Over the last few months Methodists and members of the Church of Ireland have been discussing a proposed covenant between the two churches, which has been put before them by their Joint Theological Working Party. Responses to the proposal have to reach the secretary of the JTWP by the end of the year.
It is often forgotten how recent is the separation of the two churches. Originally a number of religious societies within the Church of Ireland, the Irish Wesleyan Methodists did not withdraw until 1816, and the Irish Primitive Wesleyans maintained the link until as recently as 1870.
Wesleyans and Primitive Wesleyans reunited in 1878. The current climate of church throughout the world is towards reunion, and Methodists are already in united or uniting churches in India, Canada and Australia, as well as participating in conversations in Scotland, England, Wales and various parts of Europe.
The proposed covenant is aimed at opening the way to greater co-operation in this country. Already the two churches share buildings, including in Leeson Park in Dublin, but united worship is generally confined to special occasions.
The covenant would facilitate and encourage congregations to worship together on a regular basis, and lead to the mutual recognition of ministries. The pattern of any future union of the two churches is a matter for much further discussion, but would certainly allow the flexibility in the manner of worship which has been a developing feature of church life.
Coincidentally, the Methodist Recorder has this month reported the synod of the Waldensian/ Methodist Protestant Church in Italy. This is interesting, in that the two churches are governed by the same synod and train ministers together, but congregations retain their identity as Waldensian or Methodist. The Waldensian Church was formed in the 12th century and is the oldest reformed church in Europe.
Today and tomorrow the president of the church, the Rev S. Kenneth Todd, is in Lurgan, where today he will participate in Soul Mates, an event for children organised by the Methodist department of youth and children's work.
Tomorrow he will preach at the church in the town. On Wednesday he will be in London to attend the national prayer breakfast at Westminster, and on Sunday, December 3rd, he will preach at Finaghy, and at Seymour Hill, Belfast.
The morning service to be broadcast on RTE Radio 1 (medium wave) tomorrow will come from the church in Donegal, and will be led by the Rev Ian Henderson, with members of the churches in the Donegal circuit. Mr Henderson is superintendent of the north-west district. The broadcast begins, as usual, at 10.45 a.m.