A grand alliance between the Methodist Church and the Church of England, including the sharing of ministers, is to be debated by the General Synod next week. If the decision is approved in principle, it will be a major landmark on the road to church unity. And it probably offers Methodism in Great Britain the best hope of survival. Its membership is falling and its age profile is alarming. Yet there is still a spiritual vibrancy about Methodism. It must not be allowed to wither and die.

The relationship has a long and troubled history.