inter-church-families

Walking to the Tomb Together: Holy Week and Easter for Interchurch Families

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:15:34 GMT

Walking to the Tomb Together: Holy Week and Easter for Interchurch Families

Walking to the Tomb Together: Holy Week and Easter for Interchurch Families

There is a moment that many interchurch families know well. It happens at the Communion rail, or the table, or the moment of distribution — whatever your traditions call it. Someone you love moves forward, and you stay in the pew. Or you move forward, and they stay. Holy Week and Easter, of all the seasons in the Christian year, make that moment feel both sharper and, strangely, more bearable. Because the whole story we are walking through is about precisely this: death, separation, the unbearable waiting, and what breaks through on the other side.

Holy Week is not one thing. It is a gathering of experiences — triumphal and terrifying, intimate and cosmic — and different Christian traditions enter it through different doors. Some families mark Palm Sunday with a full liturgical procession, palms in hand, in one tradition, and a simple gospel reading and reflection in another. Maundy Thursday may mean a Seder-influenced Last Supper meal in one church, a solemn stripping of the altar in another, foot-washing in a third. Good Friday could bring the Stations of the Cross, a Three Hours devotion, a plain service of readings, or a walk of witness through town with Christians from every denomination on the street together — which is often where interchurch families feel most themselves.

For many of us, Holy Week is actually the week when being an interchurch family feels most visible. Because the services multiply. Because the question of where you worship together, and where you worship separately, has to be answered again, practically, in the diary. Some couples divide the week: she attends the Tenebrae at her Catholic parish, he attends the Good Friday service at his Methodist chapel. Some go to everything, developing a Holy Week stamina that is exhausting and somehow also grace-filled. Some find the one ecumenical service in the area and plant themselves there with relief.

Children in interchurch families often absorb something important from this navigation that we don't always name explicitly: that the same story is being told, with passion and sincerity, in many different rooms. The cross at the centre of Good Friday is the same cross. The empty tomb at the heart of Easter is the same tomb. What differs is the texture of how we approach it — the particular prayers, the music, the ceremonial — and those differences are not nothing. They carry centuries of lived faith. But they do not divide the story itself.

The particular ache of Easter Communion

Easter Sunday is, in most traditions, the high feast of the Eucharist. It is the Sunday of Sundays. And for interchurch families where the question of sharing Communion is unresolved — or resolved only partially, or differently in different contexts — it can carry a particular ache. To be at the altar rail on Easter morning and not receive together feels, on this of all days, like a wound.

We do not say this to make it heavier than it already is. We say it because it is true, and because AIF exists partly to hold that truth with honesty, rather than smooth it over with easy reassurance. The hope of full visible unity between our churches is an Easter hope — it belongs to the theology of resurrection, to the not-yet that we trust is coming. Living in an interchurch family is, in one sense, living in that not-yet every week. Holy Week simply makes it more legible.

Some interchurch families have found ways to mark Easter Communion together that honour their different traditions — attending both churches, receiving in the tradition that permits it, offered a blessing in the other. Some have found that particular parishes or congregations extend a welcome that their official denominational position does not quite reach. Some wait, year after year, with a patience that is itself a form of faith.

Holy Saturday and the grace of in-between

There is one day in Holy Week that interchurch families may find speaks to their experience with unexpected directness: Holy Saturday.

Holy Saturday is the day between. The disciples do not yet know what Sunday will bring. The tomb is sealed. The story appears to have ended in the worst possible way. And yet they wait. They do not yet have the resolution. They are holding grief and, somewhere beneath it, a hope they cannot yet name or trust.

Interchurch families often live in a version of that Saturday space. The full unity of our churches has not yet come. The Communion table is not yet fully shared. The theological conversations continue, with genuine movement and genuine frustration in roughly equal measure. We are not yet at Easter morning — not the Easter morning of visible, structural unity. But we are past Good Friday. Something irreversible has happened in the love between people of different traditions who have built lives and families and faith together. That is not nothing. That is, in its own way, resurrection already at work.

What Easter asks of us

Easter does not ask interchurch families to pretend the divisions don't exist. It asks something harder and more interesting: to live as resurrection people within the reality of those divisions. To keep showing up to both churches. To keep praying for unity that we may not live to see in its fullness. To raise children who know, in their bones, that the Body of Christ is larger than any single tradition, and that love across difference is not a compromise but a vocation.

The earliest Easter proclamation was not a theological argument. It was a startled announcement: he is not here. He is risen. Go and tell.

Interchurch families have their own version of that announcement to make — simply by existing, by loving across denominational lines, by raising children in the breadth of the Christian family rather than its narrowness. In a world that still finds it easy to retreat into tribal certainty, that witness matters.

This Easter, wherever your family worships — in whatever combination of traditions, in whatever mix of services and silences and Communion received and longed for — you are part of a story larger than your own. The tomb is empty. The waiting is not the end.

A blessed and holy Easter to all AIF families, wherever you are.

MJCarroll -Executive Officer of the Association of Interchurch Families.

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The Association of Interchurch Families supports couples and families from different Christian traditions. If you would like to connect with others who share your experience, or access our resources on interchurch family life, visit www.interchurchfamilies.org.uk

MARCH — “Reconciliation in Everyday Life”

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 22:45:15 GMT

“Reconciliation in Everyday Life”

Reconciliation is a word we often associate with large-scale processes: peace agreements, historic apologies, shifts in ecclesial relationships. But for interchurch families, reconciliation is an everyday practice, unfolding in kitchens, car journeys, living rooms, and pews. It is woven into conversations with priests and ministers, the choices made in raising children, and the countless moments of interpreting one tradition to another.

In March, the theme of “Reconciliation in Everyday Life” offers us a chance to consider how interchurch families live out a quiet, persistent form of reconciliation that is rarely celebrated — but deeply needed in the Church.

Reconciliation begins with honesty. Many interchurch couples enter their relationship with an idealistic belief that similarities will outweigh differences. But over time, real distinctions emerge. Liturgy, sacramental theology, views on authority, attitudes toward ministry — these are not small matters. Reconciling these differences is not about minimising them; it is about honouring them while finding a way to walk together.

This honesty can be painful. Sometimes differences feel sharper than expected. Sometimes one partner feels misunderstood or unseen in the other’s tradition. Sometimes external pressures — from family, ministers, or church policies — complicate what already feels delicate. Everyday reconciliation begins with naming these realities gently and truthfully.

From honesty grows understanding. Interchurch families become experts in explaining: why a particular practice matters, where a tradition comes from, how a sacrament shapes identity. Understanding does not always lead to agreement, but it does soften conflict. It transforms difference from a battleground into a landscape of learning.

Reconciliation also requires patience. Churches move slowly — often far more slowly than interchurch families need them to. Conversations about intercommunion, shared participation, pastoral care, and recognition of one another’s ministries unfold across decades. Meanwhile, your family must make decisions now. You cannot wait for the perfect ecumenical moment; you must live faithfully within the present imperfect one.

This is why everyday reconciliation is holy. It is not grand or dramatic; it is ordinary and steady. It is found in small choices:
• alternating worship services, not because it is convenient but because it is fair
• celebrating feasts twice, honouring both traditions
• navigating Holy Week with generosity
• listening when your partner needs space to grieve or rejoice within their own church

These practices become sacraments of reconciliation in your home — signs of grace that help heal the fractures between traditions.

Children often play a surprisingly powerful role in this process. Their questions cut through complexity:
“Why can’t we all share Communion together?”
“Are we one church or two?”
“Does God mind that we go to different churches?”
These questions push families into conversations that might otherwise be avoided. They reveal where reconciliation is incomplete and where hope still lives. Children remind us that reconciliation is not about winning theological arguments; it is about forming hearts shaped by unity.

But reconciliation is not always peaceful. Sometimes interchurch families feel hurt by clergy or church practices. A denied sacrament. An insensitive comment. A lack of welcome. These wounds matter. Everyday reconciliation means acknowledging them and seeking healing — through conversation, prayer, or support from other interchurch families who understand.

The Association of Interchurch Families has long been a place where these stories are shared honestly. This shared witness is itself a form of reconciliation. By naming both the joys and the hardships, we create a community where grace can grow. We remind one another that no family walks this path alone.

March also invites us to reflect theologically. Reconciliation is not merely a human effort; it is God’s work. Christ is the one who breaks down dividing walls. The Holy Spirit is the one who draws us into unity. Interchurch families participate in this divine work in a profoundly embodied way. Your home becomes a place where reconciliation is lived, tested, stretched, and renewed.

But reconciliation does not mean pretending differences no longer matter. True reconciliation honours difference while seeking communion. It recognises that unity is not absorption; it is relationship. Interchurch families show the Church that reconciliation is possible without erasing identity.

As we journey through the month of March, consider where reconciliation is being asked of you — in your church life, your family relationships, or your inner world. Perhaps there is an old frustration to let go of, or a new conversation to approach gently. Perhaps you need reconciliation with yourself, acknowledging that navigating two traditions is demanding and that you deserve compassion.

Wherever you find yourself, know this: the reconciliation you practice in your everyday life is not small. It contributes to the wider reconciliation the whole Church longs for. Your witness matters. Your hope matters. Your love matters.

May this month bring you grace, patience, and a renewed sense of God at work in every effort toward unity — no matter how small.

Melanie Carroll - Executive Officer

February - Love That Bridges Difference

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:55:59 GMT

Love that Bridges Difference

February is often associated with love — though more in the commercial sense of cards, roses, or chocolates than in the deeper spiritual sense that Christian communities hold dear. Yet for interchurch families, February offers a meaningful lens: love not as sentiment, but as the active, resilient, bridge-building force that shapes daily life.

Interchurch families embody a unique form of love — one that does not erase difference but holds it with tenderness and integrity. Living between Christian traditions demands a kind of relational maturity that many never have to face. You are navigating not only the dynamics of partnership but also the complexities of identity, belonging, practice, memory, and often deeply held theological commitments. Yet the love that binds your family is strong enough to build bridges between these realities.

Love that bridges difference is not effortless. It asks patience when conversations become difficult. It asks humility when traditions clash in ways you had not expected. It asks creativity when parenting decisions require balancing two sets of sacramental expectations. It asks compassion when one partner struggles with feeling like an outsider in the other’s church.

And yet, this love thrives precisely because it is active. It does not avoid tension; it transforms it. It invites both partners to learn from each other’s backgrounds and appreciate the richness of their shared spiritual landscape. Love in an interchurch family becomes an everyday practice of listening, accommodating, celebrating, and sometimes lamenting.

This form of love reveals something beautiful about Christian unity itself. Unity is not uniformity; it is difference held in love. This is not just a slogan in ecclesial documents — it is a lived reality in your homes. You show the wider Church, often without realising it, what unity can look like when love is its foundation rather than doctrine alone.

February asks us to sit quietly with the question: What does it mean to love across difference?
For interchurch families, it may mean recognising that both traditions contribute to your family’s spiritual life in ways that are irreplaceable. Your home may hold the language of two liturgies, the rhythm of two calendars, the melody of two hymnals. Each contributes something distinct. Together, they form a spiritual ecosystem richer than either would be alone.

It may also mean advocating for one another within your respective churches — explaining your family’s journey to ministers, pushing gently for understanding when policies feel restrictive, or helping children navigate questions about belonging. These acts are not merely relational; they are ecclesial. They are expressions of love directed both toward the family and toward the unity of the wider Church.

Love that bridges difference also has a contemplative dimension. It invites us to discover the presence of Christ already at work across denominations. To see Christ in the Eucharist of one tradition and the Communion table of another. To hear Christ in the silence of one church and the vibrant hymnody of another. Interchurch families become witnesses to the breadth of Christ’s body.

Yet living this love can be draining. It can feel like carrying the weight of reconciliation on your shoulders — particularly when institutional misunderstandings or barriers arise. In these moments, February’s theme becomes an invitation to receive love as well as give it. Allow yourself the grace to rest, to recognise that you cannot solve the divisions of the global Church within your home. Unity is God’s work; your calling is simply to live faithfully within it.

Perhaps the most beautiful expression of love in interchurch families is the way it shapes children. Children raised between traditions often grow up seeing difference as normal, not threatening. They learn early that two ways of worshipping can be equally holy. They discover that the Church is bigger than any one expression. This is love at its most transformative — forming hearts that are open, curious, and grounded.

As February unfolds, may interchurch families take time not only to reflect on the love they offer one another but also to honour the love that sustains them: the love of God who draws all things into unity. Love does not erase difference; it binds it into something beautiful. Interchurch families live this truth every day — and the Church is richer because of it.

Melanie Carroll - Executive Officer

One Body, One Spirit: What Interchurch Families Reveal About Christian Unity - An AIF reflection for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:33:51 GMT

One Body, One Spirit: What Interchurch Families Reveal About Christian Unity

Each January, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity offers the churches an opportunity to pause and reflect on the unity we confess and the divisions we continue to live with. In 2026, the chosen theme — “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4) — names something central to the Church’s self-understanding: unity is not an aspiration we invent, but a reality we are called to live into.

For the Association of Interchurch Families, this theme is not abstract. It resonates deeply with the ongoing experience of families who belong, worship, and participate across Christian traditions. Interchurch families do not stand outside the Church’s struggle for unity; they are located squarely within it.

Unity as a Given, Not a Goal

Paul’s words to the Ephesians do not begin with an instruction to create unity. Instead, they speak of unity as something already given: one body, one Spirit, one hope. The task that follows is not construction but faithfulness — learning how to live in a way that honours what is already true in Christ.

This distinction matters. Too often, Christian unity is framed as a future achievement, dependent on agreement, negotiation, or institutional convergence. The 2026 theme gently but firmly reframes the conversation. Unity precedes our efforts. It is grounded in God’s action, not ours.

Interchurch families instinctively understand this theological ordering. Their shared Christian life does not begin with the resolution of difference, but with the recognition of a faith already held in common. Difference remains real and sometimes difficult, but it is encountered within an existing bond, not outside it.

Living with Difference Inside the One Body

The image of the Church as one body has often been used to affirm diversity of gifts and functions. What is less frequently explored is what it means to live with diversity that is shaped by distinct ecclesial traditions — different patterns of worship, authority, sacramental understanding, and spiritual language.

Interchurch families live with these realities daily. Their experience highlights something important for the wider Church: difference does not automatically fracture unity, but it does require attentiveness, humility, and patience. These are not optional virtues. They are the practical disciplines of belonging to one body.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity regularly invites churches to pray for deeper mutual understanding. Interchurch families remind us that understanding is not achieved once and for all. It is sustained through listening, mutual respect, and a willingness to remain in relationship even when questions remain unresolved.

One Spirit at Work Beyond Boundaries

The 2026 theme also directs attention to the work of the Holy Spirit. If there is one Spirit animating the body of Christ, then the Spirit cannot be confined neatly within denominational boundaries. This has implications not only for ecumenical dialogue, but for how churches recognise one another’s faithfulness and fruitfulness.

Interchurch families often encounter both hospitality and hesitation within church communities. Their presence can expose unspoken assumptions about belonging: who is fully included, who is seen as peripheral, and whose faith is trusted. The theme of one Spirit challenges churches to look again at how they recognise the Spirit’s work in Christians formed by different traditions.

For the Association of Interchurch Families, this is not a theoretical question. It touches pastoral care, sacramental participation, and the formation of children and young people. The lived reality of interchurch families raises questions that cannot be answered solely by policy; they require discernment rooted in the shared work of the Spirit.

