Ecclesial DNA

We discuss here the metaphor of church DNA which has been used in arguments against Called to Common Mission. Consideration of the role of the genetic material in biological organisms enables us to suggest what it might mean to say that the DNAs of different Christian traditions are or are not compatible. As plants or animals belong to the same species if they can propagate their kind, church bodies can be said to be compatible if their inter‐communion furthers the church's mission to make disciples. Some ways in which ecumenical agreements might make this possible are considered.