The Liberal and Reform movement CEOs, rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy, had a one-hour meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to discuss the plans to create a unified Progressive Jewish movement in the UK.

Organised at the Archbishop’s request, it was, the rabbis’ said, “a very important discussion on how the 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.”

Topics covered during a wide-ranging discussion included how Progressive Jews engage with scripture, the response to modernity, the challenges facing UK Jewry and the situation in Israel.

The Archbishop said: “It was good to meet and discuss hopes and plans for the future.”