The global Disciples family
Deepening fellowship across borders. Seeking visible unity and shared mission.
The Disciples Ecumenical Consultative Council (DECC) brings together churches from the Disciples of Christ and Churches of Christ traditions, including United and Uniting Churches that Disciples have joined. Founded in 1979, the council strengthens their common calling to Christian unity and mission.
A council for consultation and fellowship
The DECC enables member churches to consult on faith, witness, and unity. It serves their relationships and shared ecumenical calling rather than exercising legislative authority over them.
A shared calling to unity
The council supports the churches as they deepen fellowship, learn from one another, and take part in the wider ecumenical movement. Its purposes include:
- Strengthening fellowship among Disciples and with other churches seeking visible unity.
- Connecting member churches with regional and international ecumenical bodies.
- Encouraging theological study, bilateral dialogue, church union conversations, and common witness.
- Sharing information and learning from the churches’ ecumenical experiences.
- Representing the worldwide fellowship in ecumenical settings when invited.
The DECC is committed to undertaking work with other churches and Christian World Communions wherever it can be done better together.
Member churches
The council’s fellowship connects churches in diverse national, cultural, and ecclesial settings. Explore the churches and related profiles below.
Mexico
Asociacion Iglesias Cristianas Evangelicas (Discipulos de Cristo), Mexico
Disciples–Catholic International Dialogue
The international dialogue is an expression of the global Disciples family’s commitment to visible Christian unity. It brings Disciples and Catholics into sustained theological reflection on the life, faith, and ministry of the Church.
Sixth phase completed · June 2026
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
The commission concluded the sixth phase in Rome and approved its final report, The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Ministries of the Church.
Earlier Disciples-side dialogue roster
This roster is retained from the earlier DECC page as a record of dialogue participation. Institutional appointments and locations reflect that earlier listing.
Steering committee
- Rev. Dr. Robert Welsh — Co-chair
President Emeritus, Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry; Indianapolis, Indiana. - Rev. Paul S. Tché — Co-Secretary
General Secretary, Disciples Ecumenical Consultative Council; Indianapolis, Indiana.
Dialogue team members
- Rev. Dr. Thomas Best
Retired Executive Director, Faith and Order Commission, World Council of Churches; Belmont, Massachusetts. - Rev. Dr. Merryl Blair
Churches of Christ Theological College; Mulgrave North, Victoria, Australia. - Rev. Dr. Geritza Olivella
Associate General Pastor in Church Growth and Family, Iglesia Cristiana (Discípulos de Cristo) en Puerto Rico; Bayamón, Puerto Rico. - Rev. Nöel A. Suministrado
Pastor, Broadway Disciples United Church; Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. - Rev. Dr. Newell Williams
President, Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University; Fort Worth, Texas.
Relationships in the wider ecumenical movement
World Communion of Reformed Churches
The DECC relates to the World Communion of Reformed Churches as an associated member, extending its relationships within the wider family of churches.
Global Christian Forum
The DECC’s relationships also include the Global Christian Forum, a space for encounter and mutual understanding across a broad range of Christian traditions.
Leadership & contact
Shernett Smith
Moderator · Kingston, Jamaica
Rev. Paul S. Tché
General Secretary · Indianapolis, Indiana
For inquiries about the council and its ecumenical relationships:
P.O. Box 1986
Indianapolis, IN 46206, USA
Phone: +1 317-713-2585
Email: cuim@disciples.org