ATLANTA -- The United Methodist Church (UMC) and Episcopal Church have begun formal talks about how the two denominations can work together in ministry.
Church representatives met July 25-26 in Atlanta, discussing the denominations' common histories along with similarities and differences, according to the United Methodist News Service (UMNS).
"This is really kind of a historic beginning for both bodies," said United Methodist Bishop William B. Oden of Dallas. The denominations set a goal of full communion in ministry, witness and mission, Oden said.
"It is our hope that the two denominations will have closer partnerships at the local level to reach a point of reconciliation of ministries, working together in common mission," he said.
The dialogue teams plan to make a statement regarding any formal partnership at the Episcopal General Convention in 2003 and the United Methodist General Conference in 2004. A final report with suggestions for actions is expected by 2006, according to the UMNS.
United Methodists also are in dialogue with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, which already has a covenant with the Episcopalians.
