At the start of 2026 we wanted to highlight the Shared Commitments resources

We continue to work with Place for Hope in integrating the work of Positive Working Together and the Reconciliation and Mediation Team across the Connexion through the new phase of our partnership, the 'Way of Peace'

Shared Commitments are integral to this ministry and form a really useful resource that can be used at the local church level. The Methodist Conference 2022 (Memorial M15 - Positive Working Together) encouraged every church to engage with Shared Commitments and adopt them locally.

We are aware of a number of churches that have already adopted the Shared Commitments and we wanted to take this opportunity to encourage further engagement with these resources through the remainder of this connexional year.

The Positive Working Together guidelines can be found here and the short summary guide can be found here.

A session plan outline, introducing Positive Working Together, for use within a Circuit Local Preachers' and Worship Leaders' Meeting, can be found here.

Positive Working Together establishes ‘Shared Commitments’ to how we behave together, as Methodists, in the lives of our churches. Positive Working Together means we commit to:

• treating every person fairly, equally and with dignity and respect
• listening carefully to each other
• speaking and acting respectfully at all times
• being courteous in all communication
• encouraging openness and honesty
• never using verbal or physical intimidation
• relating positively with one another even when we disagree

The Shared Commitments resources can be found here and we encourage the use of the resources to engage churches across the connexion.