The leaders of Progressive Judaism met with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at Lambeth Palace.

The Archbishop requested the get-together with Reform Judaism CEO Rabbi Josh Levy and Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky to discuss their plans to create one single unified Progressive Jewish movement for the UK.

The meeting was an acknowledgement 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, our core beliefs and response to modernity, the challenges facing Jews in the UK today and the current situation in Israel.