Seventeen U.S. college campus ministries have signed an agreement  designed to usher in a new era of mutual cooperation and respect.

The document known as the "Chicago Agreement: Unity In Mission," states that the organizations will not to criticize or take members from each other. Instead, the groups will work with each other in order to minister to students.

InterVarsity spokesman Scott Wilson said there is ample room for campus ministries that serve students in different ways.

Among the groups that signed the agreement were  InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Campus Crusade for Christ, The Navigators, Reformed University Fellowship, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"I see the Chicago Agreement as a sign of the work of the Holy Spirit in our movement and in leadership of these other movements," said Jim Lundgren, senior vice president and director of Collegiate Ministries for InterVarsity.