24 November 2008
Sarah Malik named first salaried Methodist Youth President
• First role of its kind in any mainstream UK Church
Sarah Malik has been elected Methodist Youth President at this
year's Methodist Youth Conference. From January until September
2009 Sarah will work full time to serve as an advocate and
spokesperson for young people in the Church.
This new role is the first to be appointed in the Church's new
£4million Youth Participation Strategy, launched at the Youth
Conference in Northampton last weekend. This is the first time
salaried positions have been specifically targeted at the 16 to
23-year-olds in order that young people help guide the direction of
the church.
Sarah, who is 20, said; 'I'm really excited about this new role.
In my year of presidency I hope to spend time travelling Britain
and listening to what young people in the Church have to say and
what they want to see changing. I find it easy to motivate myself
when I am working towards something I love.'
Mike Seaton, Children and Youth team Director, said; 'This new
role is about encouraging and empowering the Church's young people.
During Sarah's travels she will be able to challenge Methodists of
all ages to welcome the participation of children and young people
in all aspects of the Church's work and life.'
Sarah is a carer at a residential care home in Eyam, Derbyshire.
She enjoys cooking and watching films and is passionate about
helping people to participate in worship through the creation of
prayer labyrinths.
The Youth Participation Strategy will also see 32 young people
employed in new, part-time salaried posts as District Youth
Enablers across the Methodist Church in Britain.
Youth Presidents will be appointed to work full-time in the Church
annually from September 2009.