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Sharing Building Space
A congregation's property is intended for use
in fulfillment of the ends of the church — defined by Presbyterians as "the
proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture,
and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; the maintenance of divine worship;
the preservation of the truth; the promotion of social righteousness; and the
exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world" (G-1.0200). See 199th
General Assembly (1987), Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), ¶ 21.244-6.
A few Christian congregations consider sharing their physical space and property
with a group belonging to another religious tradition (for example, a Jewish
congregation). This requires careful and prayerful examination of many
questions, some related to our defined "ends of the church" and others
prompted by practical concerns. A congregation will be helped by seeking answers
early on to such questions, perhaps in consultation with one or more congregations
which are already sharing accommodations.
- Participating in more than a financial,
rental transaction. How will sharing space extend the ministry or hospitality of the church? Can
you be respectful toward those with whom you are considering sharing space? Will
you understand your lives and words to be a witness among your neighbors, made
humbly through the dialogue of speaking to others and listening to them? Will
you be willing to listen to their religious, ethical, and social concerns?
- Understanding the building's identity
in your town or city. With what purpose(s) do you want your neighborhood, town or city to identify
your church's building? Is sharing space consistent with this identity, or will
doing so harmfully confuse identity? If you want to develop a new public sense
about the building's purpose, how can you do this?
- Determining what sharing space might
enable you to do with others on behalf of the common good of people in your neighborhood. What vision
does your congregation have about societal issues related to justice, peace,
and the stewardship of God's creation? How does your congregation's work for
the common good of society relate to its witness as a congregation and its members'
witness as individuals? How will your witness in society be affected by sharing
space with persons of another faith? How can these questions be explored with
others?
- Facing emotionally-charged decisions
about religious symbols. What meaning do the symbols of the Christian faith have for your congregation?
Are you willing for your symbols to be exchanged for those of another religion
or to be concealed when a space is used by another faith group? Would you want
to find common visual elements, appreciated by both groups, that could be placed
somewhere in the building? How will you discuss these matters with those planning
to use the building so that there is mutual decision-making?
- Sharing occasional celebration, worship
or educational activity with others. Is your congregation open to possibilities for occasional shared
celebrations, worship or educational experiences with those who share your building?
What standards will you use initially as you participate in mutually planning
joint activities with them? Have you looked at the resource, Respectful Presence
(see below)?
- Negotiating distribution of financial
responsibility, time schedules, standards of cleanliness and building upkeep. Will the accountability
for practical matters be appropriately shared by all building users? Have you
developed a system for regularly consulting about practical matters in order
to lessen potential tensions and promote mutual trust? Who will provide leadership
in developing and maintaining communication?
- Making decisions in an appropriate
way. What other questions
and issues arise as your church officers discuss sharing space with another group?
How can the full membership of the church be brought into discussion at an appropriate
time? Will it be helpful for the congregation (or some of its members) to have
an educational experience to learn about the other religion before a decision
to share space is finalized? If so, who will make the plans? What will be the
educational objectives?
You may find these resources helpful:
This document, from the 209th General Assembly
(1997), is available with a study guide and as a stand-alone document.
Respectful Presence (document only)
Respectful Presence (with Congregational Study Guide)
Read these principles.
From the Book of Order
The session is responsible for the mission and government of the particular
church. It therefore has the responsibility and power:
- to lead the congregation
in participation in the mission of the whole Church in the world ... to provide
for the growth of its members and for their equipment for ministry through ...
opportunities for witness and service in the world
- to establish the annual
budget ...
- to provide for the management of the property of the church,
including determination of the appropriate use of church buildings and facilities
...
Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.)
Book of Order, G-10.0102c,e,i,o
A particular church shall not lease its real property used for purposes of
worship, or lease for more than five years any of its other real property, without
the written permission of the presbytery transmitted through the session of the
particular church.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Book of Order, G-8.0502
This document has been prepared by the Office
of Interfaith Relations to offer informal assistance to congregations. |
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