The annual assembly of the official ecumenical body in the UK - Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) will open today. Running until Friday 25th February, the 4-day conference aims to discuss the future of ecumenical movement in the UK as proposed by the pre-assembly. Not only will the structure of CTBI be reconsidered, but also its purpose and role are to be investigated deeply.

Some 300 representatives from the major Christian denominations in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales will gather in Swanwick, Derbyshire for the assembly.

CTBI, formerly the Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland, was established in 1990 alongside ecumenical bodies in each of the nations. It was initiated by the Pope’s visit to Britain in 1982 in a bid to facilitate a sustainable cooperation between Anglican, Catholic, Free Church, Black Majority and Orthodox Christians.

CTBI has been very successful in uniting different denominations across the country in a common purpose to express a Christian presence in the society, contribute an effort against injustice and most importantly, to proclaim the Gospel.

However, the financial pressures on historic denominations, plus the changing nature of mission in a fast-moving world, has led to renewed debate about the best "architecture" to support inter-church relations and social engagement in the twenty-first century.

"This Assembly will be a unique meeting place for Christians of all shapes, sizes and opinions," one delegate told Ekklesia, the UK-based News agency. "But at the same time we have to recognise that the agenda for Christian involvement in Britain and Ireland is changing very quickly indeed. So as well as consolidating the best of what we have in our inherited traditions, we need to be open to fresh expressions of church life which could challenge our perceptions of the next steps we take together."

More than discussing matters of business, CTBI insists that the overall theme of the CTBI Assembly is pilgrimage. Instead of being locked into discussions about future structures, the agenda is well-organised around prayer and worship, biblical reflection, a large workshop programme focussing on Christian witness and action across the globe, and a "marketplace" for church agencies and initiatives.

Delegates are encouraged to pray, worship and reflect on the word of God by using the prayer rooms especially set up in the Assembly Hall. Morning Prayer sessions in different denominational traditions are available. The opening session will be held at 5:00pm today led by Bishop Michael Doe, General Secretary of USPG.