ABSTRACT
On I November 2003 the Methodist Church in Britain and the Church of England entered into a Covenant which bound them together to work towards full and visible unity. This relationship establishes the two Churches as fellow travellers, committed to overcoming the obstacles that have impeded previous schemes for unity. These impediments have centred largely upon issues of ministry, particularly ordained ministry, and upon the expression and exercise of authority. The popular caricature, which is never far from the truth, suggests that the Church of England must overcome remaining difficulties about the ministry of women, and the Methodist Church must give serious consideration to the incorporation of the historic episcopate into its structure.
