wfn.org | Anglicans and Methodists in England launch plan for unity

[ENS@ecunet.org]

2002-004

Anglicans and Methodists in England launch plan for unity

by James Solheim
jsolheim@episcopalchurch.org

     (ENS) After three years of discussion, a common statement is proposing 
concrete steps toward unity between Anglicans and Methodists in England.

     "All the essential theological ingredients to bring about an integrated 
ministry in the future seem to be in place," according to the statement, "An 
Anglican-Methodist Covenant." The only possible obstacle could be opposition in 
the Church of England to female bishops.

     The report proposes a sweeping new relationship between the two churches at 
every level of their lives, including a sharing of worship and exchange of 
clergy. By recognizing in each other the signs of "a true church," the churches 
are also recognizing "the authentically apostolic nature of its ministry of word, 
sacrament and pastoral oversight" (episcope), according to the report. 

     Proposals for a move towards unity failed in 1972 and a decade later 
Covenanting for Unity proposals also foundered over attempts to reconcile the 
ministries of the two churches.

     The report acknowledged those failures and admitted that there are "strong 
feelings that could continue to keep the two churches apart. These feelings, 
however caused, arise not only out of present unease, but also out of past 
conflicts. But the goal we were set was realistic and deliverable." Despite the 
rocky road, "We need to proceed in a steady but resolute way towards our goal 
which is, as ever, the full visible unity of Christ's Church."

     Bishop Barry Rogerson of Bristol, Anglican co-chair of the dialogue, said 
that he hoped that unity could be achieved by 2010, calling it "a significant 
step forward and continues a process which could change the face of English 
Christianity."

Harvesting diversity

     "Disappointed hopes over the failure of earlier unity proposals have also 
left painful memories and areas of anxiety that need to be allayed," the report 
warned. "The healing of memories is a necessary part of the healing of the wounds 
of division in the body of Christ."

     After decades of practical cooperation and theological convergence, the 
churches are ready to take the crucial steps toward "mutual affirmation and 
mutual commitment."

     "Our aim is to harvest our diversity, to share our treasures and to remedy 
our shortcomings," said the report. 

     While there is substantial agreement on the theology and practice of baptism 
and the Eucharist, there are some differences in approach to ministry. The 
Methodists, for example, allow laity to preside at the Eucharist for "pastoral 
reasons." Yet broad agreement on the role of clergy will lead to 
interchangeability.

     The two churches also share similar agreement on the role of oversight and 
the office of bishops. Methodists therefore would be willing to accept "the sign 
of episcopal succession," so long as it is understood that Methodists have always 
been part of the apostolic church. "Personal episcope in both churches is 
exercised in a collegial and communal context," the report said.

     The Methodists will not budge, however, in their commitment to women as 
bishops. "Any failure to recognize and accept the full ministry of women would 
constitute a serious theological obstacle to full visible unity," the report 
asserted.

     Bishop Christopher Epting, the Presiding Bishop's Deputy for Ecumenical and 
Interfaith Relations, expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the progress made in 
Anglican-Methodist relations in England. "This is very encouraging to us here in 
the States and means that our long-overdue bilateral dialogue with the United 
Methodist Church beginning this year can be based not only on the fine 
international document, Sharing in the Apostolic Communion, but on these new 
developments as well," Epting commented.

--James Solheim is director of Episcopal News Service.