METHODIST and Anglican ministers have given the go-ahead for closer unity between their churches.

A joint synod in Harrogate on Saturday agreed to radical proposals that would allow Methodist and Anglican ministers in West and North Yorkshire to preach and lead at services of Holy Communion in each other's churches.

More than 250 representatives from the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds and the Leeds District of the Methodist church agreed overwhelmingly to the joint resolution.

It was part of a series of proposals designed to lead to closer co-operation.

The meeting at St Aidan's High School, Harrogate, was chaired by the Reverend Michael Townsend, chairman of the Leeds District of the Methodist Church, and the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Right Reverend John Packer.

Bishop Packer said the decision went beyond the nationally agreed Methodist Anglican covenant statement.

He said: "I think we have made a significant move in the relationship between our two churches with the decision to allow the sharing by ministers of worship and ministry in each other's churches.

"I am willing to grant permission for the sharing of ministers, where a local Methodist and Anglican church have reached that stage in their journey together and where it is appropriate.

"It might, for example, be between two dales churches in different villages, where it would make sense to allow ministers to lead services in each other's churches.

"But the resolution will not be imposed. Any permission will be at the request of the incumbent and the parochial church council."

The joint resolution also calls on local Anglican deaneries and Methodist circuits to explore other practical ways of collaborating.

Delegates decided that these could include the use of buildings, resources, preachers, training and communication.