Methodist-Anglican agreement hits ‘bumpy patch’

United Methodist News Service
BLACKPOOL, England—British Methodists say the Anglican-Methodist Covenant is facing challenges
that some here might call a “bumpy patch.”
Signed in 2003, the covenant sets out plans for greater cooperation between the two faith groups.
Commenting on a report about its implementation during the 2007 annual conference, British Methodist officials said the process has yielded “some encouragements and some disappointments.” The role of women in church leadership and the role of bishops are among issues that still must be resolved between Anglicans and Methodists.
British Methodists don’t have bishops.
“It seems (the covenant) is stalled at the moment when U.S. United Methodist and Episcopal relations are going forward,” said UM Bishop William Oden, a representative to the British conference.