From the Rt Revd David Hawtin
Sir, - In his letter on Methodists and unity (
2 April), the Revd Paul King refers to Being Real as
"the latest document, heavy with irony". Sorry: there's no hint of
irony in this, neither in the title nor the contents.
As its principal creator and contributor, I have worked with
Methodist colleagues on our joint panel to produce brief
stand-alone notes, realistic and practical, recognising that
"taking forward the Anglican/Methodist Covenant may not be at the
top of everybody's mind." You will not find any rigid blueprint
here. Free of ecu-speak (well, almost), what you will find are the
Five Marks of Mission, the Beatitudes, and the Lord's Prayer -
shaping our mission and discipleship.
There is nothing exclusive about ecumenical relating. Anglicans
and Methodists are not seeking the warmth of a holy huddle,
separate from other Churches and all the newness that is around. We
multi-task for the Lord's sake, and he calls us to be one.
So rush up to your Circuit Superintendent or Archdeacon, your
District Chair or Bishop, or your Ecumenical Officer, and get a
copy for free. With many partners, let us go on exploring what
shape our growing unity may take, recognising that the Covenant
plays its part in that exploring.
David Hawtin
Consultant, Methodist/Anglican Panel for Mission in
Unity (MAPUM)
162 Greenhill Avenue, Sheffield S8 7TF