We’re pleased to report on a project looking at online communion in the Methodist Church. The team write:
In this project, led by Dr James Butler and Dr Ash Cocksworth, we seek to surface and reflect on the theology embedded in the practice of online celebrations of Holy Communion in the Methodist Church in Britain. It contributes to a broader and ongoing process of discernment currently underway within British Methodism concerning the question of lasting provision for the celebration of Holy Communion online. A collaboration between the University of Roehampton and the Faith and Order Committee of the Methodist Church and funded by the Southlands Methodist Trust, the research begins from the conviction that within the practice and understanding of Holy Communion online there is theological insight which needs to be heard in conversation with more formal theological accounts, including existing reports produced by the Faith and Order Committee and ongoing ecumenical consultation with partner denominations. It employs a ‘theological action research’ approach, which is collaborative and participative in its research practices, and involves working with several research sites as co-researchers to explore their own practice of celebrating Holy Communion online.
Project report here or below:
This project has directly impacted the work of the Methodist Church, enabling the Conference to make an informed decision as to the lasting position of the Methodist Church through resolutions at the 2026 Conference.
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