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A Covenant between the Methodist Church of Great Britain and the Church of England was signed on 1 November 2003.

After a brief preamble the text of the covenant sets out seven mutual affirmations and six mutual commitments.

The Covenant puts the two Churches on a path of ever deepening relationships and mutual trust and co-operation on the road to a richer unity involving all who call themselves Christ's disciples.

 

Read the text of an Anglican-Methodist Covenant

The Church of England and the Methodist Church of Great Britain entered their covenant commitment after conversations lasting several years.

At its meeting in Llandudno in June 2003 the Methodist Conference approved the Covenant by a substantial majority.

Shortly afterwards, at a meeting in York in July 2003, the General Synod of the Church of England also voted by a substantial majority to enter into the Covenant.

A formal national signing of the Covenant took place in the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, on Saturday 1 November 2003 in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and before an invited assembly.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York and the Secretary-General of the General Synod, signed on behalf of the Church of England.

The President, Vice-President and Secretary of the Methodist Conference, signed on behalf of the Methodist Church.

The ceremony continued at Westminster Abbey with a short service of thanksgiving and dedication.

Sermon by the Archbishop of Canterbury in Westminster Central Hall

Sermon by the President of the Methodist Conference in Westminster Abbey

This web site...

is sponsored by the Joint Implementation Commission set up by the two Churches following the signing of the Covenant.

Do you have a story you want to share of how you are implementing the Covenant? Do you have comments or questions about anything you have seen on this website? Please send details to covenant@c-of-e.org.uk Please note: we are very grateful for all submissions, but cannot promise to feature them all on this website

It is moderated by the Revd John Cole, National Adviser (Unity-in-Mission) for the Church of England, and Dr Chris Sissons, Development Officer for Local Mission and Unity for the Methodist Church.

It is offered as a resource for local churches and individuals as together we work out what God requires of us as Gospel people in the world today.

As well as information, background papers, and a toolkit of ideas, the site provides the opportunity for you to add stories of covenant living in your locality and to debate the issues that are still slowing our journey towards a deeper unity