Methodists and C of E in merger plan

THE Church of England and the Methodist Church could merge, it was revealed yesterday.

The two Protestant churches should be in ‘ communion’ and share each other’s priests and ministers, leaders said.

Methodist churches have lost more than a third of their membership over the past 12 years and they counted just 188,000 regular worshippers last year.

Under proposals published by both churches yesterday, Methodists will be led by a President-Bishop ordained by a panel of three Anglican bishops, or bishops from other churches recognised by the Church of England.

Methodists, who broke away from the Church of England in 1795, rejected bishops and dioceses of the established church. Instead the Methodist ‘Connexion’ is made up of ‘circuits’ and ‘districts’ led by ministers.

The church’s conference appoints a President and Vice-President each year.

The document described the changes as ‘a challenge for the Methodist Church’.

For the Church of England, it will mean tearing up laws dating back more than 350 years which say no one but an ordained priest can hold office. It would have to allow unordained Methodist ministers to conduct services in its churches.

The document has been under preparation for 14 years. The Right Rev Jonathan Baker, Anglican Bishop of Fulham, who helped draw up the plan, said: ‘The separation … is a tear in the fabric of the Body of Christ. The proposals are offered as a means of helping to repair that tear.’