One Hope, Held Together

The final phrase of the theme — one hope of your calling — draws unity beyond the present moment. Christian unity is not sustained by agreement alone, but by a shared orientation towards God’s future. Hope allows Christians to remain connected even when full resolution feels distant.

Interchurch families often hold this hope in a particularly grounded way. They live with unresolved tensions not because they minimise them, but because they trust that faithfulness does not require completeness. Their lives suggest that unity can be real, even when it is unfinished.

This has something to offer the wider Church during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Rather than viewing difference as a failure to be overcome, interchurch family life points towards unity as something practised patiently, sustained by grace, and entrusted to God’s ongoing work.

A Quiet Witness to the Church

The Association of Interchurch Families does not claim that interchurch families provide a solution to the Church’s divisions. What they do offer is a witness — often quiet, sometimes costly — to the possibility of remaining faithful to Christ across ecclesial boundaries.

The 2026 theme names a truth the Church already confesses. Interchurch families live close to that truth, not by choice or strategy, but through the ordinary realities of shared Christian life. As churches pray together this January, their experience invites a deeper reflection: not only on what unity should look like, but on where it is already being lived.

Melanie Carroll - Executive Officer.

If you are not already a Member of AIF we invite you to join us at our online Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity as we come together as 'One Body and One Spirit'.

Please register below and we will send you out a zoom link to join us.

An Invitation to the AIF Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service on the 20th January 2026 at 7:30PM

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 23:54:15 GMT

If you are not already a Member of AIF we invite you to join us at our online Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity as we come together as

'One Body and One Spirit'.

Please register below and we will send you out a zoom link to join us.

Happy New Year! January —The Courage to Begin Again

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:50:34 GMT

JANUARY — The Courage to Begin Again

January is a month often framed by fresh starts, renewed hopes, and the desire to step into the year with intention. For many interchurch families, however, the idea of “beginning again” is not simply about turning the page on a calendar; it is a rhythm woven into their very way of life. Interchurch families live at the intersection of traditions, expectations, and identities. As a result, the courage to begin again is not seasonal — it is habitual. Yet January gives us an opportunity to name that courage, honour it, and recognise the spiritual depth it carries.

Beginning again may be as practical as shifting Sunday worship patterns because a child’s schedule has changed, or as emotional as revisiting conversations about belonging that have long been sources of tension. It may involve addressing unresolved experiences from last year — a moment when a priest or minister misunderstood your family dynamic, or when extended family expressed opinions about your choices to raise your children in both traditions. For some, beginning again may be choosing to return to church life after a season of being stretched thin or feeling spiritually exhausted.

The idea of “courage” can sound dramatic, but for interchurch families it is often quiet, steady, and almost unnoticed. It is the courage of showing up in a church that is yours but not fully yours. It is the courage of continuing to pray for unity when you feel the strain of disunity most sharply. It is the courage of teaching children that they are not divided but doubly enriched, even when the world struggles to understand that reality.

January invites us to reflect on the difference between courage as a moment and courage as a practice. A single moment of bravery can be powerful, but interchurch life asks for something more: a patient, ongoing willingness to step forward, again and again, even when the way is uncertain. Beginning again in this context is not naïve optimism; it is a spiritual discipline rooted in hope.

For many interchurch families, hope is what sustains the courage to begin again. Hope that the churches we love will continue to grow closer. Hope that our children will be able to live out their faith identities freely and fully. Hope that our own callings — lay or ordained, formal or informal — will be recognised and supported in both of our traditions. January reminds us that these hopes need tending, and tending requires courage.

Scripturally, we often turn to passages that speak of new beginnings — “Behold, I am doing a new thing” or “His mercies are new every morning.” But for interchurch families, it may be equally valuable to reflect on the stories where God’s people must take small, faithful steps into uncertain territory. Abraham setting out “not knowing where he was going.” Peter stepping onto the water with trembling confidence. The disciples returning again to the upper room to pray and wait when they did not know what God would do next. These moments resonate deeply with interchurch experience. Beginning again is not about control; it is about trust. It is about trusting God with your family’s decisions, your children’s spirituality, and your own dual belonging. It is about trusting that unity is not only a prayer but a promise — one that will unfold over time, even if we do not yet see the full picture.

January also encourages us to reflect on the internal dimension of beginning again. Many interchurch families carry memories of past experiences — some beautiful, some painful. The courage to begin again includes the courage to forgive, to heal, to remain open. Unity in the home requires unity of heart, and unity of heart requires the bravery to keep loving generously across difference.

Perhaps you find yourself this January feeling hopeful, or perhaps tired. Perhaps you are longing for clarity about church commitments, or simply grateful for the stability your family has found.

Whatever this year begins with for you, hear this blessing:
Your courage is seen. Your hope is holy. Your faithfulness is part of the very story of Christian unity that the whole Church longs for.

As we enter 2026, may you find the gentle strength to begin again — not because January demands it, but because God is already ahead of you on the path, welcoming you into the year with grace.

Melanie Carroll - Executive Officer

A Christmas & New Year Prayer

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:21:06 GMT

Eternal God,

at Christmas we give you thanks for the gift of your Son,

born among us to bring light into the world

and to draw all people into your reconciling love.

As the Association of Interchurch Families,

we come before you as those who live daily across Christian traditions,

seeking to hold together faith, family, and unity in Christ.

We give thanks for the churches and friends

who walk alongside us, support us,

and share in this calling.

At this turning of the year,

we pray that the light of Christ, first seen in the manger,

may continue to shape our shared life.

Grant to your Church and all people a generosity of spirit,

patience in difference,

and a deepened commitment to the unity we share through birth and baptism.

As one year ends and another begins,

renew our common resolve to listen well,

to learn from lived experience,

and to bear faithful witness together

to the truth that unity in Christ does not require uniformity,

but is grounded in Love.

May the joy and hope of Christmas remain with us in the year ahead,

strengthening our partnerships,

guiding our discernment,

and drawing us ever more deeply into your peace.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

the Word made flesh,

the light of the world,

now and for ever.

Amen.

An Invitation to the AIF Advent Service & Social on the 2nd December 2025

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:32:53 GMT

If you are not already a Member of AIF we invite you to join us at our online Advent Service and Social.

Please register below and we will send you out a zoom link to join us.

AIF's 40th and Final Weekend at the Hayes

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:12:41 GMT

Farewell to Swanwick: AIF’s 40th and Final Weekend at The Hayes

The weekend of the 10th-12th October 2025 marked a momentous occasion for the Association of Interchurch Families (AIF). For forty years, The Hayes Conference Centre at Swanwick has been the spiritual and communal home for the Association’s annual weekend. This year’s gathering was both a celebration and a farewell — the 40th AIF weekend at Swanwick, and also the last one to be held there; and the theme of Nicaea, invited deep reflection on how the early church still speaks into the lives of interchurch families today — families who embody, in daily life, the hope of Christian unity.

Forty Years at Swanwick – An Ending and a Beginning

For decades, The Hayes has offered not only hospitality but also a sense of belonging. The familiar rooms, long dining tables, and tree-lined paths have witnessed countless conversations, worship, tears, laughter, and new friendships across denominational lines.

As one participant put it, “Swanwick feels like part of our story — the backdrop to our becoming a community.”

This year, the atmosphere was rich with gratitude and gentle sorrow. Saying farewell to The Hayes felt like closing a well-loved chapter. Yet, as in all endings, there was also the quiet stir of anticipation — of wondering what the next chapter might hold for AIF gatherings and for the families who continue to shape its future.

Exploring Nicaea – Unity, Diversity, and Shared Faith

The choice of Nicaea as this year’s theme was striking. The Council of Nicaea (325 CE) stands as a defining moment in Christian history — when representatives of a divided church sought to articulate a shared confession of faith.

For interchurch families, this ancient story resonates strongly. The questions that faced the bishops of Nicaea — about unity, difference, and the language of faith — are echoed in the lived experience of couples and families navigating life between traditions.

What does it mean to confess “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” when your family worships in two denominations? How do you live the creed when its words are shared but its expressions differ?

Throughout the weekend, participants wrestled with these questions — connecting theological reflection to the daily practice of interchurch life.

Our Speakers: Revd Dr Jennifer Cooper and Revd Prof Mark Chapman

The theological input came from two distinguished and engaging speakers.

• Revd Dr Jennifer Cooper brought warmth, depth, and accessibility, using the running themes of Stability, Unity and Pilgrimage helped participants connect complex doctrines to the ordinary patterns of interchurch living. She explored how the Nicene faith — particularly its understanding of relationship and communion — speaks powerfully into the experience of shared but sometimes divided faith within families.

• Revd Prof Mark Chapman offered rich historical and theological insight, tracing how the decisions and debates of Nicaea have shaped Christian thought and unity ever since. He invited reflection on how creeds can be both a source of unity and, at times, of tension — and how interchurch families, in their lived witness, can help reimagine that unity today, as their part of 'the step on the way' that are the Creeds..

Together they grounded the weekend in thoughtful theology while opening imaginative and pastoral pathways forward.

Generations of Interchurch Life – The YAG Legacy

One of the most moving and hopeful aspects of this year’s weekend was the presence of two adults who had grown up in the Association of Interchurch Families, returning as part of the community that first helped shape their faith. Both had been part of the Young AIF (YAG) group in their teenage years, and their contributions brought depth, memory, and fresh insight.

They spoke candidly about how being raised in interchurch households had shaped their faith — how they learned to pray, to question, and to hold multiple traditions with respect and affection. Even now, as adults who may worship within a single denomination, both shared that they continue to feel interchurch: carrying within themselves a sense of belonging to more than one tradition.

Their reflections reminded the community that being interchurch is not only a matter for couples, but a lifelong identity and inheritance. The children of interchurch families carry forward a unique ecumenical gift — one that could shape the future of Christian unity in subtle but profound ways.

As one of them observed, “It doesn’t stop with our parents’ marriage — being interchurch becomes part of who we are.”

Stories of a third YAG member highlighted how for some Interchurch Children they continue to worship within multiple churches, seeing no favour in choosing just one - their tradition and faith choice is indeed ecumenical and Interchurch, and this was reflected too by the Executive Officer of AIF who is herself from an Interchurch family and also lives out that rich heritage.

Their presence at this final Swanwick weekend felt deeply symbolic: a reminder that the AIF story continues through new generations, who embody the unity that others have long prayed and worked for.

Worship, Conversation, and Farewell

The weekend blended reflection and worship, learning and community.

• Small groups explored different aspects of the Nicene Creed, considering how ancient affirmations might find new life in interchurch homes.

• Times of prayer drew on varied traditions — celebrating unity in diversity.

• Shared meals and quiet conversations wove together a tapestry of memory and belonging.

A closing act of worship and reflection offered space for gratitude and hope.

Many voiced thanks for what Swanwick had given, alongside trust that the same Spirit who has gathered AIF here for forty years will go ahead into whatever comes next.

Looking Ahead – Carrying the Spirit Forward

As the Association looks toward new venues and new patterns of gathering, the spirit of Swanwick remains. Its legacy is not confined to a location but lives on in the relationships, faith, and imagination of interchurch families themselves.

The weekend’s conversations suggested a renewed sense of purpose:

• To keep creating spaces of belonging for those who live faith across traditions.

• To continue theological reflection rooted in real family life.

• To ensure that future generations, like those returning YAG members, find encouragement and a community that understands their unique experience.

Final Thoughts

The 40th AIF Weekend at Swanwick was both a celebration of all that has been and a commissioning for all that will be. The Council of Nicaea called the early church to discern its unity amid diversity; Interchurch families live that same challenge daily, in love and in hope.

As AIF moves on from The Hayes, the prayer remains the same — that in our shared life, our differences might become gifts, and that together we may reflect something of the deep, reconciling love at the heart of the creed we still dare to say:

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth...

Thy Kingdom Come 2025 - Daily Prayers and Reflections from the Association of Interchurch families

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Wed, 28 May 2025 14:45:06 GMT

Thy Kingdom Come 2025 - Prayers and Reflections from the Association of Interchurch Families

Join us as we Pray through the Eleven Days of Thy Kingdom Come 2025

Thy Kingdom Come 2025 will take place from May 29 to June 8, 2025. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the movement, which invites Christians worldwide to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. The theme for 2025 will be "The Lord's Prayer "

Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) is a global ecumenical prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus.

Since it began in May 2016, God has grown TKC from a dream of possibility into a movement which unites more than a million Christians in prayer, in nearly 90% of countries worldwide, across 85 different denominations and traditions- so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Every person, household and church are encouraged to pray during the 11 days in their own way and so that is why we offer h ere a series of daily prayers and reflections that our Executive Officer has produced for the Association of Interchurch Families, aligned with the 2025 Thy Kingdom Come initiative (29 May to 8 June), marking its 10th anniversary and focusing on The Lord’s Prayer. These prayers honour the particular calling and witness of interchurch families and their unique place in the ecumenical journey.

Each day includes reflection, prayer, and a discussion prompt to support shared ministry with interchurch families and deepen understanding of the ecumenical reality they live.

Each Days material will be posted separately on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Interchurchfamilies/

Please do share this with others for whom it may be of interest.

MJCarroll -Executive Officer of the Association of Interchurch Families.

Palm Branches and Shared Pathways: Interchurch Families and the Call of Palm Sunday

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 19:17:57 GMT

Palm Branches and Shared Pathways: Interchurch Families and the Call of Palm Sunday

As Lent draws toward its culmination, Palm Sunday arrives not with quiet reflection but with an outpouring of joy, tension, and paradox. It is the moment when Jesus enters Jerusalem and is greeted with palm branches, cloaks on the ground, and cries of “Hosanna!” It is a day of welcome—and a day of uncertainty, as the shadow of Holy Week looms.

For interchurch families, Palm Sunday can feel particularly resonant. This moment, so rich in symbolism, offers a lens through which to reflect on what it means to be welcomed, recognised, and accompanied. And perhaps more importantly, it raises the question: how do our churches receive one another—and us?

Palm Sunday speaks into this directly. The crowds who welcomed Jesus that day didn’t know the full story. They didn’t fully understand who he was or what he would do—but they still laid down their branches. They still shouted their welcome.

In the context of interchurch families, we often find ourselves walking a similar kind of path: not everything is fully understood, not every theological nuance is resolved, but love is laid down like palm branches. Mutual respect, hospitality, and even courageous vulnerability are the signs of our shared procession.

Our families embody something of Palm Sunday’s paradox. We are both welcomed and questioned. We experience joy and tension. We walk in celebration and in lament. Yet always we walk together. The journey of interchurch family life is itself a witness that unity is possible not only in the future but here and now, even if imperfectly.

What might it look like, then, for our churches to be more like those who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem—not waiting for perfect understanding, but open-hearted and brave in their hospitality?

Palm Sunday reminds us that receptivity is not passive. It is an act of courage. To receive another tradition, another family expression of faith, is to risk being changed, being challenged—and being blessed.

So as we move into Holy Week, perhaps Palm Sunday calls our churches to practice this kind of courageous welcome—not just to Jesus, but to one another. Not just in symbolic gestures, but in sacramental and structural recognition. To lay down more than palms—to lay down assumptions, fears, and barriers.

And for us, as interchurch families, Palm Sunday offers a glimpse of the journey we are already walking: branches in hand, grace in tension, hope in motion.

