We believe that we are being led by the Holy Spirit and that God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ is calling us to greater sharing in this mission to the world.

We recognise that we have in common many similar responsibilities, joys, problems and hopes and that we have much to offer and receive from each other in the rich diversity of our gifts and traditions.

We affirm one another’s Churches as true churches belonging to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ and as truly participating in the apostolic mission of the whole people of God.

We have confidence that through friendship, commitment and trust we will bring vision to our Churches.

We affirm what is already happening through local covenants and Local Ecumenical Partnerships, and hope that the Ecumenical Canons of the Church of England, Methodist Standing Orders, and the Manual of the United Reformed Church can be used to facilitate further the mission of the Church.

We commit ourselves to deepen our common life and mission and welcome each other’s members to participate in the fellowship, worship and mission of our Churches.

We further encourage forms of eucharistic sharing, including eucharistic hospitality, in accordance with the rules of our respective Churches.

We realise that God is calling us to make this journey of faith and that numerous opportunities lie ahead. We believe that our respective structures, procedures and boundaries should always be open to scrutiny and the possibility of modification as we pursue:

• ways in which our councils and committees can work closely together
• ways of addressing together some of the fundamental issues facing us at this time, e.g. rural and urban challenges, multi-faith issues and international problems
• consultation about the deployment of clergy
• consultation concerning buildings, resources and finance
• joint training of Readers, Local Preachers and Lay Preachers
• opportunities of training for lay and ordained.

We will review regularly the purposes and objectives of the Covenant.

It is our intention that nothing in this Covenant will discourage or hinder the development of relations with other Churches or other Christian communities.

We invite circuits, deaneries and congregations to support this Covenant to which we now commit ourselves in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.