For Immediate Release
October 14, 2019
WASHINGTON, D. C. - The United Methodist Church – Episcopal Church Dialogue Committee has released a series of videos highlighting shared ministries between the churches and discussing the current full communion proposal developed by the committee.
The videos include a conversation between Bishop Gregory Palmer (co-chair of the dialogue committee) and Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church Michael Curry, and take up issues related to baptism, joint celebration of communion, partnerships in theological education, and other relationships of full communion shared by The United Methodist Church and The Episcopal Church. The series of six videos can be viewed online by clicking here.
The two denominations have been meeting in bi-lateral dialogue since 2002 with the express goal of establishing full communion. The current full communion proposal entitled A Gift to the World: Co-Laborers for the Healing of Brokenness, can be found online here. The dialogue committee has acknowledged the challenges and uncertainty confronting the relationship between the churches at this time. Yet a recent statement from the committee notes its commitment to “taking the next faithful step” in this journey, a commitment to continue walking with one another in the midst of this uncertainty. This statement can be accessed online here.
A resolution for full communion based upon A Gift to the World has been submitted for potential action at the United Methodist General Conference in May of 2020. Currently the Episcopal Church is scheduled to take action on this proposal at its General Convention in 2021.
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Media Contact: Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Director of Communications – Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
mmulenga@umc-cob.org
202-748-5172
