BRITISH COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

interdenominational cooperative organization formed in 1942 by the Church of England and other British churches. The requirement for membership was the same as that adopted by the World Council of Churches: acceptance of Jesus Christ as God and Saviour. The council has several departments that carry out cooperative work for the churches in various areas, including youth work and social welfare. It is especially concerned with ecumenical activities and Christian unity. Membership in the council is made up of most of the Anglican and Protestant churches in the British Isles as well as some interdenominational groups, including the YMCA and YWCA. The Greek Orthodox church joined the council in 1965. The first president of the council was William Temple, archbishop of Canterbury, and subsequently the presidency was filled by the current archbishop of Canterbury.