Why work ecumenically
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Background
Cross-denominational church projects often adopt statements of faith for participating churches and volunteers to sign up to. For schools work projects these tend to be evangelical, but whether they have an evangelical or liberal slant they can prove difficult for all Christian churches to agree with completely.
As a project, which is supported by evangelical churches, it is our belief that it is important to start by understanding what is important to the school. We have no statement of faith.
No one wishing to establish a Christian mission project in another country would do so without taking time to understand the wishes, language and culture of the people among whom they were to work. So it is when it comes to engaging with schools.
In particular it is important to understand the schools educational goals, the role of RE, how teachers hope you will help them and why as local Christians you might want to embrace this educational agenda.
Benefits for Schools
Community schools don't favour one faith over another let alone denomination over another. They certainly don't want churches competing over access to their pupils.
Our differences are only of interest educationally. What schools want to help children understand is the similarities and differences between faiths. What is it that makes all these denominations Christian? And if they are all Christian why are there differences?
What better way to demonstrate a Christian unity than presenting our distinct traditions together and explaining what's different but also what we have in common?
Benefits for Churches
By working with other churches you start to draw on a larger pool of resources for your project: people, finance and buildings.
Once you start working on something like this with other churches you'll find denominational differences need not be a barrier to working together on other projects.
Benefits for Individuals
We think you'll find it refreshing to work with other denominations without needing to defend your own position. Ignore the stereotypes and enjoy the differences, understand them better, see them from the other side. Learn what you value most about your own tradition.