Two matters are of particular concern in relation to reuniting the two churches.<\/p>\n
One is whether Methodist presbyters would have to be re-ordained to provide a unified and public catholic witness. The synod report proposes the Anglican Church recognise Methodist ministers\u2019 holy orders.<\/p>\n
The other issue is about how churches should be led.<\/p>\n
Anglican churches operate under an episcopal model with bishops seen as following on from the apostles, as the Church\u2019s leaders. As bishops consecrate more bishops and ordain new clergy, the \u201capostolic succession\u201d continues.<\/p>\n
Methodists do not accept the idea of \u201capostolic succession\u201d in the Anglican sense.<\/p>\n
If the churches were to reunite, an Anglican bishop would take part in ordaining new Methodist ministers, enabling them to enter the \u201capostolic succession\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Methodist Conference says it is willing to receive the episcopate as long as partner churches acknowledge that the Methodist Church \u201chas been and is part of the one holy catholic and apostolic church\u201d, Ruth Gee, former president of the Methodist conference says.<\/p>\n