10 July 2007
Lets talk about...
The Methodist Youth Conference is urging the Church to
provide greater support for vulnerable young people, to encourage
action on climate change and to engage more with young people on
issues of faith and sexuality. Received today by the Methodist
Conference, the report details all resolutions passed by Youth
Conference, with their recommendations to the wider Church.
The report was well received by the Conference, which resolved to
encourage churches across Britain to have a month dedicated to
action on climate change and made a commitment to produce a policy
on 'carbon best practice' for events held by the Church. The Youth
Executive also plans to produce a version of the Stern Report on
the Economics of Climate Change that is more accessible to young
people. Additionally, the Conference pledged to work consult and
work more closely with young people on issues of faith and
sexuality.
Methodist Youth President, Rob Redpath, says "As young Christians
we're passionate about our faith, our world and about social
justice. We hope that the month of action on climate change will
encourage everyone in the Church to take the issue seriously and
think about how our lifestyles affect the world around us. It's
about being connected to God and connected to our world".
The report expresses continuing support for NCH's work with
vulnerable families as well as young people & children in care
or leaving care. It calls for the appointment of independent
visitors to work with churches & communities and for increased
levels of support for victims of abuse, particularly young
people.
The annual Methodist Youth Conference brings together young
Methodists from across the UK celebrate, debate and discuss issues
that matter to them about the Church and the wider world. Their
report to the Methodist Conference gives them the opportunity to
make their voices heard, influencing the decisions taken there.
Past Youth Conference initiatives include Face 2 Faith; a month of
prayer for improved relations between people of different faiths
and the inclusion of special prayers for revival in Methodist
worship throughout the year.