LONDON (AP) — The Church of England and Methodist Church should make a formal pledge to work together toward "fuller visible unity" and heal their two-centuries-old split, a joint report said.
The report proposed a covenant declaring the churches' mutual life and ministry, with participation in each other's worship, fellowship and mission. It likened the step to "an engagement to be married."
Unresolved issues include women bishops, not yet accepted by the Church of England; wine in communion, barred by the Methodists; and the Church of England's status as the nation's legally established church.
The recommendation goes to governing bodies of the two churches, which meet separately in 2002.
America's United Methodist Church and Episcopal Church will begin similar unity discussions next year.