Church of England braced for ‘controversial’ next step in ending 200-year split with Methodists
by Harry Farley, Christian Today:
The Church of England’s ruling synod is set for a ‘controversial’ debate moving towards ending a 200-year-old schism with the Methodists.
The two Churches split in the 18th century when John Wesley, a CofE cleric, reluctantly founded the breakaway movement after trying to reform Anglicanism.
Proposals to bring the two closer together are likely to face strong opposition from some when the next stage in a two-year long process is debated by the CofE’s ruling General Synod next month.
The plans, if eventually implemented, would mean that ministers from one Church could practise in the other.
‘Acceptance of the proposals would be a profound sign of reconciliation, a healing of wounds that go back to the orgins of Methodism in the 18th century,’ Christopher Cocksworth, the Bishop of Coventry and chair of the CofE’s faith and order commission, said in a briefing document published on Friday.
‘The generosity asked of both churches would speak powerfully of a desire for the flourishing in unity and witness of the whole Church of God, and not first and foremost the entrenchment of our own institutions,’ he added.
If approved it would represent a hugely significant step for both churches.
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