06 July 2011
New Methodist President and Vice-President designate elected
The Revd Dr Mark Wakelin has been elected president designate of
the Methodist Conference for 2012-2013 and Mr Michael King has been
elected vice-president designate. The results of the elections were
announced at the annual Methodist Conference in Southport
today.
Dr Wakelin is described by his nominators as "an inspirational and
energetic speaker who speaks directly to people in ways which they
can apply to their own lives and the Church." He brings to the role
of president a wide experience of circuit ministry, chaplaincy,
youth work and strategic leadership. He was formerly the national
secretary of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs and is
currently connexional secretary for internal relationships for the
Methodist Church in Britain. He lives in Oakwood with his wife
Judith and has three children and three grandchildren.
"Now is a good time to be in the Methodist Church," said Dr
Wakelin. "We have a real opportunity to become a more confident and
effective discipleship movement again. We need to be brave,
creative and more focused on God's loving purpose for us and our
world. The presidency can help the Church find and catch a vision
that will play a part in God transforming Methodism for the next
generation and of Methodism playing its proper role in transforming
our society and world."
Michael King is a Methodist local preacher, church steward and
former circuit steward in the Enfield Methodist Circuit. He has
been leader of the Church's world church relationships team for 11
years, and is chair of the European Commission on Mission. Prior to
2000 he spent most of his working life teaching in Sierra Leone and
UK comprehensive schools.
Mr King describes himself as 'glocal', with a passion for thinking
globally and acting locally. He said: "I want to see God's love
shared with all people. I want to see Christians deepen their
understanding of what it means to welcome others, offering genuine
hospitality and inclusion. I long to see our overseas partners
taking part and making decisions at all levels of church life in
this country. I want to see our Church enriched and invigorated by
people from all over the world."
Michael is married to Isabel, has two married children and a
six-month-old grandson.
Dr Wakelin and Mr King, who both live in the Enfield Circuit, will
be inducted as president and vice-president as the first items of
business at the 2012 Methodist Conference in Plymouth.