The implementation of proposals to streamline the structures of inter-church bodies may be delayed following a majority vote at the General Assembly yesterday.
Members were concerned about possible theological implications of closer association with the Catholic Church.
An amendment asking that the matter "be sent down to presbyteries" for their consideration before November 30th, rather than leaving the matter to the church's Inter-Church Relations Board, was passed by a narrow majority.
The amendment was proposed by two former moderators, Dr William Craig and Dr David McGaughey.
The inter-church bodies concerned are the Irish Council of Churches (ICC), which is made up of Protestant churches, and the 25-year-old Irish Inter-Church Meeting (IICM), which is made up of the Catholic Church and ICC members.
Opposing the amendment the Rev Tony Davidson of Armagh, a member of the Inter-Church Board, spoke of Catholic neighbours who had carried his uncle's coffin at Coalisland in 1978, "a difficult time and a difficult place", in "an act of respect and civility".
Mr George McCullagh, of Dublin, told the assembly that the 94 per cent Yes vote in the South on the Belfast Agreement "could be seen as a sign of regard and respect for the people of Northern Ireland".