MJCarroll -Executive Officer of the Association of Interchurch Families.

Lent for everyone - Interchurch Families Lent Courses

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:34:13 GMT

Lent 2025 - Interchurch Families and Building Bridges for everyone Lent Courses

This Lent we offer two Lent Courses for people to use that our Executive Director has worked on to help promote our work, and encourage churches in their understanding of and engagement with Interchurch Families, as well as to encourage and resource those in Interchurch Families and our members.

One is for Churches or Churches Together in England groups to use, though any group or individual is invited to use it too (the individual weeks session will also be posted each Thursday on our Facebook page ).

The other is for our Interchurch Family members, or those in or from Interchurch families to use as a personal Lent course (this will also be posted weekly on Facebook on Wednesdays).

Full downloadable copies are hosted here in the links below -please do share these with your networks.

The first weeks sessions of both courses are already live on our Facebook, we encourage you to comment on the posts and to engage and make these interactive sessions there.

We also invite anyone interested in supporting Interchurch Families, or that are themselves part of an Interchurch Family, or becoming an Interchurch family to become a member of the association too... Member Registration

Why We Are Interchurch... And Why Everyone—and All Churches—Should Be Too!

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 23:30:52 GMT

Why We Are Interchurch... And Why Everyone—and All Churches—Should Be Too!

In a world that grows ever more interconnected yet remains divided by myriad differences—social, political, and even spiritual—the need for unity in diversity is more pressing than ever. For those of us in interchurch families, this unity is a lived experience. We belong to two different Christian traditions yet work together to bridge the gap between them in our daily lives. As interchurch families, we believe that this way of living out our faith offers important lessons not only for individuals, but also for churches as a whole.

The call for unity is not optional; it is essential to the health and witness of the Christian community in the modern world. This is why we are interchurch, and why we believe that everyone and all churches should be too.

The Gift of Interchurch Families: A Lived Witness to Unity

Interchurch families are formed when two people from different Christian traditions—e.g. Catholic and Protestant—come together in marriage. While this can present challenges, it also offers a profound opportunity to live out Jesus’ prayer that "all may be one" (John 17:21). Our families are living proof that it is possible to embrace diversity without sacrificing unity. We do not ignore or diminish our theological differences, but instead, we engage with them respectfully, allowing both traditions to enrich our spiritual lives.

Being part of an interchurch family teaches us that dialogue, compromise, and understanding are not only necessary but are transformative. We experience firsthand the beauty of seeing through different theological lenses, deepening our faith as we share in the richness of each tradition. We celebrate each other's practices, join in one another’s sacraments as we can, and raise our children with an awareness that Christianity is broader and deeper than any one tradition can contain.

Why Every Church Should Be Interchurch: A Call to Ecumenism

What we practice within our homes as interchurch families is precisely what the broader Christian community is called to practice. All churches should be interchurch in spirit, if not in structure. The ecumenical movement has made great strides over the past century, but there is much work yet to be done. The Christian witness to the world is weakened by our divisions, and the time has come for us to realize that no single tradition holds the fullness of truth. Instead of competing with or criticizing one another, we must learn from one another.

The path forward lies in dialogue and cooperation. Churches need to engage in meaningful ecumenical efforts, not as token gestures, but as earnest attempts to better understand our shared mission in Christ. Each tradition has its strengths: whether it is the Catholic emphasis on sacramental life, the Protestant focus on Scripture, or the Orthodox celebration of mysticism, the Free Church focus on social justice, or any of the other traditions unique outlooks. Instead of keeping these treasures to ourselves, we should be sharing them and growing together in faith, just as happens in interchurch families lives.

The Importance of Unity for the World

Our divisions are not just a problem for Christians; they are a problem for the world. When churches are fragmented, our message of love, reconciliation, and peace is diluted. The world sees our disunity and is less likely to take seriously the transformative message of the Gospel. In contrast, when Christians come together—when we are truly "one body" (1 Corinthians 12:12)—we embody the message we preach. We become a powerful witness to the possibility of unity in a divided world.

Interchurch families, by our very nature, model this unity every day. We provide a glimpse of what the Church can be: a diverse body of believers united in love, respect, and shared mission. But this is not something we can achieve on our own. It requires a collective effort by all Christians and all churches to break down the walls that divide us.

Practical Steps for Churches and Families

How can this vision of unity become a reality for more Christians and churches? The journey toward greater ecumenism begins with small, concrete steps:

1. Intentional Dialogue:

Churches should organize regular opportunities for members of different traditions to come together, share experiences, and learn from one another.

2. Shared Worship and Sacraments:

While full sacramental sharing may not yet be possible in all cases, interchurch families often find creative ways to participate in one another's liturgical life. Churches can explore more opportunities for joint worship, particularly, but not solely!, during special seasons like Advent and Lent.

3. Ecumenical Education:

Pastors, priests, and church leaders can take the lead in offering ecumenical formation, teaching their congregations about other traditions in a way that fosters appreciation rather than competition.

4. Joint Mission Projects:

One of the most powerful ways for Christians to come together is through shared service. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, caring for the environment, or advocating for social justice, churches can collaborate in mission efforts that transcend doctrinal differences.

5. Support for Interchurch Families:

Churches should offer pastoral care and guidance to interchurch families, recognizing the unique challenges and blessings they face. By offering such support, churches help foster a culture of unity that extends beyond family life into the wider community.

A Vision of Hope

At the heart of our interchurch family experience is a deep sense of hope—hope that our efforts to live out our shared faith will contribute to the wider Christian mission of unity. We are not perfect, and the journey is not without difficulties, but we believe that the work of reconciliation is worth the effort. The unity we seek is not about uniformity, but about finding common ground in Christ.

This is why our families are interchurch and are members of the Association of Interchurch Families. We believe that living out this vision of unity in diversity is crucial for the future of the Church. And we invite all Christians and all churches to join us in this mission of love, hope and reconciliation, so that we may become, as Jesus prayed, “one” in Him.

The love story that is the Association of Interchurch Families

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:35:53 GMT

The Love Story that is the Association of Interchurch Families!

As the Executive Officer of the Association of Interchurch Families for the past two years, I've had the privilege of becoming intimately acquainted with our organisation's beautiful love story. Though I wasn't there at the beginning, I've been deeply moved by the accounts of our founding members and the legacy they've built.

It all began in 1968, I'm told, with a couple's struggle that still resonates with many today - the heartache of not being able to involve both their churches in their baby's baptism. That catalysed a week of silence between them, and that silence became the catalyst for a movement that has touched countless lives, including my own.

I've heard wonderful stories about Ruth and Martin Reardon, the couple who opened their home and hearts to others facing similar challenges. Their living room became a sanctuary where couples could share their experiences and find comfort in each other's company. The first national meeting that they called in November 1968 marked the birth of the AIF, and with it, a new chapter in our collective love story.

In my short time here, I've seen firsthand how our association continues to be a beacon of hope for couples navigating the complexities of interchurch marriages. We've maintained and expanded the support network built by my predecessors through the years, offering guidance on issues that can cause tension - marriage, baptisms, communion. It's incredibly rewarding to be able to help people, and a joy when they realize they're not alone.

While I wasn't present for many of the historical milestones on the ecumenical journey of the past 50 years, I've seen the lasting impact of these improvements and changes (I'm a 1970's child from an interchurch family, so those aren't just words but genuine lived experience!). Couples today still benefit from the ability to celebrate shared baptisms and to explore whether they can, in some limited situations, take communion in both churches, but they still sometimes need help and guidance to know this can happen and to negotiate these things.

What moves me most about our work is how our members embody Christian unity in their daily lives. I often reflect on Pope John Paul II's words from 1982, that interchurch families "live in their marriage the hopes and difficulties of the path to Christian Unity". It's a profound responsibility and an incredible honour to support these couples.

Although I missed our golden jubilee in 2018, I've heard wonderful accounts of over 60 members gathering to celebrate 50 years of love, understanding, and unity. The ecumenical service, led by leaders from various Christian denominations, stands as a powerful symbol of the bridges we've built over the years.

In my role today, I'm filled with hope for our future. We remain committed to supporting interchurch couples from whatever christian traditions they span, providing information, and being a voice for these families in the broader Christian community. Our work continues to expand beyond national borders, fostering connections worldwide through the integration of the interchurchfamilies.org site into our own website, and even maintaining links with the Vatican and other denominational headquarters.

The romance of our Association is a testament to love conquering differences, faith strengthened through diversity, and unity found in the most intimate of human bonds - marriage, and family. As I help guide our organisation in supporting couples on their own paths to unity, and their grown interchurch children in their own faith paths, I'm reminded daily that love truly knows no boundaries. It's a privilege to be part of this ongoing love story, and I look forward to contributing to the chapters yet to be written in the coming years.

A Short taste of the AIF service for the 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 22:53:31 GMT

A Short taste of the AIF Service for the 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Thank you to the many members of the Association of Interchurch Families that joined us for the annual AIF Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, it was a joy to come together as always and pray the prayers we all pray as Interchurch Families that our Unity may increase.

For those that could not make it we hope this small one minute taste will allow you to know that even when apart we are still one in unity and prayer.

The Association of Interchurch Families Advent Study 2024

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:47:20 GMT

The Association of Interchurch Families Advent Study 2024

We want to share with our members, our supporters, and Churches or Individuals that would like to journey with us a r eally simple short weekly AIF advent study for 2024.

This Interchurch Families Advent Study for Interchurch Families encourages a personal reflection while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of interchurch family dynamics during the Advent season, and though it can be used alone, by couples or family groups, it can also be used by a small church group too.

The Title: for this new 2024 study is "Advent Reflections: A Journey of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy"

We hope that it is a blessing to you all.

We will also be posting a series of Daily Advent Prayers that will be hosted on our Daily Calendar located on our Home Page, but also on our Prayer Calendar Page.

The Bishop of Rome - a timely Vatican document on a new way of reflecting primacy Et Unum Sint

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 22:43:41 GMT

The Bishop of Rome – a new Vatican document

Some of you may have already read that the Vatican published a 146-page text earlier this year, which contains proposals for making papal primacy acceptable to other Churches, and which would emphasise the part played by the Pope in a “conciliar fellowship” with other Christian leaders. We attach below an edited version of an article published in the Church Times which you may find of interest if you haven't already seen it...

“The understanding and exercise of the Bishop of Rome’s ministry entered a new phase with the Second Vatican Council — since then, the ecumenical dimension has been an essential aspect of this ministry,” the new “study document” says. “The invitation to find, with the help of pastors and theologians of all Churches, a way of exercising primacy ‘recognized by all concerned’, marked an epochal moment in ecumenical awareness. That invitation finds particular support in the pontificate of Pope Francis, whose teaching and practice emphasises the synodal dimension of his ministry.”

It says that long theological dialogues initiated at Vatican II in 1962-65, have revealed a “new and positive ecumenical spirit” in seeking a “ministry of unity at the universal level”. Pope St John Paul II’s 1995 encyclical Ut Unum Sint (”That They May be One”) also elicited a “wide range of responses” from other Christian denominations, testifying to a “growing awareness of mutual accountability between Christian communions” and an interest in seeking an “acceptable form of Papal Primacy”.

The text says that “dogmatic definitions” adopted at the 1869-70 First Vatican Council, notably on infallibility, remain a “significant obstacle for other Christians”, but should also be viewed today in a “historical context”. It adds that new approaches to papal primacy since Vatican II, including current Catholic moves towards decentralisation, “inspired by the model of the ancient patriarchal Churches”, have opened up “new perspectives” for reconciliation, in line with missionary requirements in a “contemporary context of globalisation”.

“The principle of subsidiarity means that no matter that can properly be dealt with at a lower level should be taken to a higher one — it is an important principle if the exercise of primacy is to guarantee participation of the whole Church in the decision-making process,” the document says. “Some dialogues apply this principle in defining an acceptable model of ‘unity in diversity’ with the Catholic Church. They argue that the power of the Bishop of Rome should not exceed that required for the exercise of his ministry of unity at universal level, and suggest a voluntary limitation in the exercise of his power.”

Ecumenical dialogues, launched in the 1960s, have achieved progress on aspects of faith and sacramental life, as well as practical co-operation between Churches, but have long been impeded by failure to agree a mutual understanding of papal primacy.

The latest Vatican text, subtitled Primacy and synodality in the ecumenical dialogues, collates and summarises about 80 documents drawn up since Ut Unum Sint by various church bodies, including Churches Together in Britain and Ireland in 1996, and the Church of England’s House of Bishops in 1997. It lists six reports by the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC), and others by joint commissions with Lutheran, Reformed, Methodist, and Orthodox Churches, and says that the latest dicastery document was produced after consultation with “numerous scholars from various Christian traditions”.

Among milestones towards a new “understanding and exercise” of papal primacy, the text says that Pope St Paul VI’s 1964 encyclical Ecclesiam Suam conceded that the “pastoral office of unity” was not “a supremacy of spiritual pride and a desire to dominate mankind, but a primacy of service, ministration and love”. It goes on to say that the pursuit of a “patient and fraternal dialogue on Primacy” with other Christian leaders was maintained by Pope Benedict XVI, whose resignation in 2013 also “contributed to a new perception and understanding of the ministry of the Bishop of Rome”.

Finding Common Ground: The Recent Unrest and Interchurch Families

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 08:21:51 GMT

A short reflection from our Executive Officer

Finding Common Ground: The Recent Unrest and Interchurch Families

During the unrest of recent days, communities have been torn apart by false narratives that enflame economic and social tensions, but after the riots we have begun to find the stories and actions of healing through collective efforts in the aftermath. Volunteers from various backgrounds have been showing up and coming together, united to rebuild, demonstrating that cooperation and compassion can overcome deep-seated differences. I’ve been struck by how this mirrors the experience of interchurch families who often have to navigate the complexities of belonging to multiple denominations. These families strive to honour their diverse faith traditions while fostering a harmonious household.

Interchurch families, much like the volunteers in the cleanup efforts, often act as bridges within their communities. They embody the potential for unity, showing that differences in doctrine or practice do not preclude mutual respect and shared purpose. Their experiences can teach us about compromise, understanding, and the strength found in diversity, even as sometimes this might be missed, misconstrued, or misunderstood by their individual denomination or churches

In both Britain's post-riot recovery actions and the lives of interchurch families, the common thread is the pursuit of reconciliation and the building of inclusive, supportive communities. By embracing our shared humanity and focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we can create spaces where everyone feels valued and understood... and this is essential within our churches if we all are to be one.

Though there is difference and turbulence, and yes sometimes even an air of rejection akin to the attitudes of some of the rioters, we as interchurch families remain committed just as the post-riot clean up volunteers are, to seeing our communities healed, whole and welcoming. We believe ecumenism is genuinely possible, we believe in the theology of love that overcomes all things, we believe that in Christ, and in time, we truly will all be one and received with love and acceptance that is healing and overcomes the hurts and divisions of the past in our faith communities.

Easter and the Risen Christ

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 18:55:37 GMT

Happy Easter to all our members, friends and colleagues!

Heres a little reflection based on the Symbolism of the Risen Christ for Interchurch Familie s .

In the tapestry of Christianity, interchurch families stand as living examples of unity amidst diversity, navigating the complexities of faith with grace and resilience. At the heart of their journey lies the profound symbolism of the Risen Christ, a timeless beacon of hope and reconciliation transcending denominational divides.

