The Methodist Conference has elected the Revd Mark Slaney to serve as President and Caroline Stead to serve as Vice-President, starting their year of office when the Representative Session of the Methodist Conference opens in Telford in June 2026.
The Revd Mark Slaney currently serves as Chair of the Scotland District and the Shetland District. Mark preached his first sermon at the age of 15. Prior to his ordination 24 years ago, Mark served 10 years in youth work plus jobs as a builder’s mate, cleaner and van driver.
Mark says that what matters to him most as a Methodist is the three-letter word ‘ALL’ meaning everyone, everywhere, everything, the scope of Gospel and Kingdom, and therefore worship, mission and ministry.
Mark’s story includes formative mission, study partnerships and placements with the Church of South India and the Methodist Church Sierra Leone, Interfaith Forum support.
The Revd Mark Slaney says, “I am delighted and I feel honoured that the Conference has chosen to designate me as President for 2026. I am really looking forward to meeting as many Methodists and ecumenical partners as I can, as well as representing the Methodist Church in Great Britain and abroad.”
Caroline Stead is a local preacher in the Yorkshire West District, where she is also the Synod Secretary. She is also an accompanist to a minister in training, serves on the Discerning Ordained Vocation (DOV1) Committee and on Chairs’ nomination panels.
A former maths teacher, Caroline was also a Lay Stationing Representative for eleven years. She has been a representative to the Conference since 2008, including six years on the Business Committee.
Caroline is passionate about inclusivity and ensuring that people are welcomed and safe within Methodist Church, and supporting volunteers within the Church.
Caroline Stead says, “I am humbled and excited that the Conference has chosen to designate me as Vice-President for 2026. It is a privilege to serve the Church in this way and meet new and old friends around the connexion.”
