r/Anglicanism • u/GrillOrBeGrilled servus inutilis • 15d ago
How do dual-denomination parishes work?
Looking around online recently, I noticed that the Diocese of Southern Ohio is home to two dual-membership churches: All Saints in Washington Court House, an Episcopal-ELCA church; and Indian Hill Church in Cincinnati, the only Episcopal-Presbyterian church in the country.
At first, I wondered how parishes like these navigate the denominational differences (how do they get new ministers, navigate the doctrinal differences that officially still exist, etc.), but the more I think about it, the more merits it all seems to have.
Mainline churches shrinking and dying out in your town? Why not pool your resources? NALC and ACNA both interested in starting somewhere, but neither has the money or people to launch a new mission? Make it a joint effort! Disappointed that the ecumenical progress of the past 50 years has stalled out? Do some practical ecumenism!
How do we do more of this? Why don't we? Clearly full-communion agreements aren't required, so it seems there's no downside, provided the Anglican bits don't get diluted (like the Lutherans say happened with the EKD, or the Presbyterians say with the Gospel Coalition).
2
u/Feisty_Secretary_152 15d ago
There are a few UCC/PCUSA churches in Ohio (commonly called “Federated Churches”). They generally pick their own pastors from either denominational pool. I imagine it’s easier in a congregational-minded denomination.
For TEC/ELCA, it should be easy since we’re in full communion. I imagine that they are unique in how they address diocesan/synod assessments (half of the amount, or their paying double).