Wednesday 26 January 2011

Methodist Council

On 25 January 2011 we gathered at Methodist Church House in London for the Methodist Council. I am deeply impressed by the commitment of the members of Council and the gracious and prayerful manner in which the business is presented and discussed.

Click here .....for Methodist Council Papers

Amongst other things we heard a report on the effects of poverty in the UK (it is estimated that 13.5 million people live in poverty in the UK) with concerns that the current climate is likely to find more people falling into poverty with the spending cuts . The housing benefit reform in particular will have the greatest impact on some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in our country.

I was delighted to read the paper on workloads and governance with practical responses as to how we can all work in our structures with more manageable workloads.

It felt very appropriate that as council met during the 'Week of Prayer for Christian Unity' we looked at 'Belonging Together-inclusive Church and Equality and Diversity.' This session was led in a very creative way to enable us to engage with the themes of the Project, embracing cultural diversity and understanding in a multi-cultural society.

The Council also discussed the Church’s commitment to addressing climate change and voted to endorse Climate Week. Climate Week (21-17 March 2011) is a national week of positive action, seeking to offer an annual renewal of our ambition and confidence to combat climate change.

No comments: