The head offices of the New Apostolic Churches in Europe are working together even more closely. At their most recent meeting, the District Apostles discussed specific requirements.
Cooperation has long been standard practice at the Church administrations in Germany and Switzerland. Dedicated working groups have been in place for years, including service groups for Purchasing, Construction and Property Management, and IT. Experts from the various administrations exchange information, place joint orders and develop shared infrastructure.
The European District Apostle Meeting now intends to take things several steps further. The possibilities were discussed at the most recent meeting chaired by Chief Apostle Helge Mutschler, which took place last Thursday and Friday in Tuttlingen, Germany. The official website of the New Apostolic Church International(NACI), along with those of the District Apostle Areas Northern and Eastern Germany, Switzerland, Southern Germany, and Western Germany reported on the discussions in identical announcements.
Consistent practices within a shared cultural context
One of the main topics discussed was the harmonisation of Church guidelines. These generally apply worldwide, but regional variations are both appropriate and possible within this framework.
The European District Apostles are now looking to establish consistent procedures within their shared cultural context. For historical reasons, different policies are still in place today, even within the one country of Germany alone.
Avoiding duplication
The District Apostles also see further potential for cooperation in administrative matters. This is because the administrations face the same technical requirements, operate within the same legal framework as public-law bodies, and have identical responsibilities as employers.
For this reason, intensifying cooperation is not merely sensible but necessary. This could involve sharing knowledge and experience, making facilities and structures available to one another, and developing joint solutions.
Turning intentions into action
“The Chief Apostle made it clear that this cooperation was neither intended as a step towards nor as a preliminary stage to any further merger of Regional Churches,” the joint announcement states. “Rather, it is intended as a long-term, committed partnership in which each Regional Church continues to act as an independent partner.”
The District Apostles are nevertheless aware that “diversity in unity also means not insisting on one’s own solution, but being willing to give it up at times in the interests of unity,” explained Simon Heiniger, head of Communications and Project Management at the New Apostolic Church International (NACI).
That this is about more than declarations of intent is demonstrated by the first concrete task already assigned by the District Apostle Meeting: a group of female ministers is to review the existing rules regarding the attire of female clergy and develop a uniform set of guidelines for Europe.