16 June 2011
Moving Forward in Covenant
The Methodist Church and the Church of England should work more
closely together in their local communities, according to a new
report from representatives of both Churches.
The Joint Implementation Commission, set up under the
Anglican-Methodist Covenant of 2003, is recommending that the two
Churches should share their mission and ministry more widely. Its
new interim report Moving Forward in Covenant, due to be considered
by both the Methodist Conference and the General Synod in July,
urges Methodists and Anglicans to join forces on the ground in a
more far-reaching way than ever before.
Professor Peter Howdle, Co-Chair of the Joint Implementation
Commission, said: "Moving Forward in Covenant contains some
significant material. First, it summarises where both our Churches
currently are regarding their 2003 Covenant and states where
further progress needs to be made in order to move towards closer
communion. Secondly, it includes an important development by
proposing the establishing of 'Covenant Partnerships in Extended
Areas'.
"This is a result of innovative thinking using the current
regulations of both our Churches. It will allow an increase in
shared ministry in many places where both Churches should and could
be acting together which can only enhance the missionary imperative
of the covenant relationship. I am encouraged by the positive
comments we have received about 'Covenant Partnerships in Extended
Areas' as we have developed this idea and I think it is an exciting
way forward. I hope both Churches will receive it in this light as
we seek to move closer together."
"Looking back to 2003 there is no doubt in my mind that the
relationship between The Church of England and The Methodist Church
of Great Britain is closer and that our Covenant has been a
positive influence on ecumenism in the UK."
The report suggests that Anglican parish churches and Methodist
local churches should work together closely through Covenanted
Partnerships over wider areas. Covenanted Partnerships already
exist in many places. The suggestion now is that greater numbers of
Methodist local churches or circuits and Church of England parishes
enter Partnerships that encompass wider geographical areas. Where
the bishop, parish authorities and the appropriate Methodist
Circuit and District authorities give permission, larger areas
could benefit from shared ministry, so enabling a strategic
approach to the deployment of Anglican clergy and Methodist
ministers across all communities.
The report explains how Covenanted Partnerships in Extended Areas
would relate to the existing law and rules of both Churches and
gives guidance on good practice in implementing them. It recognises
that they may not be appropriate in every area and that not all
parts of the Church will move at the same speed.
The proposals are being referred to the relevant bodies in both
Churches as part of a consultation process
The full report is available online here:
www.methodistconference.org.uk/media/48508/moving%20forward%20in%20covenant%202011.pdf