Interchurch families, comprising partners from different Christian traditions, face unique challenges and blessings. Their union reflects the rich diversity within the body of Christ while also presenting opportunities for dialogue, understanding, and mutual enrichment. Amidst the intricacies of their shared journey, the symbolism of the Risen Christ shines brightly, guiding them toward unity and reconciliation.

The image of the Risen Christ holds deep significance for Interchurch families on multiple levels.

Firstly, it embodies the victory over death and the promise of new life.

Just as Christ triumphed over the grave, interchurch families find hope in the possibility of overcoming barriers and divisions, embracing a shared future grounded in love and faith.

Secondly, the Risen Christ symbolizes unity within diversity.

Despite belonging to different Christian traditions, interchurch families recognize their common identity as followers of Christ. Just as the diverse disciples gathered around the Risen Lord, interchurch families come together in fellowship, celebrating their shared faith while honoring their respective traditions.

Moreover, the Risen Christ serves as a model of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Interchurch families often navigate the delicate balance of honouring their individual backgrounds while forging a unified path forward. In the image of the Risen Christ, they find inspiration to extend grace and understanding towards one another, fostering an environment of mutual respect and acceptance.

The journey of Interchurch families is not without its challenges.

Differences in theological beliefs, worship practices, and spiritual traditions can present obstacles along the way. However, the symbolism of the Risen Christ offers a guiding light amidst the darkness, reminding them of the greater purpose behind their union – to bear witness to the transformative power of love and unity in Christ.

In embracing the symbolism of the Risen Christ , interchurch families are called to embody the principles of unity, reconciliation, and mutual respect. Through open communication, dialogue, and a willingness to learn from one another, they can navigate the complexities of their shared journey with grace and humility.

Furthermore, interchurch families serve as beacons of hope for the broader Christian community, demonstrating that unity in diversity is not only possible but also deeply enriching. Their commitment to love, understanding, and reconciliation reflects the timeless message of the Risen Christ, inviting others to embrace the beauty of God's diverse creation.

So it is that the symbolism of the Risen Christ holds profound significance for interchurch families, inspiring them to embrace unity amidst diversity and as they journey together, guided by the light of Christ's resurrection, interchurch families offer a glimpse of God's kingdom here on earth – a place where all are welcome, and love knows no boundaries.

So as we celebrate this Easter and the season journeying out from it I hope that we will embrace the beauty of the Risen Christ in our lives, the lives of our amazing Interchurched families, and in our churches too, and carry and embody that grace and renewal into our world and daily lives.

Alleluia, Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!

Hosanna, Palms and Interchurch Families

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 22:44:59 GMT

Hosanna, Palms & Interchurch Families

An Interchurch Families thought as we begin the procession through Holy Week...

The symbolism of "Hosanna" and palm branches at the beginning of Holy Week can be interpreted metaphorically within the context of interchurch families, providing insights into the challenges they face and the potential for unity and mutual support.

Hosanna: "Save, we pray" :

In the context of interchurch families, "Hosanna" can represent a collective cry for salvation and guidance amidst the complexities of navigating differences in faith traditions. Interchurch families often encounter unique challenges, including reconciling differing theological beliefs, navigating diverse worship practices, and managing familial and church community expectations. The cry of "Hosanna" reflects the shared desire for divine assistance in overcoming these challenges and fostering harmony within the family unit.

Palm Branches: Symbols of Victory and Peace :

Palm branches symbolize victory, joy, and peace. In the context of interchurch families, they can represent the potential for unity and reconciliation despite theological diversity. Just as the crowds waved palm branches to honour Jesus as the triumphant Messiah, interchurch families can use this imagery to celebrate the richness and diversity of their faith backgrounds. Rather than viewing their differences as sources of division, they can embrace them as opportunities for mutual enrichment and growth.

Unity Amidst Diversity :

The waving of palm branches by a diverse crowd on Palm Sunday signifies a collective recognition of Jesus' kingship, transcending individual differences. Similarly, interchurch families can strive to cultivate a sense of unity amidst their diversity, recognizing that their shared faith in Christ transcends denominational boundaries. By embracing the metaphorical significance of palm branches, interchurch families can affirm their commitment to mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation in navigating the complexities of their religious identities and the hope of bringing this to the wider church community in its fullness.

In essence, the metaphorical interpretation of "Hosanna" and palm branches for interchurch families underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance, celebrating unity amidst diversity, and fostering mutual respect and cooperation. By embracing these symbolic themes, interchurch families can navigate their unique journey with faith, resilience, and a sense of shared purpose.

It's not unfair to say that Interchurch families stand at the intersection of diverse Christian traditions, embodying both the challenges and the possibilities of unity amidst diversity. As they navigate their shared journey of faith, they serve as living reminders of the rich tapestry of God's kingdom, where differences are not obstacles but opportunities for mutual learning and growth.

For interchurch families themselves, embracing the metaphor of "Hosanna" and palm branches and the Journey through Holy Week requires a commitment to humility, openness, and mutual respect. Just as the crowds laid down their palm branches before Jesus, interchurch families can humbly acknowledge the authority of Christ over their lives and relationships, recognizing that true unity is found in Him alone. They can cultivate a spirit of openness, eagerly seeking to learn from each other's faith traditions and perspectives, and approaching differences with curiosity rather than fear.

Moreover, interchurch families can serve as bridges between denominational divides, embodying the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17:21: "that all of them may be one."

By actively participating in the life of both spouses' respective churches, they can model a commitment to Christian unity and cooperation, demonstrating that what unites us in Christ is far greater than what divides us. They can advocate for greater recognition and support within their churches for the unique needs and challenges faced by interchurch families, fostering a culture of inclusivity and hospitality for all members, regardless of denominational background.

For the churches themselves, incorporating the metaphor of "Hosanna" and palm branches can invoke a willingness to embrace the diversity within their congregations and to actively support interchurch families in their journey of faith. This may include offering resources and support networks specifically tailored to the needs of interchurch families, providing opportunities for interdenominational dialogue and cooperation, and ensuring that liturgical practices and pastoral care are inclusive and respectful of diverse traditions.

Moreover, churches can learn from interchurch families' example of humility, openness, and mutual respect, applying these principles more broadly in their relationships with other Christian denominations. Rather than viewing differences as barriers to unity, they can celebrate them as expressions of the rich diversity within the body of Christ, striving to build bridges of understanding and cooperation across denominational lines.

In essence, the metaphor of Hosanna, palm branches, and the journey of Holy Week challenges both interchurch families and the churches they belong to to embrace unity amidst diversity, to humbly acknowledge Christ's authority over all, and to actively work towards greater Christian unity and cooperation for the sake of God's kingdom.

So as we lay down our palm branches before the King of Kings this Palm Sunday, may we also lay down our divisions, so that all may be one in Him.

AIF SPRING LECTURE 2024 - with Fr Jan Nowotnik on A Vision for a Synodal Church

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 02:45:20 GMT

AIF Spring Lecture 2024 on A Vision for a Synodal Church given by Fr Jan Nowotnik

We are pleased to confirm that the online AIF Spring Lecture will be delivered his year by Rev Jan Nowotnik STL (who many members will have met at Swanwick) on Wednesday 13 March at 7.30pm.

Fr Jan was a voting participant at the Synod of Bishops held in Rome last October to discuss “Synodality”– the new way of “being church” that Pope Francis has made the centrepiece of his pontificacy.

Jan will talk about his experience of being part of this process – how the listening and discernment worked in reality, what topics were addressed (having been identified as matters of concern by the world-wide church) and how the summary document was arrived at. Alongside his personal insights into what happened in Rome, he will share his thoughts about what we can expect to see in the next 9 months before the second session of the Synod convenes, both at the level of the universal church and also, more locally, here in England & Wales. Of particular interest to interchurch families he will talk about the discussions, convergences and suggestions concerning Eucharistic Sharing for couples in interchurch marriages.

Fr Jan Nowotnik - Biography

The Revd Dr Jan Nowotnik is the Director of Mission and National Ecumenical Officer at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. He studied for the priesthood at the Royal English College in Valladolid (Spain) and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Birmingham in November 1998. He was an assistant priest in two parishes and parish priest in a further two before going to Rome to study for a Licence in Theology, specialising in Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue at the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas. This then led to him completing, in 2022, a Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) focusing on the relationship between the local and universal church with regards to the synodal pathway

This lecture is open to Members of the Association and those outside of membership.

If you would like to join us, please register for the event, by clicking the link below and following instructions: https://www.interchurchfamilies.org.uk/events

Embracing Love, Lent, and Interchurch Unity: A Unique Convergence on Ash Wednesday

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 09:54:13 GMT

Embracing Love, Lent, and Interchurch Unity: A Unique Convergence on Ash Wednesday

This year, an unusual alignment occurs as Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday coincide on the same date. This convergence presents a wonderful opportunity to explore the intersection of love, lent, and the experiences of Interchurch families.

Valentine's Day: A Celebration of Love
Valentine's Day traditionally conjures images of romantic love, adorned with hearts, roses, and expressions of affection. It's a day when people worldwide celebrate the bonds of love – not least the primary couple of an Interchurch Family! - whether through romantic gestures, heartfelt words, or acts of kindness. However, beneath the surface of romantic love lies a deeper essence – a universal longing for connection and unity.

Ash Wednesday: Commencement of Lent
On the same day this year, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal for many Christians. It's a time to journey inward, to confront our shortcomings, and to realign ourselves with our faith and values. The ritual of receiving ashes serves as a solemn reminder of our mortality and calls us to embrace humility and transformation.

The Intersection of Love and Lent and Interchurch Families: Navigating Faith and Love
So this convergence of Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday invites us to contemplate the intertwining of love and sacrifice, of celebration and introspection. It prompts us to reflect on the profound love demonstrated through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, and for Interchurch families – those with members belonging to different Christian denominations – the simultaneous observance of Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday carries added significance because these families navigate the complexities of merging diverse religious traditions within their households. Yet, amidst these differences, love serves as the common thread that binds them together.

Embracing Unity Amidst Diversity
In Interchurch families, the convergence of Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday is a poignant reminder of the beauty found in diversity and unity. It's a testament to the power of love to transcend religious boundaries and foster understanding and respect. Through open dialogue, mutual support, and a shared commitment to love, these families navigate their unique spiritual journeys with grace and resilience.

Importance for Individual Churches and Denominations
This convergence also underscores the significance of Interchurch families for the individual churches and denominations they belong to. By embracing and supporting these families, churches can demonstrate a commitment to unity and inclusivity. They can recognize the richness that diversity brings to their congregations and the opportunities for learning and growth that arise from engaging with different traditions.

Celebrating Love in All its Forms

As we commemorate this alignment of Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday, let us celebrate love in all its forms – romantic love, familial love, and the divine love that unites us all. Let us embrace the spirit of Lent, seeking forgiveness, reconciliation, and spiritual growth. And let us honour the experiences of Interchurch families, recognizing the beauty and strength that arise from their diverse tapestry of faith.

In this convergence of love, lent, and interchurch unity, may we find inspiration to cultivate deeper connections, foster greater understanding, and embody the transformative power of love in our lives, communities, and individual churches and denominations, and we invite you to take a deeper journey with us through our Mini Lent Course too (Please do share it with your networks, churches and families…

Reflections on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2024

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:08:33 GMT

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - Go and Do Likewise

As members of the Association of Interchurch Families, it feels essential for us to reflect on the the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and understand its impact on interchurch families. The #wpcu2024 provided us with valuable insights and lessons that we can apply to our own lives and within our association too, for we have in some, admittedly smaller but no less real way, been that “other” in some way.

First and foremost, the content of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity emphasized the importance of unity among Christian denominations. It reminded us that despite our differences in traditions, rituals, and beliefs, we are all children of God and are called to come together as one body of Christ, that we are to remember that ‘You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbour as yourself’ (Lk 10:27). This message is particularly significant for interchurch families, where unity within marriages and families can sometimes be challenging due to differing denominational backgrounds, and where sometimes it has perhaps felt a little like being the Samaritan outsider within our home churches.

One key aspect of #wpcu2024 that resonated with me is the idea of mutual support and understanding. The week-long events and activities promoting dialogue and collaboration among various Christian communities, encouraging us to learn from one another and grow together in faith, to ‘Go out and do likewise’ for and with each other. As the Association of Interchurch Families, we can take this lesson to heart and foster an environment of open communication and understanding not just among our members, but more widely also, as we have always striven to do. By sharing our experiences and challenges, we can continue to provide support and guidance to others in similar relationships and situations to ourselves, but we too can reach further into the world, ultimately strengthening our own relationships and families, and those of the churches and communities around them.

Furthermore, the content of #wpcu2024 also emphasized the need for advocacy and action towards Christian unity. It called for us to engage actively in efforts for reconciliation and building bridges between different Christian traditions. As an association, this is a call for us to play a continuing active role in promoting understanding and acceptance within our communities.

Yes, we can of course organize events, conferences, and workshops that bring together interchurch families and provide a platform for dialogue and education as we have always done, but we can also look to outreach further. By working towards unity again on a local level too perhaps, we can contribute to the larger goal of Christian unity.

But it doesn’t have to stop there, for me this week - and especially the mention on BBC Radio 4's Thought for the Day of interchurch families - emphasized the significance of interchurch families as witnesses to ecumenism. We have the continuing and growing opportunity to show others that unity between different Christian traditions is not only possible but can also be a great source of strength and enrichment. This realization should inspire us to be more active in our communities, engaging in interchurch - and yes, where we can, interfaith - dialogues and initiatives that promote understanding and collaboration.

As the Association of Interchurch Families, it is crucial that we take these reflections seriously and translate them into action. We should continue to seek opportunities to collaborate with other Christian organizations, fostering relationships and partnerships that promote unity and ecumenical efforts, and furthermore, use our online platforms and social media presence to share our experiences and spread awareness about the realities of interchurch families. By doing so, we can challenge misconceptions, inspire others, and create a sense of belonging for those who may feel isolated in their faith journeys.

In conclusion, reflecting on the content of #wpcu2024 has provided me with valuable insights and inspiration for us as the Association of Interchurch Families. It has spoken to me of the importance of unity, mutual support, and advocacy. I hope together we can take these lessons to heart and actively work towards promoting ever more deeper and valued unity within our families, our association, and the wider Christian community. Together, we can make a difference and create a more inclusive and understanding world for interchurch families whatever they may look like and, as they grow and change, we may need to broaden our vision and our style of doing things but isn't that depth and ability to change as we go exactly what being part of an interchurch family has always had at its heart anyway?

So I hope that we can rally together, drawing on these reflections, and work towards a future where interchurch families thrive, united in the faith and love of their personal relationships, and that we can continue to support and enhance the lives of all interchurch families and contribute to the broader Christian unity movement going forward.

Melanie Carroll
Executive Officer

A New Year and New Prayer Calendar

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 01:03:34 GMT

A New Year and A New Prayer Calendar

First we want to wish all a Happy New Year and continuing Blessings of the Season as we move into 2024.

As we head into 2024 we want to share with you all and highlight an important part of the work and mission of AIF, and that is the work of Prayer....

