Two Jewish movements in Britain united to form progressive Judaism, embracing female rabbi, same-sex marriage and mixed faith couples, and representing about one-third of British Jews affiliated with synagogues.

Liberal Judaism and Reformed Judaism took historic voting steps to unite in a parallel meeting on Sunday. Each vote is easily over the required 75% threshold, about 95%.

Ed Kessler, chairing the chairman of the advisory board responsible for the merger, said: “This is the biggest change and most significant development of Judaism in Britain since World War II.”

He added that progressive Judaism would provide a “voice and space that brings together eternal Jewish traditions with the diversity and values ​​of Jewish life in the 21st century”.

This was the first merger of two Jewish sects and the first merger of any major religion in more than half a century.

Most British Jews are Orthodox, although progressive traditions have developed in recent decades. Progressive Judaism will be different from the Orthodox tradition in terms of its basic commitment to equality. About half of the rabbis are female, and one in five are LGBTQ+.

Liberal Jewish President Karen Newman said the new movement “will show commitment to Judaism from day one, which is weird, inclusive and celebrates the diversity of policy, prayer and practice”.

Paul Langsford, president of the Judaism movement, said: “As a unified movement, we will now be stronger, our voices will be louder, we will be able to bring greater benefits to our members, and to the entire Jewish community and the wider British society.”

The merger has been in consultation and negotiation for two years and will officially start in November.

"We now see the fruits of the next iteration of the next progressive Jewish history. Through this vote, our members are all standing on the shoulders of all and creating long and lasting things for our children and generations."

Rabbi Jonathan Romain, head of the Rabbi Judaism Court, said: “There are so many divisions in the world that faith groups are accomplished to show that harmony with it can be a reality, not just an ideal prayer. This merger is a great example of how to show a good difference that can combine the difference with centralism and good kindness and good friendliness.”

Both reform and liberal traditions are Zionist movements, and they also believe that criticizing Israel is not unfaithful. “In progressive Judaism, diversity and voices, including Israel/Palestine, are welcomed and debate is encouraged,” a spokesperson said.

In the 2021 census, Jews account for 0.46% of the population in England and Wales. More than half live in Greater London.