TWO vicars have taken part in a transatlantic exchange trip to find how the other half preaches.

Rev Tony Morling of Loughton Methodist Church, will be spending his summer in Acton, Massachusetts, while his counterpart Rev Bob Moore of St Matthews United Methodist Church is leaving his American homeland to take in the sites of Essex.

Mr Morling said: “While we take over each others lives the settings will be very different. It will be fascinating to learn how the American church is developing its mission work in a rapidly changing society. I am sure there will be much that we can both learn from each other.”

Mr Moore, 63, who has been a full time parish minister in America since 1971, will fulfil all Mr Morling's clerical duties at his new church, in Loughton High Road while on his month long stay.

He said: “It’s a wonderful way to be in this country where there is already a community to welcome me. The match is a good one because of the similarities between congregations both being very committed to ministry in the community. Tony and I are excited about sharing and learning with each others congregations.”

Mr Morling's home for the next month of Acton is situated about 20 miles from Boston, is about two thirds of the size of Loughton, and has a strong link to the American Revolution.

Mr Morling said: “It will be interesting to see the famous Boston harbour and discover more about the birth of the nation.”