church of Christ while maintaining their own identities, traditions, governance, and theological distinctives.
Although each church remains fully itself, a full communion relationship typically includes:
- Mutual recognition of one another’s baptisms, celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and ordained ministries.
- The orderly exchange of clergy according to mutually agreed-upon procedures.
- Opportunities for shared worship, mission, evangelism, and public witness.
- Continued theological dialogue, cooperation, and mutual accountability as partners in Christ’s mission.
For both the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), this dialogue is an opportunity to discern how the unity already given to the Church by Christ may be expressed more visibly for the sake of the Gospel.
“This dialogue represents more than the beginning of another ecumenical conversation,” said Tché. “It is an opportunity for our churches to deepen our friendship, learn from one another, and discern together how God is calling us to bear a more faithful witness to the Gospel in a divided world.”
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have enjoyed a long history of partnership through local ministries, theological education, ecumenical organizations, disaster response, and shared advocacy for justice and peace. This new dialogue builds upon decades of friendship while creating a formal framework for exploring an even deeper ecclesial relationship.
Disciples Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry will coordinate the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)’s participation in the dialogue and will continue to share updates as this important work unfolds.
Rev. Tché added, “Every step toward greater Christian unity is ultimately a response to Christ’s prayer ‘that they may all be one’ (John 17:21). We invite the whole church to pray for this dialogue—for wisdom, humility, patience, and openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. May this journey deepen the friendship between our churches and strengthen our shared witness to Jesus Christ in a world that longs for hope and reconciliation.”
Learn More
Those interested in learning more about this significant ecumenical milestone are invited to explore the following resources:
Official General Assembly Action (GAR-10)
https://myga.pc-biz.org/search/3001507
Read the official business item authorizing the bilateral dialogue toward full communion between the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Presentation and Committee Discussion
https://pcusa.org/227th-general-assembly-2026/ga227-committees/gar
Watch the archived livestream of the General Assembly Relationships Committee, including Rev. Paul S. Tché’s presentation on behalf of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the committee’s discussion, and its unanimous recommendation to begin the dialogue.
