25 January 2010
Church establishes independent Education Commission
The Methodist Church is establishing an independent education
commission, responsible for reviewing Methodism's approach to
education in Britain.
The Commission will be responsible for identifying a set of
principles and a theological rationale, which underpins Methodism's
engagement with education. It will include all forms of formal
education, including the Church's responsibility for 64
state-maintained Methodist day schools and 14 independent schools
across England and Wales, as well as its involvement in further
education and higher education. It will also consider the Methodist
approach to and involvement with informal education, including
links to the Church's work with children and youth, and all forms
of chaplaincy in education.
Revd Dr John Barrett has been appointed as Chair of the Commission.
"Education is central to the development of both children and
adults, and Methodism has always been passionate about accessible,
high quality education provision," he said. "It is important to
review our approach to education and assess whether our commitment
of our resources is appropriate for the responsibilities we have
and to determine what our priorities should be for the
future."
John is a Methodist minister, and has extensive experience in
education, having taught in a Methodist college, a theological
college and having worked in schools in the UK. He recently stepped
down after five years as the first Principal of the Anglo-Chinese
International School in Singapore. Additionally, John is also Chair
of the World Methodist Council Executive Committee, and was the
first chairperson of the World Methodist Council's Education
Committee.
John would like to hear from anyone who would like to be considered
for membership of the Commission or who feels they have a
contribution to make to its work. Those interested are invited to
register their interest by contacting the Methodist Church through
the Projects, Research and Development Cluster by email:
projects@methodistchurch.org.uk
The Commission will report to the Methodist Conference in
2012.