Which entity has the power to unite or divide churches upon request?

The General Assembly holds the authority to unite or divide churches upon request, serving as the highest governing body within a connectional church system, such as in Presbyterian contexts. This assembly comprises representatives from various presbyteries, and its responsibilities include examining broader issues affecting multiple congregations or the entire denomination. When a situation arises requiring the consolidation or separation of churches—whether due to theological disagreements, a desire for new church plants, or other such matters—the General Assembly is the entity empowered to make those determinations and facilitate the process.

The other entities, while important in church governance, do not possess the same level of authority. The Church Session focuses primarily on the local congregation's administration and spiritual oversight, while the Presbytery, which is a regional governing body, governs multiple congregations but still operates under the authority of the General Assembly. Individual congregations have autonomy in many aspects of their governance but lack the overarching power to enact changes that affect the broader connection of churches.