Archbishop of Canterbury meets newly-merged Progressive Judaism leaders

The leader of the Church of England has met with two senior reform rabbis to discuss plans to create a unified Progressive Jewish movement for the UK.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, personally requested the get-together with Reform Judaism CEO Rabbi Josh Levy and Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky.

As reported by Jewish News, Liberal Judaism and The Movement for Reform Judaism announced their merger in April.

The meeting between the trio was an acknowledgment of the changing demographic of the Jewish community and the role Progressive Judaism – which will represent around 35% of UK Jews – will play in British religious life.

Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy said: “This was a very important discussion on how the Archbishop and Church of England can support the diversity of the British Jewish community.

“It was a real recognition of the growth and role of Progressive Judaism in the UK and a strong example of how much more we can achieve as one movement.”

Archbishop Justin Welby added: “It was good to meet and discuss hopes and plans for the future.”

The meeting, which lasted an hour, involved a wide-ranging discussion including how Progressive Jews engage with scripture, core beliefs and response to modernity, the challenges facing Jews in the UK today, and the current situation in Israel.