Prayer can be and is crucial for Interchurch Families as it provides a common ground for spiritual connection, fostering understanding, unity, and respect for others faith traditions because prayer helps navigate differences, can help us seek guidance, and cultivates a sense of harmony within us as individuals and as family. Prayer can also serve as a way to honour and integrate the different traditions with their different formats and styles in a way that creates and makes space for the shared beliefs and values found in the mutuality of the shared Christian faith.

However prayer is not just important for the individual families, but it's also important for us as the organisation that is the Association of Interchurch Families, because prayer serves as a unifying force that strengthens the bond among members of the association, and it helps us to reaffirm our commitment to understanding, dialogue and unity within ecumenical circles and with the different denominations across the breadth of Christianity and the vast make up of those in Interchurch Families.

Prayer provides guidance, solace, and a shared spiritual language for addressing the challenges and joys we face as Interchurch Families working to foster a sense of community, engagement, education and support.

So it is that as we move into 2024 we will be working to broaden this language and activity of prayer and highlight it so that Prayer can be recognised and developed within the AIF work wider, to that end we have updated our Prayer Calendar with a theme for each month of the year that can be found here: Prayer Calendar (interchurchfamilies.org.uk

You will also find If you go to our Social Media Channels and our Diary section some weekly or daily prayers on these themes too, so that not only our existing members, but also our wider networks and those not members of AIF can also pray for our works with us, and come to a knowledge of our work and mission through this shared language of faith too.

We would also invite our members and our friends in the wider Interchurch and ecumenical communities to share our prayers out through their networks too, and if you have prayers or thoughts on prayer and Interchurch Families we invite you to share those with us here too...

We welcome prayers of others, and we also welcome contributions for consideration to share on our blog too.

Some Final Words from Pere Beaupere

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 19:24:10 GMT

Some Final Words and Reflections from Pere Beaupere

Shared from Melanie Finch:

You will remember I wrote an obituary for Fr René Beaupère a few months ago (Update 4/23.)

AFFMIC, the French interchurch families association, has just published a few more articles about him and his work in the ecumenical journal which Fr BP founded, Chrétiens en Marche.

I'm attaching translations of the articles particularly relevant to AIF members who have been involved in some of our international work in the past. One is a lovely final message sent to 'foyers mixtes' by Fr BP. And there are two short tributes to him, one by Jean-Baptiste Lipp from the Swiss French association and another by Nicola Kontzi, Fr BP's assistant for several years, whom some of us will remember very well. Both of them contributed a great deal to our work on the two international gatherings of interchurch families, and the subsequent contacts with, and visits to, the Vatican by groups of representatives from several countries.

Best wishes

Melanie

Message from Père René Beaupère to ‘Foyers Mixtes’.

This last message from Fr Beaupère, left on his desk, was addressed to his dear ‘foyers mixtes’. Written on the 1 January 1983, it had been re-read and ‘approved’ five times up until 2015.

"There are so many of you now that, like Abraham, I feel like a father (and grandfather) to a multitude! The fatherhood I voluntarily denied myself when I joined the Dominicans in my twenties has been returned to me a hundredfold. I've seen most of you grow to maturity, and I've had the joy of being able to call dozens and dozens of your children by name: those names I've often repeated in prayer, after on so many occasions pronouncing them for the first time at Baptism.

I've shared with you the greatest of joys, above all that of seeing you live, and living with you in ‘real communion’. At certain difficult moments for me, I have praised the Lord for your friendship to me and your love for one another.

I have loved each of you with your individual personalities and graces. I have above all carried in my heart those of you for whom life has brought suffering.

Today when, against my will (but accepting it in advance), I am leaving you for a while, and I am disappearing behind the veil of death into the arms of our Saviour, I want to say thank you for the support, the trust, the friendship, the love that you have shown me.

Thank you also for what you have taught me in my human life, and my Christian life. Thanks to you, I think, I haven't shrivelled up or become a ‘bedroom theologian’ or a bookworm (which I could have been). You have given a profoundly pastoral dimension to my life. I have been - along with my pastor friends – your shepherd: I'm not ashamed of taking the old biblical word used by Jesus.

I have loved you all: Protestants, Catholics, Anglican, Orthodox ..., and you know very well that I no longer recognised any difference in my heart between these children of the same Father, even if my mind was still able to perceive the ongoing theological differences.

Now that I am on the other side of the veil, I will tell you a secret: I've lived a man's life and - like all of you - I've known moments of hesitation about the road to follow. You know as well as I do that we sometimes find ourselves at the crossroads of several loyalties that, at first glance, appear contradictory. It has been your presence and your trust that helped me to keep to as straight a path as possible, with the added joy of discovering beyond the crossroads - sometimes years later - that the loyalties weren’t in conflict at all.

And now one wish: continue to move forward quietly, hand in hand, without worrying too much about the turmoils of the ‘world’. Remain in communion.

And don't forget: ‘God is bigger than our hearts’.

I keep each of your faces in my heart, and I embrace you all.

René Beaupère

Tributes to Père René Beaupère

Jean-Baptiste Lipp, President of the Conférence des Eglises Suisses Romandes, member of the ecumenical Groupe des Dombes, and a long-term friend who with his interchurch family worked closely with Père Beaupère and AFFMIC for many years. Jean-Baptiste was a member of the international PREPROMA committee who planned the 2003 Second International Gathering of Interchurch Families in Rome.

A pastoral theologian!

At the end of the 80s, in Fribourg, Dominique (Catholic) and I (Swiss Reformed pastor) were beginning our pastoral lives as an interchurch couple. Père Beaupère, the inventor of genuine Swiss-French pastoral care, was taking part in a regional weekend for interchurch families. As in the Gospel, we were called there and then to join the committee of the ‘Foyers Mixtes’ review.

This committee was to become the place where we could express ourselves, grow together in our faith and be gradually convinced that our interchurch life, far from being a problem was, at its heart, an opportunity. To the extent that if I was to make a decision to become a Catholic, Dominique would have become a Protestant, so as to keep safe this rich dialogue of denominational ‘otherness’…

We have given a lot and received a lot from this ecumenical adventure: links with such wonderful French interchurch families: a real family for us! Links with interchurch families from other countries and even other continents … two international gatherings, one at the World Council of Churches, the other in Rome, quite something!

Finally I would like to say, in the name of so many generations of interchurch families, priests, ministers and pastors, a enormous thank you to this indefatigable servant to unity and pastoral care.

Ecumenism does not consist solely of theological responsibilities, it also calls for pastoral obligations. Thank you, René, for being that pastoral theologian!

_____________________________________________________________

Pastor Nicola Kontzi, a young graduate in Islamology in Germany, joined the Centre Saint-Irénée (CSI) in 1996. A kingpin, she worked alongside René Beaupère day by day, especially accompanying groups of interchurch families in Lyon.

The crazy hope of God.

Father René Beaupère, Maurice, was a passionate Lyonnais. The day we first met, I shared with him my impression: ‘this city seems to me like a crossroads in western Europe’. And we immediately clicked. A crossroads allows encounters, allows travel with vast horizons.

Seven years, seven months, seven days with Père Beaupère at the CSI, where we saw each other nearly every day, and in the evenings after work, we put the world to rights. And 19 years of friendship taught me many things, of which I can only mention a few: the CSI lived on Hope, against all financial logic, God’s mad Hope. Teaching, journeys, exchanges, meetings: ecumenical relationships on every level, he was able to create bonds and he was happy with so many friendships and so much spiritual communion which could form around him or through him; here’s the proof.

I saw him address hundreds (almost thousands) of envelopes, and if anybody asked him why he didn’t have them printed he would answer ‘No, it’s an intercession.’ For him, ecumenism was alive, lived.

When I asked him how faith manifests itself, he pointed to the Rublev icon of the Trinity, which he particularly loved, this mystery of the Love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

And how much he loved quoting Cardinal Gerlier who had ordained him priest: ‘Everything happens as if there were a sort of providence.’

If we were talking about the meaning of life and the world, he would say: ‘We are put in a specific place and time – to carry out our task!’

My vocation to become a pastor developed during my years at the CSI, and Fr René Beaupère was among the ecumenical representatives at my ordination. He was my older brother in the Lord’s service, always ready to advise, with the warmth of his regard and his profound knowledge of the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant world, and of ecumenism.

Also a reminder that bookings are now open for the 2023 AIF Weekend:

The Theme for 2023 is:
Interchurch Families – Beacons of Receptive Ecumenism

October 14-15th, 2023.

Though the Members only in Person event is held at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire,

the weekend is open to all Online Via Zoom.

The sessions and worship will be broadcast simultaneously on Zoom to allow non-members, international friends, and members who cannot attend in person to participate on-line.

Booking for the “on-line only” event can be made via the Online Via Zoom link... Please note any non-members that book using the Members Only link who have not been members for the preceeding 12 months will have their booking cancelled.

Booking links can be found here: Upcoming Events (interchurchfamilies.org.uk)

Father's Day Blessings - and why this day is important for Interchurch Families.

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 08:27:40 GMT

Father's Day Blessings, and why this day is important to Interchurch Families...

Fathers matter greatly to interchurch families for several reasons, so we want to take a moment and express gratitude and appreciation for their role (because let's face it without a Dad in the equation at some point there isn't an Interchurch Family to begin with...)
But a good father can strengthen family bonds and foster a harmonious environment, so here's just a quick idea of why fathers matter and why and how they can be thanked within interchurch families:

1. Providing Guidance:
Fathers in interchurch families (along with Mothers, but hey, todays its the dad we are focusing on!) can play a crucial role in guiding their children through the complexities of navigating different church traditions. They offer wisdom, support, and advice in helping their children understand and appreciate the beliefs and practices of each parent's denomination.
By acknowledging their guidance, children can develop a deeper understanding and respect for their diverse church heritage.

2. Promoting Unity:
Fathers not only have the opportunity to promote unity within their own interchurch families through their active encouragement to open communication, empathy, and respect for each parent's faith, but by emphasizing the shared values and common ground between their respective church traditions, fathers can help create an atmosphere of unity, where differences are celebrated rather than seen as sources of conflict... something that is not only important in the family itself but something much needed in the world at large too.

3. Instilling Values:
Fathers are of course also instrumental in instilling values in their children, and this is particularly important in interchurch families where together they can prioritize teaching values rooted in Christianity, such as love, kindness, forgiveness, and tolerance rather than rooted in a particular traditions outlook alone, and by emphasizing these values in their interactions and modelling them in their own lives, fathers help their children navigate the differences in religious practices and develop a strong moral compass that will see them far into the future.

4. Nurturing Faith:
Fathers have a responsibility to nurture their children's faith anyway, but within an interchurch context they can actively engage in religious activities, prayer, and worship with their children that demonstrates open receptivity, creating opportunities for spiritual growth and connection that supports their children's exploration of their own faith, helping them develop a sense of identity and a deeper understanding of their relationship with God.

When it comes to thanking fathers in interchurch families we want to:

1. Express Gratitude:
Taking the time to express heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for their commitment to their role as a father and spiritual guide.
We want to let them know how much their efforts and support mean to their whole family and their children...and to the wider Christian community.
Their example of receptivity and expression of ecumenical openness goes a long way in building up the Christian faith in a way that is larger than a single expression.

2. Recognize Their Efforts:

We want to take this moment and acknowledge the unique challenges fathers face in interchurch families and recognize their efforts in navigating those challenges. We recognise and value their commitment to fostering unity, understanding, and faith within the family... and into the wider communities of the Church.

3. Celebrate Father's Day:
We are taking this Father's Day as an opportunity to celebrate and honour their role.
It's a special day so we want to reflect that and celebrate the Interchurch father who walk with love and appreciation in two traditions, we want to recognise their gifts of grace, faith and love and say thank you for being that person, that father.

Finally, as the Association of Interchurch Families we wanted to dedicate this time to encourage us all to engage in a meaningful conversation about faith, values, and the experiences of being in an interchurch family.
We hope that others outside the family will listen attentively to their perspective and experiences and encourage open dialogue that promotes understanding and growth in a family centred and ecumenically receptive way.

We want to let the fathers already out there doing it, and the ones to come, know that we are here to support their spiritual journey and the importance of their role in passing being interchurch on to the next generation, and that if we can help in anyway then please do lean on us and ask us for help too.

We know each father and Interchurch family is unique, but we also know they all are to be recognised for their contributions and honoured for their role, as they strengthen the bond within their interchurch family and create a loving and supportive environment for all the church rich in its diversity and great in its love.

So Happy Father's Day from all at the Association of Interchurch Families.

On the first Day of 'Thy Kingdom Come' Booking is Now open for the 2023 AIF Weekend : 'Interchurch Families - Beacons of Receptive Ecumenism'

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Thu, 18 May 2023 12:10:02 GMT

Join us for the AIF Weekend 2023 - 'Interchurch Families - Beacons of Receptive Ecumenism'

This year the Association of Interchurch Families are taking part in Thy Kingdom Come 2023, the global ecumenical prayer movement and call to prayer that encourages us to partner with God, in prayer and mission, to see more people encounter the love of Christ, and so we will be posting a reflection, blog, video or item every day of 'Thy Kingdom Come' from an Interchurch Families perspective, and we hope you will journey with us through these 10 days of prayers.

With that in mind what better way to start the ten days of 'Thy Kingdom Come' that this year has the theme of 'Praying and Living the Kingdom - Empowered by the Holy Spirit' than to open the booking to the Association of Interchurch Families Annual Weekend which is presented in a Hybrid form so that not only our Members can attend, but rather we can embrace those not able to attend in person, our international friends, and those with an interest in knowing more to attend to via Zoom...

And our theme this year totally reflects with the Thy Kingdom Come theme too as we highlight just how Interchurch Families are praying and living the Kingdom, empowered by the Holy Spirit and Love as 'Interchurch Families - Beacons of Receptive Ecumenism'!

The Theme for 2023 is:
Interchurch Families – Beacons of Receptive Ecumenism

October 14-15th, 2023.

Though the Members only in Person event is held at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire,

the weekend is open to all Online Via Zoom.

The Church of England defines Receptive Ecumenism as ‘... both a way of thinking and a process that enables unity to be built by receiving gifts from others. It challenges us to not think of what others might benefit from receiving from us, but instead invites us to recognise our needs and to put ourselves in the place of being a recipient.’ Put simply, our church traditions should not be asking themselves “What do they need to learn from us?” but rather, “What do we need to learn from them?”. The hope is that if all our church traditions were to ask themselves this question and act upon it, we might all draw closer together in Christ’s family, while also deepening our own identity.

To married couples this sounds very familiar, for it is in the nature of marriage that couples should aim to learn from each other to help them grow together. For interchurch couples, learning about each other’s denomination helps us to develop a local sacramental practice of domestic church that is part of that growing together. At our weekend we will explore how the experience and practice of interchurch families might offer our churches a lived example of Receptive Ecumenism in action.

We will be guided throughout the weekend by three inspiring speakers:

Revd. Diane Ryan , an Anglican wife in an interchurch marriage, and author of an essay on Interchurch Families and Receptive Ecumenism published in the volume mentioned below.
Dr Gregory Ryan , editor of “Receptive Ecumenism as Transformative Ecclesial Learning” and the Roman Catholic husband of Diane.
Fr Dominic Robinson SJ is the parish priest of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street in London, and involved in Churches Together in Westminster.

The sessions and worship will be broadcast simultaneously on Zoom to allow non-members, international friends, and members who cannot attend in person to participate on-line.

