09 June 2005
Highlights of the 2005 Methodist Conference
The 2005 Methodist Conference takes place 25-30 June at the
Riviera Centre, Torquay. Below are details of some of the key
debates.
The annual Conference is the ruling body of The Methodist Church,
and the 384 voting members come from across Great Britain Ð from
Shetland in the north to Cornwall in the south. In addition,
representatives of the Irish Methodist Church are members of the
Conference, and ecumenical partners and other Methodist churches
from around the world send associate members. Conference members
represent the full range of Methodism in Britain: ministers,
deacons and lay members; retirees, students and working
professionals.
The Pilgrimage of Faith (Wednesday, 29 June, 4:45)
This is the first major report on human sexuality since the passage
of the Derby Resolutions in 1993. The report shows a Church that
still contains a wide range of opinion on human sexuality, but
which is also committed to inclusivity, and to on-going dialogue on
the subject.
What Sort of Bishops? (Wednesday, 29 June, 11:30 Ð
please note that this debate has moved from Thursday) The
Conference will consider a detailed report looking at the
theological, historical and practical basis for bishops in the
Methodist Church of Great Britain. If passed, the 2007 Conference
will be asked to make a definitive decision following a detailed
consultation.
Methodist-Anglican Covenant (Monday, 27 June,
6:00) The first report into the practical and theological results
of the 2003 Covenant will go to both Conference and the Church of
England General Synod. The report looks in depth at examples of how
the churches are already working together, and suggests ways to
increase this.
Domestic Abuse (Tuesday 28 June, 11:45) Surveys
show that domestic abuse is as common within churches as in society
as a whole. This report calls domestic abuse 'unacceptable and
incompatible with the Christian faith and a Christian way of
living.' In practice, this means that the Church will commit itself
to not seeing domestic abuse as just a matter for the police and
courts, but also one that raises issues of repentance and
forgiveness.
Prayer Without Ceasing (Tuesday, 28 June, 3:45) At
the 2004 Conference, the Methodist Church committed itself to a
year of prayer without ceasing. This 'year' will begin at
Conference, and in fact run until 31 August 2006. All of the 33
Districts will take turns in maintaining prayer throughout the
year, and a number of events at Conference will mark the start of
the year of prayer.
Make Poverty History (Thursday 30 June, 10:15) The
Make Poverty History campaign reaches a high point at the G8 summit
in Edinburgh just a few days after Conference finishes in Torquay.
Conference will officially send off a group of representatives who
will make the 462 mile journey to join the thousands of others in
Edinburgh calling for fair trade, better aid and an end to
crippling debt for developing countries.
Review of Conference and the Methodist Council
(Monday 27 June, 2:15) The annual Conference is the ruling body of
The Methodist Church, but it is important for the Church to ensure
that the current structure, timing and membership of Conference is
the best and most cost-effective way for the Church to run. Any
changes to Conference would also have to take into account possible
changes to the Methodist Council, which meets four times a
year.
Time to Talk of God (Saturday, 25 June, 4:45) A
major report considering how Methodists can best talk about their
faith. The report looks at the cultural context, and contains
sample resources to enable people to practice discipleship through
conversation.
Selected Fringe events (Please note that the
Methodist Church is not responsible for the content or organisation
of fringe meetings and other events around Conference, and views
expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the
Church.)
Saturday 25 June. The Black Methodist Forum meets
at 7pm. Throughout the day a number of events will mark the 60th
birthday of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs.
Monday 27 June. The Beckley Memorial Lecture: Rt
Hon the Lord Archer of Sandwell, QC will speak on 'Politics And
Theology In A Globalised World' from 7:30. At 8pm the Interfaith
group will discuss 'Diluting The Truth Or The Only Way Forward?'
with contributions from Rabbi Jonathan Romain, Jonathan Marshall
(Buddhist) and Mrs Kauser Ahmed (Muslim), chaired by Revd Dr
Christina Le Moignan.
Wednesday 29 June. From 7pm, the Ethical Investment
Forum will discuss how churches can influence the
behaviour of multinational companies through investment and other
means. The Church's Central Finance Board has over £900 million
invested as part of pension funds: how does it use this in an
ethical and scriptural way? At 7:30 the Black Methodist
Lecture brings Mrs Sydia Ndina, World Council of Churches
to speak on 'Uprooted Peoples Programs' Work and Migration.'
To see the Conference Agenda and read the full reports click
here.