27 June 2006
Methodist youth call for revival
Asylum, revival and inter-faith relations are just some of the
issues covered in the annual report of the Methodist Youth
Conference (MYC). Received today by the Methodist Conference, the
report details all resolutions passed by Youth Conference, with
their recommendations to the wider Church.
Speaking out against racist violence, the report urges the Church
to explore with young people the wider cultural, social and
economic factors that contribute to it. It also encourages
Christians to consider the issue of asylum in a spirit of love and
openness, sharing with one another their own experiences from both
within and outside the Church. Youth Conference raises particular
concerns about hostile and inaccurate interpretations of other
faiths that can lead to them being portrayed in an extremist
light.
The report was enthusiastically received by the Methodist
Conference, which resolved to hold a month of prayer for improved
relations between people of different faiths in February 2007 as
recommended by the report. Resources will be produced to help local
churches and young people to engage with people of other faiths and
reflect on these issues.
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. One representative said:
'I learnt my opinion counts and can make a difference within the
Methodist Church'. The report gives them the opportunity to make
their voices heard in the Methodist Conference, influencing the
decisions taken there. Past Youth Conference initiatives include
Pray Without Ceasing Ð a year of continuous prayer and reflection
for the Church which will draw to a close in September.
Kevin Jones, President of the Youth Conference, commented; 'We want
young Methodists to see that they can make a real difference to the
life of their Church and it's great that Conference is taking us
seriously. Pray Without Ceasing has been an awesome success and now
we're calling on the Church to become more passionate about
revival. Conference has accepted our resolutions, but now its time
for Methodists of all ages to put them into practice locally.'
Methodist Conference has resolved to include prayers for revival in
services throughout the year and a special prayer by Youth
Conference will feature in this year's Prayer Handbook.
Other matters raised in the report include Christian unity,
creating a vision for the future of the Church and continued
support for the aims of last year's Make Poverty History
campaign.