Anglican - Methodist Covenant

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Showing that Christians love one another is born out through the workings of the Anglican - Methodist Covenant, an opportunity for deeper appreciation and recognition of God at work through these two mainstream Christian denominations.

The Covenant proposal has been discussed in open public meetings and again by Circuit and Deanery meetings during 2003, with key issues being thrashed out to develop understanding and gain consensus wherever possible. For example, the term "True Church" has been used for the first time in recognising the validity of each denomination. Some issues such as the recognition of the Eucharist are subject to denominational rules which will continue to prevent celebrant exchanges for the time being. In the meantime the Covenant builds on the good already in place and advances the movement to greater unity.

Signing the Covenant: 1 November 2003
This key event will begin at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, at 11.00 when the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and the President, Vice President and Secretary of the Methodist Conference will sign the Covenant on behalf of their churches before an invited assembly. The ceremony will continue at Westminster Abbey with a short service of thanksgiving and dedication.

The Covenant in Harrogate
It is understood that Methodist and Anglican ministers in the region could soon be invited to preach in each others’ churches under proposals to be discussed by a second Joint Synod being held on 15 November in Harrogate.

A draft resolution will be debated at the meeting in St Aidan’s School, calling on local deaneries and circuits to explore new ways of collaborating together which could include the use of buildings, resources, preachers, training and communication.

The Synod takes place from 9:30am to 12:30pm and is open to the press and public. It will be the first joint meeting following the signing of the Anglican-Methodist covenant at Westminster Central Hall.

Last updated June 28, 2005 by Webmaster

This webpage is provided by Churches Together in Harrogate. Loving God and Neighbour - together