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Anglicans and Methodists in England launch plan for unity
By James Solheim
2002-004
1/9/2002
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[Episcopal News Service]
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.
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