The Methodist Church in Great Britain and the Church of England have announced a regional partnership between the 85 Anglican parishes and the 65 Methodist churches in the Yorkshire area of the United Kingdom.
The agreement calls for a greater sharing of clergy, increased joint services, working together to support mission and ministry and even greater consultation over future use of staff and resources in the region.
Methodist ministers in the area will be encouraged to apply for permission to minister in Church of England parishes and Anglican clergy will be encouraged to apply for ‘Associate Presbyter’ status with the Methodist Church. For example, an Anglican priest would be able to preside at Methodist services of Holy Communion and baptism, and at funeral services.
The two Churches will also seek to involve one another in their procedures of appointing new ministers, clergy and staff throughout the Covenant Area.
In 2003, a national Covenant between the Methodist Church in Britain and the Church of England was signed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Secretary General of the General Synod, the President, Vice-President and Secretary of the Methodist Conference in the presence of the Queen.
