Disciples of Christ, United Church of Christ plan future of ecumenical cooperation

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The ecumenical agencies of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ have held their first-ever meeting to discuss future cooperation.

Since 1989, the two similar denominations, which have 2.3 million members between them, have shared clergy and mission work. The April 6-8 meeting of their ecumenical agencies was to explore further areas of common practice.

The agencies also discussed a plan, now being negotiated with other denominations, to form a joint body to be known as ''Churches Uniting in Christ.''

The Disciples' General Assembly and the United Church's General Synod will meet jointly in Kansas City, Mo., next year.