Booking links can be found here: Upcoming Events (interchurchfamilies.org.uk)

AIF Presidents Offer Prayers at the Coronation

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Wed, 10 May 2023 09:07:22 GMT

AIF Presidents offer prayers at the Coronation

This weekend we saw and celebrated the coronation of the monarch and the ceremony of crowning the new king, a ceremony we have heard much about because of King Charles III’s desire to be inclusive and ecumenical by including of people from other denominations, faiths and traditions, and I'm sure that the eagle-eyed amongst AIF Members will have spotted whilst watching the coronation that we had two of AIF’s three Presidents offering prayers for the new King during the service – Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Revd Dr Helen Cameron.

What a beautiful moment it was, and is, to see ecumenical unity happen in this way... and if you have read our previous post, The Coronation and Interchurch Families - A Symbolic Alignment , then you'll get a little flavour of why seeing these things happen in this way are so important, and why to hve our presidents there makes it even more symbollically important for us too.

The Coronation and Interchurch Families - A Symbolic Alignment

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Sat, 06 May 2023 09:40:12 GMT

The Coronation and Interchurch Families - A Symbolic Alignment

This weekend we see and celebrate the coronation of the monarch and the ceremony of crowning the new king, a ceremony we have heard much about because of King Charles III’s desire to be inclusive and ecumenical by including of people from other denominations, faiths and traditions. But what if anything does that have to do with interchurch families and the issues they have and face?

In case you didn't know an Interchurch Family typically refers to a family in which the partners come from different Christian denominations. For example, one spouse may be Catholic while the other is Protestant.

Now symbolically, the coronation of a monarch represents the beginning of a new reign and the assumption of new responsibilities - so maybe not so different from a marriage at its start if we think about it.

However the Coronation also represents the continuation of a tradition and the passing down of authority from one generation to the next - and on a symbolic level we might even say that could perhaps represent the growth of those partners as they have their children and move towards the acts of christening or other symbolic acts of faith that occur generationally too.

In the context of interchurch families, the coronation could symbolize the coming together of two different traditions to create something new. Just as a new monarch assumes the responsibility of leading their country, an interchurch family must navigate the challenges of reconciling their different beliefs and practices in order to create a strong and unified family unit.

Additionally, the coronation often involves a public display of unity and support towards the new monarch from a range of people of different persuasions across the country. In a similar way, an interchurch family may need to seek support and understanding from their larger community, whether it be their respective church communities or their friends and extended family.

Overall, while for most there may not seem to be a direct or obvious connection between the coronation and interchurch families, symbolically both can be seen as representing the challenges and opportunities that come with the merging of different traditions and the assumption of new roles and responsibilities.

In the context of the coronation of King Charles III, it represents a continuation of the tradition of monarchy in the United Kingdom, something that for some may seem immutable, for others redundant, and for most just an interesting activity and time to celebrate. But yet, as we see in the preparations and inclusions that have made the news because they seem a little out of the norm for most coronations, it can also be an opportunity for change and evolution. Changes, even small ones such as including others who in the past may not have been included can potentially address issues faced by different groups, including interchurch families, by promoting understanding and inclusivity across different traditions, denominations and faith.

Furthermore, the coronation of King Charles III can also serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and collaboration within families and communities, regardless of religious or cultural differences. It could be an opportunity for interchurch families to come together and celebrate the new reign, while also acknowledging the unique challenges they may face in working towards greater understanding and harmony.

So this weekend many Interchurch Families will celebrate both at home in their own family units but also out in the world, in their shared churches, in their own churches, in the hope that all churches may find it in time to more easily become places of radical welcome and inclusion too, places where vows are offered, where the anointing of baptism or the charism of confirmation happens with the welcome and attendance of others joined in faith and unity together, even in their different forms of tradition.

And as the Association of Interchurch Families we offer our thanks for the service of the Monarch and

'As children of the Kingdom of God

We welcome you in the name of the King of Kings,

God Save the King! '

Easter Blessings - & Why Easter is so symbolic for Interchurch Families.

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 18:06:34 GMT

Why Easter is so symbolic to Interchurch Families...

Easter can be a deeply symbolic time for interchurch families, not just because - as for all Christians - it represents a significant event in Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, or because it is celebrated by different Christian denominations in various ways. But because for interchurch families, in some traditions called mixed marriages where the members follow different traditions and belong to different Christian denominations, Easter can be of special symbolic significance because of the way it can highlight a number of things key to the every day lived experience of being a member of such a family

• Unity in Diversity :

Easter can symbolize the concept of unity in diversity for interchurch families. After all It is a time when Christians come together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, despite differences in beliefs and practices. It can therefore serve as a reminder for interchurch families and the churches to which they belong of the need to really embrace and appreciate the diversity within their family and the wider extended Christian family. To really look and find ways to honour and respect each other's faith traditions, but more significantly it can demonstrate to the wider churches that ecumenical unity, witness, and welcome are very real and possible- for if we can come together to share a walk of witness or Good Friday service then it is possible to share that welcome and witness weekly too.

• Shared Values :

Easter can also highlight the shared values and beliefs that interchurch families hold, despite following their different traditions and being members of different Christian denominations. The resurrection of Jesus and the messages of hope, forgiveness, and renewal associated with Easter are central to Christian theology and can be seen as common ground for interchurch families but also the churches they belong to. This time can really serve as a reminder to the wider church communities of the shared spiritual heritage and beliefs that interchurch families can bring weekly and not just when we gather together during Easter celebrations.

• Interchurch Dialogue and Understanding:

Easter and Lent that preceded it can also symbolize the importance of interchurch dialogue and the ecumenical understanding that is intrinsic within interchurch families. It can be a time for members of different traditions and denominations to engage in discussions about their beliefs, practices, and interpretations of Easter and in turn foster a mutual understanding and respect. Easter and Lent can provide an opportunity for interchurch families to deepen the understanding of each other's faiths and build stronger bonds based on mutual respect and appreciation in their churches and church communities.... and more importantly for those same dialogues to happen in those wider communities too, and not just as so often happens just through Ecumenical Lent Courses or prayer services during this holy season.

• Inclusivity and Acceptance:

Easter, with its message of love, compassion, and inclusivity, can be symbolic to interchurch families in promoting acceptance and inclusivity within and to the family, both the wider relational family but also the wider Christian family. It can serve as a reminder to embrace and respect each other's religious beliefs and practices, and to create an inclusive environment where all members feel valued and respected, regardless of their individual traditions... but more importantly this can be a space within the individual churches to extend that generous hospitality and welcome too.

• Creating Uniquely Blended Family Traditions:

Easter can also be symbolic to interchurch families in encouraging them to create their own unique family traditions that honour and reflect their diverse traditions. Interchurch families may choose to incorporate elements from both partners' traditions into their Easter celebrations, creating a meaningful and inclusive experience that reflects their family's unique identity and values.

So this is just a very quick consideration of how and why it is that Easter can be so deeply symbolic to interchurch families, and to the work of the Association of Interchurch Families, in representing unity in diversity, shared values, interchurch ecumenical dialogue, inclusivity, and the opportunity to create traditions that honour and respect each other's faith traditions.

It can be a time for interchurch families to come together, but also to reach out deeper into the church family as a whole and encourage them to celebrate their diversity, and at the same time deepen their understanding and appreciation for each other's traditions and practices so that in the light of the Risen Christ all may be known and all may be one, so that with open hearts and open minds, we proclaim together Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

The Association of Interchurch Families wish all a Blessed Easter.

Melanie Carroll
Executive Officer
Association of Interchurch Families

www.facebook.com/Interchurchfamilies

www.interchurchfamilies.org.uk

Valentines Day Hearts, faith in the face of adversity & the Association of Interchurch Families...

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 21:11:43 GMT

Valentines Day Hearts, faith in the face of adversity & the Association of Interchurch Families...

February 14th, St Valentines Day, a time to celebrate love and romance and so it seems fitting to think about how important a day it really is for the Association of Interchurch Families and its members... Because after all interchurch families are the embodiment of ecumenical love and romance, starting as they do with the coming together of two people from different denominational traditions meeting and falling in love and wanting to get married...

And so St Valentines day really does seem so fitting...
Not least because the stories of St Valentine - as muddled as they may be - tend to have a theme of marrying people for whom the rules were initially against them, and opening the eyes of the blind... Something that maybe feels a little familiar and apt to an association that in its time has seen its members feeling like they are dealing with and doing very similar things within their denominations and the wider Christian Church.

A popular account of St Valentine in the 13th century appears in the Nuremberg Chronicle and states that he was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius Gothicus after being caught marrying Christian couples and otherwise aiding Christians who were at the time being persecuted in Rome.
A different story from the 3rd century said he was a priest who defied the order of the emperor Claudius and secretly performed Christian weddings for couples when getting married was forbidden for those in, or entering, the army. It's here the account says that "to remind these men of their vows and God’s love, Saint Valentine is said to have cut hearts from parchment", possibly where the hearts we all recognise as a part of Valentines day come from.
A third story of Saint Valentine names him the former Bishop of Terni, who while under house arrest with Judge Asterius, discussed his faith with him and has the judge putting him to the test; if Valentine succeeds in restoring the girl's sight, then his faith was deep and true and right... Praying to God, Valentine laid his hands on the Judges blind adopted daughter and restored her sight! The judge humbled by this faith converted and received the Christian sacrament of baptism, and in turn freed all the Christian inmates under his authority.
They really are quite wonderful stories aren't they...

And for those within the Association of Interchurch Families there can seem to be strong analogies to be drawn between the act of a saint who is willing to step up and marry people who some say shouldn't be or have had hindrances put in their way, and those that are sometimes faced across denominational divisions that have nothing to do with love or really even faith, but rather due to rules and traditions...
And also so to the opening of the eyes of the blind in authority so that Christians can be freed of what can feel like the imprisonment of rules and decisions based not on love but legalism... So that here instead, when these things are faced with faith, open discussion, and demonstration of real relational ecumenism, love and faith can truly bloom, be sanctified, and flourish in a way that increases the community of Christ and the fellowship of faith...

We are pleased to say that in the years the Association of Interchurch Families has been around the barriers have been changing, the eyes opening, and the hearts freed in faith so that the love felt by people from differing Christian traditions doesn't need a martyr to see it happen, but rather both parties truly can stand side by side and go forward into a life of love and faith together as equals...

That said there's still work to do, though the hearts may flourish sometimes the struggle remains a little when moving into the next stage of Interchurch Family life with a new family and baptismal traditions. But then that's why we are still here to this day putting out our paper hearts and working so that we can help demonstrate to the church, the true face of Christian ecumenism that is family, as we work together to seeing love - romantic and everyday - flourish and bloom, to see the family sacraments not be places of sacrifice and martyrdom, but instead be places of deep love, open hearts and familial welcome for all.

If you are in an Interchurch family, or just starting your journey to an Interchurch relationship, and would like to know more about the Association of Interchurch Families then please do make contact... And if you do encounter an issue in that journey then don't hesitate to contact us with your questions or queries and we will do all we can to help you. After all, that is one of the things we are here for - not quite a Saint Valentine that can help with your marriage or the full healing, but certainly an organisation that can share our faith and knowledge that may help.

Melanie Carroll
Executive Officer
Association of Interchurch Families

www.facebook.com/Interchurchfamilies

www.interchurchfamilies.org.uk

Père Beaupère - Obituary

melanie@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Melanie Carroll) — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 18:03:08 GMT

Père Beaupère - Obituary

Père René Beaupère (1925 – 2022)

‘Apôtre et artisan de l’oecuménisme’

We were sorry to hear that Père René Beaupère, Dominican priest from Lyon, France, founder of the Association Française des Foyers Interconfessionaux Chrétiens (AFFMIC), the equivalent of AIF in France, and a major player in ecumenism, died on 10 December 2022.

Growing up and studying in Lyon, Père Beaupère met Paul Couturier, founder of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 1939, which brings together all baptised Christians including Orthodox, Anglican, Roman Catholic and other Christian traditions to pray for unity. From the early 1950s, Père Beaupère found a vocation to develop ecumenism. He became a member of the Groupe des Dombes, a gathering of RC and Protestant theologians which has met regularly since 1937 to visit holy places and to share fellowship, theological insights and different experiences of prayer and worship. In 1953 he founded the Centre St Irénée in Lyon for the study of ecumenism, which has been the source of many ecumenical initiatives.

Père Beaupère organised the first ecumenical pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1961, followed by numerous trips to many countries in the Middle East and elsewhere, including places behind the Iron Curtain. These trips brought together Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran and other Protestant Christians who shared their beliefs and their prayers and grew in their faith and their commitment to unity. He had a particular interest in the pastoral care of ‘mixed marriages’, bringing couples and families together to discuss their situations and to learn more about each other’s shared lives of faith. He started a regular review ‘Foyers Mixtes’, sharing the experience of such families and containing articles on theological subjects and their pastoral care. Ecumenical catechesis of children in these families developed, led by priests, pastors and couples, in parishes around Lyon and elsewhere. Their work inspired the World Council of Churches and the Second Vatican Council.

Ruth and Martin Reardon met Père Beaupère as AIF was beginning to grow from its early roots in the late 1960s, and gradually they began to share more and more of their experiences and insights, leading to visits by members of AIF to meetings in France and Switzerland, and to various international ecumenical conferences in different countries, where their relationship developed further. This in turn led to the first international gathering of interchurch families at the World Council of Churches HQ in Geneva in 1998, organised mainly by the French and Swiss groups, and with many AIF members attending, and the second international gathering in Rome in 2003, which brought together couples and families from the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and beyond. The planning group PREPROMA for this gathering had members speaking French, English, German and Italian, and meetings were held over two years in Lyon, where we received warm hospitality from local families and the Centre St Irénée. Theological exchange and documents such as the so-called ‘Rome Document’ followed this meeting, and this led to a group of 12, both lay and clergy, representing interchurch families from 10 countries, to talk with members of staff at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, where we were warmly received.

Père Beaupère was always at the centre of activities at the very interesting and enjoyable meetings of French interchurch families in Lyon, Paris and Lille. These always included social times as well as the usual talks, discussions, shared prayer and worship such as AIF has at Swanwick. One year there was a blind magician who kept us all fascinated, especially the children. Another year when the meeting was held in December members were invited to bring food and drink from their region, which as you can imagine meant a wonderful buffet. I took a Christmas cake, which divided opinion. One French-Swedish couple brought some smoked reindeer salami, and I had to remember not to mention that when I returned home to quite small children! Père Beaupère would often do a party turn with a twinkle in his eye, such as a comic verse or reading, and and also one year he treated us to an extended lecture on his particular field of specialist knowledge, the writer Antoine de St-Exupéry (author of ‘Le Petit Prince’), whose family he knew very well in Lyon.

Some of you may remember that Père Beaupère came over from France to attend Martin Reardon’s funeral. He took the TGV to Paris, and one of the AFFMIC members drove him through the tunnel and round London to Turvey, returning soon after the service, a real whistlestop tour. Ruth was very touched that they had made the journey. The last time she met him was at an AFFMIC weekend in Lyon in 2015, when Margaret Minoletti accompanied her on the journey and I joined them there. The two ecumenical friends and colleagues were really delighted to see each other, and it was very moving to see them embracing each other and talking for a long time together.

Another well-loved ecumenical mentor to interchurch families who will be very much missed. May he rest in peace.

Melanie Finch

Ruth Reardon 1930 - 2022 - Memorial Service Video

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 23:16:01 GMT

Ruth Reardon - Memorial Service Video.

A memorial service was held for Ruth Reardon on Saturday 26 November in All Saints Church in the village of Turvey, where Ruth and her late husband, Canon Martin Reardon OBE lived, and where Ruth continued living until the end of 2021 when she moved to Leeds to live with her daughter.

Ruth’s funeral had taken place in Leeds, so it was fitting that her memorial service was held in the church where Martin’s funeral had been held in 2005, and where she and Martin had worshipped together. After the service, a reception was held in the Roman Catholic Benedictine Monastery of Christ Our Saviour at the other end of the village - where Ruth and Martin had also regularly attended Mass.

The memorial service was attended by over 50 people who came together to share and celebrate their memories of Ruth, and we heard a range of tributes with insights into many aspects of her long life. We are pleased – especially for those who were unable to get to Turvey – to be able to share a recording of the service here (note that the sound is a bit quiet – it will probably need to be played at maximum volume on your device):

Who was Dr Ruth Reardon?

For anyone visiting our site who has not heard of Ruth Reardon, she was a Roman Catholic theologian and ecumenist, and with her Anglican husband, Martin and Fr John Coventry SJ, was co-founder of the Association of Interchurch Families. She died in May 2022.

The eulogy written and delivered by Paul Docherty, AIF Chair of Trustees can be read here .
The order of service can be seen here .
Read more about Ruth and Martin here

Synodality: Progress on AIF's Contribution

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 23:07:32 GMT

Synodality 2021 - 2023: AIF's Contribution

AIF’s contribution to the Roman Catholic Synodal Process was a collation of the comments that had been shared during several conversations involving members of the Association. A copy of the final, short paper can be read here.

As well as sending a copy to the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, copies were also sent direct to the Office of the Synod and to the Pontifical Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity.

Cardinal Koch, Prefect of the Pontifical Dicastery, has written to thank the Association for its “ecumenical contribution to the Synodal process” and drew attention to the comment in the dicastery’s recent document “The Bishop and Christian Unity: An Ecumenical Vademecum” that “pastors cannot be indifferent to the pain of Christian disunity which is experienced in the context of [interchurch families], perhaps more sharply than in any other context”

He added “We note that the Association’s contribution to the Synodal Process illustrates this pain eloquently” and sent his prayers for all members of the association.

This followed on from the zoom call at the end of February, when nearly 30 AIF members took part in one of several smaller “Synodality conversations” to help inform a response from the Association to the Roman Catholic Synodality process.

The outcomes of those conversations have been collated and used as the basis for a contribution that has now been sent to the Bishops Conference for England and Wales. The full contribution from the Association can be seen here.

Ruth Reardon 1930 - 2022 - Memorial Service

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 21:44:23 GMT

Ruth Reardon - Memorial Service Information.

The memorial for Ruth Reardon will take place on Saturday November 26th at 11am in All Saints Church, High Street, Turvey, Bedfordshire, MK43 8EP . http://www.allsaintsturvey.org.uk/find.html

The service will be followed by lunch at The Monastery of Christ our Saviour, Jacks Lane, Turvey, Bedfordshire, MK43 8DH. https://turveymonks.org.uk/contact-details/ .

Ruth was a Roman Catholic theologian and ecumenist, a co-founder of the Association of Interchurch Families together with her late husband, Canon Martin Reardon OBE and Fr John Coventry.

Ruth's funeral was held on the 1st June 2022. The eulogy that was written and delivered by Paul Docherty, AIF Chair of Trustees can be read here . The order of service can be seen here .

New Executive Officer for AIF

doral@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Doral Hayes) — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:09:30 GMT

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Melanie Carrol as AIF’s new Executive Officer in succession to Doral Hayes.

Melanie will bring a wealth of relevant experience to the role. She is currently the Ecumenical Mission Enabler for Churches Together in All Lincolnshire (a role that is also called County Ecumenical Officer elsewhere); she works with Street Pastors in Lincoln, and has experience as a charity trustee, Fresh Expression church facilitator, and as a spiritual director. With professional experience in management and administration – including Charity Administration – she has strong digital and social media skills which will be most helpful in moving forward our strategy of digital evangelisation.

We look forward to working with Melanie, and wish Doral all the very best in her new role with Churches Together in England where she will be the Principal Officer for Ecumenical Development and Relations (with effect from 19 September).

Members of the Association will have a chance to meet Melanie either in person or online at our Annual Weekend at Swanwick in November.

Job Opportunity: AIF are seeking a new Executive Officer

doral@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Doral Hayes) — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 09:28:18 GMT

The Association of Interchurch Families (AIF) is seeking to appoint a part-time Executive Officer

The Executive Officer will work with the trustees in delivering the Association’s three-fold mission of providing an information service for interchurch families and others; a pastoral support network; and a “voice in the churches”. Read more about our mission here .

During the pandemic, AIF embarked on a strategy of digital evangelisation, using online resources to improve its engagement with both its members and those who want to know more about being in an interchurch family. Implementation of this strategy is still in its early days and there are many opportunities yet to be exploited by the new Executive Officer who will help to promote and deliver the strategy as a key enabler of the Association’s mission - while also providing the full range of executive functions necessary for it to operate effectively as a charity.

The successful candidate will be:

Organised, efficient, and outward-looking with the skills and personal attributes necessary to support a small charity which relies heavily on volunteers.
Experienced and comfortable in working with websites, digital platforms and databases.

· Committed to the advancement of ecumenical relations and church unity.

This is a part-time post for 10 hours per week with the possibility of additional hours being worked as required and by negotiation. The FTE salary will be £30,000 (pro-rata, based on a 37-hour week).

The role is home-based. The post-holder will be expected to work flexibly to suit the requirements of both the job and their personal situation.

Application Arrangements:

Please use the links below to access all the application documentation:

To discuss the role in more detail with the Chair of Trustees, please email your request with your telephone number to chair@interchurchfamilies.org.uk and he will call you as soon as he is able. Please include any particular times to avoid (if appropriate).

Closing date for applications: 8.00 am on 15 August 2022

Interviews (on zoom): w/c 15 August (date to be confirmed, but there is flexibility in the scheduling of interviews;

this will be discussed with short-listed candidates).

Note: There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the job holder to be a practising Christian: this is essential for the credibility and performance of this role.

Book Now for the AIF Weekend 2022 (Now Closed)

doral@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Doral Hayes) — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 13:06:18 GMT

Join us for the AIF Weekend 2022

5th - 6th November 2022

Held at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire

The Case for Christian Unity - A Divine Imperative

Whilst most Christians probably think that Christian Unity is a “good thing” (if they think about it at all) the case for unity seems to have been overshadowed by what might be called the “feel-good factor” of people working well together at local levels - without considering why the divided churches really should be working for unity.

This weekend we want to explore the scriptural basis for unity and try to understand how, despite Jesus’s clear direction that we “should be one”, the Church has done the opposite. We hope to hear about the ecclesial case for unity. Why do the churches “keep at it”? If it’s not working, why not - and what can be done? We will also consider how we can make the case for unity at the local, Churches Together, level: how can we go beyond “just” working well together on issues such as social justice? Can unity happen from the bottom up if the institutional churches disagree on doctrine?

We currently have two confirmed speakers and hope to have a third, Anglican, speaker.

Revd. Helen Cameron is the new Moderator of the Free Churches Group and our newest President. She will deliver a bible study on the divine imperative for unity on Saturday.

Fr Dominic Robinson SJ is the parish priest of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street in London, and involved in Churches Together in Westminster.

Following the success of the trial at last year’s gathering, the sessions and worship will be broadcast simultaneously on Zoom to allow people to participate on-line. Booking for the “on-line only” event can be made via the website.

To book for either the in person or online event please click here

Ruth Reardon 1930 - 2022

doral@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Doral Hayes) — Wed, 11 May 2022 17:37:21 GMT

Ruth Reardon - Funeral Service and Memorial Service Information.

Dr Ruth Reardon, former Life President of AIF died on 8 May 2022.

Ruth was a Roman Catholic theologian and ecumenist, a co-founder of the Association of Interchurch Families together with her late husband, Canon Martin Reardon OBE and Fr John Coventry.

Ruth's funeral was held on the 1st June 2022. The eulogy that was written and delivered by Paul Docherty, AIF Chair of Trustees can be read here . The order of service can be seen here .

Ruth's funeral can been watched at this link on the church's Facebook page (1) All Hallows Church, Leeds | Facebook . It was streamed on the 1st June.

A Memorial Service will be held at All Saints Church, Turvey, Bedfordshire at 11.00am on the 26th November 2022. More details will be sent to members nearer the time.

Synodality: An AIF Contribution

doral@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Doral Hayes) — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 08:15:54 GMT

Synodality 2021 - 2023: AIF's Contribution

At the end of February, nearly 30 AIF members joined a Zoom call to take part in one of several smaller “Synodality conversations” to help inform a response from the Association to the Roman Catholic Synodality process.

Report of the AIF and EWARC Conversations

doral@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Doral Hayes) — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 09:42:58 GMT

AIF and EWARC Conversations

In October 2020 a one day event bringing together AIF members with members of the English and Welsh Anglican Roman Catholic Committee took place. The day included worship together as well as small group and plenary discussions focusing on the pastoral care of those in interchurch families.

The report of these conversations is now available in our library pages here.

CTE Forum 2022 - A Renewed Committment

doral@interchurchfamilies.org.uk (Doral Hayes) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 16:37:06 GMT

CTE Forum 2022: Reconciling Hope - A Broken Church for a Broken World

The Churches Together in England Forum, the broadest ecumenical gathering in the country, ended on 16/3/22 with a renewed commitment that the church is ready to serve a ‘broken world’.

More than 300 delegates from CTE’s 52 national Member Churches, Bodies in Association and partner organisations met to discuss the theme ‘Reconciling Hope: A broken church for a broken world’ viewed through the lenses of racial justice and the climate emergency.

Several members of AIF were present, all helping on the AIF stand in the Marketplace. Paul Docherty, AIF Cahir of Trustees was the, only one officially representing AIF, all the others came from a range of church delegations and ecumenical roles showing once again the deep commitment to unity found with AIF's membership.

CTE President, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, spoke on reconciliation in a post-Covid world. He urged the church to embrace its diversity and, “where we disagree, we must learn to disagree well…look outwards and respond to the crises that surround us, with the love of God that is within us, and with the unity that can be reached between us.” Tearfund Global Advocacy and Influencing Director, Canon Dr Ruth Valerio, addressed the question of reconciliation with the earth. She said facing the climate emergency is an integral part of the Christian faith: “We need to get hold of God’s love for the world. In Genesis 1:31 ‘God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.’” Professor Anthony Reddie and Rev Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson spoke on reconciling communities. Professor Reddie demanded that the church confront its collusion with the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. Dr Henry-Robinson challenged individuals to think where they found themselves - as oppressors or following Jesus’s way of justice, hope and peace. Orthodox theologian Dr Ralph Lee reminded delegates that, “as we seek to understand one another better, deep listening helps us overcome the difference in our language and traditions.”

During the gathering the Forum attendees made two statements on Ukraine. The first, calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities and for churches everywhere to campaign for an end to the war in Ukraine. The second, appealing to the UK government to support the churches offering welcome and sanctuary to Ukrainian refugees.

As Forum drew to a close the new General Secretary of Churches Together in England, Bishop Mike Royal, was commissioned into his role. He addressed Forum with his vision for the Church across England: “We’ve got to build a bigger table to gather around and listen to the voices which are often not heard. We need to raise a new generation of ecumenists. And to be ready to respond practically and relevantly to the needs in the world that God has called us as church to serve.”

AIF Spring Lecture: Dr. Clare Watkins

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 22:18:53 GMT

Dr. Clare Watkins Talk 7th February 2022 at 7.30pm

Don't forget to register for the Spring Lecture with Dr. Clare Watkins on the 7th February 2022.

Communion, Participation, Mission:

Interchurch Families’ gifts of discernment and ‘Synodality’ for the wider Church

We are pleased to announce that our Spring Lecture will be focusing on the link between interchurch families and the most important issue facing the Catholic church today, one which also has clear implications for all other Christian churches and denominations - that of Synodality. Theologian Dr Clare Watkins will focus on the centrality of discernment in the process of Synodality and also in the decisions that face interchurch families. Using the process of discernment inherent in the question of Eucharistic Sharing as one of her examples (as discussed in One Bread One Body and the German Bishops’ Guidelines) she will examine the particular way in which the synodal process highlights the necessity of wide inclusion for authentic discernment – and here she will develop a theme that Interchurch Families have a real wealth of experience that is a gift to the wider church.

St Albans Cathedral

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 21:14:11 GMT

Doral Hayes, Executive Development Officer of AIF had the privilege of preaching and leading worship at the Free Church service of the Ecumenical Chaplaincy of St Albans Cathedral this morning. It was a family affair as the intercessions were read by Dylan Flynn-Hayes and the music provided by Alison Eve. Thank you both.

Churches Together in England Forum 2022

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 21:14:10 GMT

Reconciling Hope – a broken Church for a broken World

The Forum is a delegate conference, bringing together over three hundred representatives of Churches Together in England’s Member Churches , Intermediate Bodies and Bodies in Association .

The 2022 Forum will take place from teatime on Monday 14 March to lunchtime on Wednesday 16 March 2022 at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire, DE55 1AU. Find out more about the planning group

We begin addressing our theme with an overview address on Monday evening on Reconciliation in a post-Covid world. This will be followed by speakers focusing on:

Reconciling communities – being good news in fractured communities and society
Reconciling people with God – bringing the Good News (evangel) to a disbelieving world
Reconciliation with the earth – reconciling people to planet earth: the task of being good news to a world in climate emergency

Delegates will engage with these themes in small groups.

For more details go to the CTE website HERE

World Council of Churches Assembly 31st August – 8th September 2022

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 21:14:09 GMT

The 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches will take place in Karlsruhe, Germany, from 31 August to 8 September 2022,

under the theme "Christ's love moves the world to reconciliation and unity"

The Assembly is the highest governing body of the World Council of Churches (WCC), and normally meets every eight years. It is the only time when the entire fellowship of member churches comes together in one place for prayer and celebration.

A WCC Assembly is a special time in the lives of member churches, ecumenical partners and other churches, as it brings together more than 4000 participants, coming from all over the world. It is a unique opportunity for the churches to deepen their commitment to visible unity and common witness. This makes a WCC Assembly the most diverse Christian gathering of its size in the world.

The 11th Assembly of the WCC will take place in Karlsruhe, Germany, at the joint invitation of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), the Protestant Church in Baden, the Council of Churches in Germany, the Union of Protestant Churches in Alsace and Lorraine (UEPAL) and the Protestant Church in Switzerland.

For more information visit the WCC website HERE

NBCW Webinar: Who Can Take Communion With US?

anthony@everydaychristianmarketing.co.uk (Anthony Evans) — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 21:19:12 GMT

AIF News Archives

NBCW Webinar: Who Can Take Communion With US?

Published on April 21, 2021

The National Board of Catholic Women are hosting a webinar, which is to take place on the 17th May 2021 at 7pm.

The webinar will highlight the new leaflet entitled Who Can Take Communion With Us? Speakers will include Dr Clare Watkins from the University of Roehampton, Bishop Paul Hendricks Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark and AIF members Helen and Philip Mayles.

This is a free event but attendees do need to register with the National Board of Catholic Women here .

Christian Aid 75th Anniversary Service – 9th May at 6.3pm

Church and State: a holy or an unholy alliance? A Webinar from the Society for Ecumenical Studie

The Ecumenical Chaplaincy of St Albans Cathedral – A New Book by Pam McElroy

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 22:55:34 GMT

AIF Member Pam McElroy has written and published a new book on The Ecumenical Chaplaincy of St Albans Cathedral. Details are available here which also include how to order the book directly from Pam; all proceeds and sales from this book are being split between St Albans Cathedral and the Association of Interchurch Families.

The books contains many reflections and stories from those involved in the life of the ecumenical chaplaincy, both lay and clergy, as well as many photographs.

On receiving his copy of the book Archbishop Bernard Longley, a long standing member of AIF, wrote “congratulations on gathering together this fascinating range of reflections and recollections. I know how inspirational the Ecumenical Chaplaincy at St Albans has been over the years and I am sure that it will continue to inspire many others in the years to come”.

Please do contact Pam McElroy directly if you would like a copy of this book, all details are available here .

AIF Members Meet Online to Pray Together during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

National Day of Reflection – 23rd March 2021

AIF Members Meet Together Online

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 22:58:49 GMT

AIF Members Meet Online to Pray Together during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Published on January 8, 2021

AIF’s first online meeting of 2021 will take place on the 21st January 2021 when members will meet and pray together during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity using the resources from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.

Join them in prayer for unity between the 18th -25th January 2021.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18th to 25th January 2021

The Ecumenical Chaplaincy of St Albans Cathedral – A New Book by Pam McElroy

Vademecum from the PCPCU – Practical recommendations for Christian Unity

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 23:06:16 GMT

Vademecum from the PCPCU – Practical recommendations for Christian Unity

Vademecum from the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

The Tablet reports that working for Christian unity can no longer be seen as “optional” by bishops and Catholics should avoid polemics when it comes to ecumenical dialogue, according to a new document released by the Vatican.

The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity has released a guidebook, known as a “vademecum”, offering practical recommendations for bishops on how to promote unity between Christians.

Click here for the links to page on the PCPCU website and also for the full document:

http://www.christianunity.va/content/unitacristiani/en/news/2020/2020-12-04-vademecum-online.html

http://www.christianunity.va/content/dam/unitacristiani/Documentazione%20generale/2020Vademecum/Vademecum-EN.pdf

“The bishop’s ecumenical engagement is not an optional dimension of his ministry but a duty and obligation,” it states. “Concern for unity must inform every part of his ministry: in his teaching of the faith, in his sacramental ministry, and through the decisions of his pastoral care, he is called to build and strengthen that unity for which Jesus prayed at the Last Supper.”

Praying Together – National Church Leaders call for a National Month of Prayer for the Nation

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18th to 25th January 2021

30th Anniversary of Churches Together in England

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 22:25:49 GMT

Published on September 2, 2020

September 2020 marks thirty years since the founding of Churches Together in England (CTE).

Canon Martin Reardon, who was also a co-founder of AIF with his wife Dr Ruth Reardon and Fr John Coventry, was the first General Secretary of CTE and you can read more of how CTE came in to being here .

Click here for reflections from the current General Secretary Rev. Dr Paul Goodliff, AIF President Cardinal Vincent Nichols and others.

COVID 19 and the World Church – Webinar from the Society for Ecumenical Studies

The Spiritual Health of the Nation – an Online seminar on 15th September at 6pm

Thy Kingdom Come 2020: AIF encourages others to join other christians in prayer from their homes

Wed, 27 May 2020 23:22:12 GMT

Thy Kingdom Come 2020: AIF encourages others to join other christians in prayer from their homes

Thy Kingdom Come is an ecumenical call to prayer that runs from Ascension to Pentecost, which in a majority of churches runs from the 21st-31st May 2020. Although our buildings are closed we can still be united in pray, in our homes, in our gardens – wherever we are.

Please click here for a short video from Association of Interchurch Families encouraging Christians to pray together at this time that others will know more of Christ in their lives. Please do share this across your church networks.

25 Years since the publication of Ut Unum Sint. Pope Francis speaks of the need for greater unity.

Wed, 27 May 2020 23:19:15 GMT

Published on May 28, 2020

It is now 25 years since the publication of Ut unum sint Pope John Paul’s encyclical on ecumenism.

To mark this occasion Pope Francis has written to the President of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity. In his letter Pope Francis says to Cardinal Koch: “On this anniversary, I give thanks to the Lord for the journey he has allowed us to travel as Christians in the quest of full communion”. He also speaks of the need for greater unity and states that he shares “the healthy impatience of those who sometimes think that we can and should do more”.

Click here to read the full article in The Tablet.

Thy Kingdom Come 2020: AIF encourages others to join other christians in prayer from their homes

Thy Kingdom Come: Special online service tomorrow from 9am including messages from Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury and other UK Church Leaders.

Joint message from the CTE Presidents – Keep Praying

Sun, 10 May 2020 23:24:54 GMT

Published on May 11, 2020

In a series of video messages released on 6 May 2020, Presidents of Churches Together in England are encouraging us to keep praying prayers of hope, because prayer makes a difference.

Click here for more information

Roman Catholic Church formally presents its response to “The Church: Towards a Common Vision”

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 00:55:54 GMT

Roman Catholic Church formally presents its response to “The Church: Towards a Common Vision”

Published on November 21, 2019

The Roman Catholic Church has now formally responded to the WCC Document, The Church: Towards a Common Vision.

To view the response and for more information please click here

Pope Francis welcomes the Archbishop of Canterbury to Rome

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Readings, prayers and devotions all available via Mobile App, to download or in paper copy.

A Flexible Framework for Local Mission

Sat, 31 Aug 2019 00:23:18 GMT

Published on August 5, 2019

Churches Together in England have published a new document entitled A Flexible Framework for Local Unity which aims to provide a framework for a wider range of local ecumenical projects.

A New Framework for Local Ecumenism was launched as a consultation document in 2016. It has now changed both its content and its name in response to the comments from CTE’s member churches and regional representatives. It has been universally well received and is helping to change attitudes to working together. The document and supporting material were renamed and revised into A Flexible Framework for Local Unity in Mission and these are now all available to download on the CTE website .

Thy Kingdom Come: CTE Presidents pray with crowds in Trafalgar Square

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland – New website bringing Churches Together for the General Election 2019

Interchurch families celebrate their Golden Jubilee with an ecumenical Evensong at Swanwick.

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 00:42:35 GMT

Fifty years after the Association of Interchurch Families (AIF) was founded, over 60 members and their guests met at the Hayes Centre in Swanwick on 13-14 October for a weekend to celebrate their Jubilee year. Central to the celebrations was an ecumenical service of Evensong that paid tribute to the vision of the founders of AIF; the service was led by the Anglican Bishop Tim Thornton (Bishop at Lambeth) assisted by the Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham and co-chair of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC), Bernard Longley and the Moderator of the Free Churches, Revd. Dr. Hugh Osgood.

Back in 1968 Canon Martin Reardon, his wife, Dr. Ruth Reardon, and Fr John Coventry SJ recognized that couples from different church traditions who shared the sacraments of baptism and marriage often need a particular kind of pastoral understanding from their churches. They therefore brought together a number of such interchurch couples for mutual support. From this group grew an association that has also become a forum through which interchurch couples can share with their churches their experience of living together in love across the denominational divide.

Their experience of sharing Christ’s love across that divide, despite the challenges it presents, is a precious example of unity and a gift to the churches, summed up by Saint John Paul II in York in 1982 when he addressed interchurch families, saying, “You live in your marriages the hopes and difficulties of the path to Christian Unity”.

In a keynote speech Archbishop Longley spoke of the role that AIF has played in making the churches aware of the pastoral needs of interchurch families, and of what it had taught many church leaders about the joy and the pain of their situation. Speaking of their immense gratitude to the Association, one couple at the weekend gathering declared that without the support of the Association and its members they doubted that their marriage would have survived the difficulties they had faced.

From left to right: Bishop Tim Thornton (Bishop at Lambeth and Anglican President of AIF), Revd Dr Hugh Osgood (Moderator of the Free Churches Group and Free Church President of AIF); Dr Ruth Reardon (co-founder of AIF); Archbishop Bernard Longley (Archbishop of Birmingham and a long-standing supporter of AIF).

AIF Celebrate 50 Years with the AIF JUBILEE WEEKEND

National Call to Prayer starting 20th January 2019

AIF Celebrate 50 Years with the AIF JUBILEE WEEKEND

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 00:47:10 GMT

AIF Celebrate 50 Years with the AIF JUBILEE WEEKEND

Published on October 11, 2018

This coming weekend marks the start of the celebration of 50 years of the Association of Interchurch Families. Gathering at The Hayes, Swanwick on the 13th -14th October 2018 AIF Members will be joined supporters and friends of the Association including:

Archbishop Bernard Longley
Bishop Tim Thornton
Rev. Dr Hugh Osgood, Free Churches Moderator
Dame Mary Tanner
Rev. Dr Paul Goodliff, CTE General Secretary
Rev. Bob Fyffe, CTBI General Secretary

Together we will be reflecting on the place and influence of interchurch families within ecumenism over the last half century as well the support the Association has been to many families across England.

Check on our Twitter feed and Facebook page throughout the weekend for more information.

English Anglican Roman Catholic Committee – A New Chapter

Interchurch families celebrate their Golden Jubilee with an ecumenical Evensong at Swanwick.

English Anglican Roman Catholic Committee – A New Chapter

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 00:49:34 GMT

The next quinquennial of English Anglican Roman Catholic Committee (EARC) started in July at Lambeth Palace and now are planning their next meeting together in November. The committee is co-chaired by Bishop Christopher Foster and Bishop Robert Bryne who are both known to AIF Members. Association of Interchurch Families Executive Development Officer, Doral Hayes is also a member of the new Committee and looks forward to working with other members to further relationships between the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches in England over the next five years.

More details about the English Anglican Roman Catholic Committee can be found here.

CTE Forum: I am Always With You

AIF Celebrate 50 Years with the AIF JUBILEE WEEKEND

inter-church-families

Walking to the Tomb Together: Holy Week and Easter for Interchurch Families

Walking to the Tomb Together: Holy Week and Easter for Interchurch Families

MARCH — “Reconciliation in Everyday Life”

“Reconciliation in Everyday Life”

February - Love That Bridges Difference

Love that Bridges Difference

One Body, One Spirit: What Interchurch Families Reveal About Christian Unity - An AIF reflection for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026

One Body, One Spirit: What Interchurch Families Reveal About Christian Unity

If you are not already a Member of AIF we invite you to join us at our online Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity as we come together as 'One Body and One Spirit'.

Please register below and we will send you out a zoom link to join us.

An Invitation to the AIF Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service on the 20th January 2026 at 7:30PM

If you are not already a Member of AIF we invite you to join us at our online Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity as we come together as

﻿ 'One Body and One Spirit'.

Please register below and we will send you out a zoom link to join us.

Happy New Year! January —The Courage to Begin Again

JANUARY — The Courage to Begin Again

A Christmas & New Year Prayer

An Invitation to the AIF Advent Service & Social on the 2nd December 2025

If you are not already a Member of AIF we invite you to join us at our online Advent Service and Social.

Please register below and we will send you out a zoom link to join us.

AIF's 40th and Final Weekend at the Hayes

Farewell to Swanwick: AIF’s 40th and Final Weekend at The Hayes

Thy Kingdom Come 2025 - Daily Prayers and Reflections from the Association of Interchurch families

Thy Kingdom Come 2025 - Prayers and Reflections from the Association of Interchurch Families ﻿

Palm Branches and Shared Pathways: Interchurch Families and the Call of Palm Sunday

Palm Branches and Shared Pathways: Interchurch Families and the Call of Palm Sunday

Lent for everyone - Interchurch Families Lent Courses

Lent 2025 - Interchurch Families and Building Bridges for everyone Lent Courses

Why We Are Interchurch... And Why Everyone—and All Churches—Should Be Too!

Why We Are Interchurch... And Why Everyone—and All Churches—Should Be Too!

The love story that is the Association of Interchurch Families

The Love Story that is the Association of Interchurch Families!

A Short taste of the AIF service for the 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Association of Interchurch Families Advent Study 2024

The Bishop of Rome - a timely Vatican document on a new way of reflecting primacy Et Unum Sint

Finding Common Ground: The Recent Unrest and Interchurch Families

A short reflection from our Executive Officer

Easter and the Risen Christ

Happy Easter to all our members, friends and colleagues!

Hosanna, Palms and Interchurch Families

Hosanna, Palms & Interchurch Families

AIF SPRING LECTURE 2024 - with Fr Jan Nowotnik on A Vision for a Synodal Church

AIF Spring Lecture 2024 on A Vision for a Synodal Church given by Fr Jan Nowotnik

Embracing Love, Lent, and Interchurch Unity: A Unique Convergence on Ash Wednesday

Embracing Love, Lent, and Interchurch Unity: A Unique Convergence on Ash Wednesday

Reflections on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2024

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - Go and Do Likewise

A New Year and New Prayer Calendar

A New Year and A New Prayer Calendar

Some Final Words from Pere Beaupere

Some Final Words and Reflections from Pere Beaupere

Father's Day Blessings - and why this day is important for Interchurch Families.

Father's Day Blessings, and why this day is important to Interchurch Families...

On the first Day of 'Thy Kingdom Come' Booking is Now open for the 2023 AIF Weekend : 'Interchurch Families - Beacons of Receptive Ecumenism'

Join us for the AIF Weekend 2023 - 'Interchurch Families - Beacons of Receptive Ecumenism'

AIF Presidents Offer Prayers at the Coronation

AIF Presidents offer prayers at the Coronation

The Coronation and Interchurch Families - A Symbolic Alignment

The Coronation and Interchurch Families - A Symbolic Alignment

Easter Blessings - & Why Easter is so symbolic for Interchurch Families.

Why Easter is so symbolic to Interchurch Families...

Valentines Day Hearts, faith in the face of adversity & the Association of Interchurch Families...

Valentines Day Hearts, faith in the face of adversity & the Association of Interchurch Families...

Père Beaupère - Obituary

Père Beaupère - Obituary

Ruth Reardon 1930 - 2022 - Memorial Service Video

Ruth Reardon - Memorial Service Video.

Synodality: Progress on AIF's Contribution

Synodality 2021 - 2023: AIF's Contribution

Ruth Reardon 1930 - 2022 - Memorial Service

Ruth Reardon - Memorial Service Information.

New Executive Officer for AIF

Job Opportunity: AIF are seeking a new Executive Officer

The Association of Interchurch Families (AIF) is seeking to appoint a part-time Executive Officer

Book Now for the AIF Weekend 2022 (Now Closed)

Join us for the AIF Weekend 2022

Ruth Reardon 1930 - 2022

Ruth Reardon - Funeral Service and Memorial Service Information.

A Memorial Service will be held at All Saints Church, Turvey, Bedfordshire at 11.00am on the 26th November 2022. More details will be sent to members nearer the time.

'One Body and One Spirit'.

Thy Kingdom Come 2025 - Prayers and Reflections from the Association of Interchurch Families

Reconciling Hope – a broken Church for a broken World