A PEOPLE INVITED TO FOLLOW - The Methodist Church in Ireland

Transcription

Methodist Conference
CARRICKFERGUS 2013
“A PEOPLE INVITED TO FOLLOW”
AGENDA OF THE REPRESENTATIVE SESSION
(Subject to such modifications as may be necessary)
WEDNESDAY, 12 JUNE
19.30
Constitution of the Conference
ELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF THE LAY LEADER AND
THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONFERENCE
Joymount Presbyterian Church, Carrickfergus
THURSDAY, 13 JUNE
“A PEOPLE”
9.00
WORSHIP AND BIBLE STUDY
Introduction to Conference
Painting the Background
Worship
Bible Study
10.00
CONVERSATION ON THE WORK OF GOD
10.45 – BREAK
11.15
Appointment of Committees
Hours of Sitting
Letters of Sympathy and Greeting
Notices of Motion
Election of Secretary, Assistant Secretaries and Letter Writers
Nomination of Representatives to the British Conference
MISSION IN IRELAND, AND IN THE WIDER WORLD
Church Development Board
Home Missions
Methodist Missionary Society (Ireland)
General Committee (1)
12.45 – LUNCH
14.00
FOCUS ON MINISTRY, EDUCATION AND FAITH
Edgehill College
Board of Examiners
Local Preachers Committee
Board of Education
Faith and Order Committee
15.30 - BREAK
16.00
“YOU ARE HERE”
A reflection on our Methodist Heritage
17.45 – EVENING MEAL
19.30
A PEOPLE - CELEBRATING
FRIDAY, 14 JUNE
“INVITED PEOPLE”
9.00
PRAYING THE SCRIPTURES
10.45 – BREAK
11.15
GOD STIRS
12.45 – LUNCH
14.00
GOD’S WAYS IN IRELAND TODAY
Council for Social Responsibility
15.30
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
15.45 – BREAK
16.00
“DISTRICT TABLE TALK”
Listening for God through one another
19.30
A PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
SATURDAY, 15 JUNE
“TO FOLLOW”
9.00
WORSHIP AND BIBLE STUDY
9.45
TRY THIS AT HOME
10.45 – BREAK
11.15
MANAGING CHANGE, DEALING WITH OBSTACLES
12.45 – LUNCH
14.00
BRINGING IT HOME
District Groups
15.15 – BREAK
15.45
“DWELLING GENEROUSLY”
16.00
SHARING GOD’S GIFTS
Election of District Secretaries
Election to General Committee
World Development and Relief
Stipends and Allowances Board
Connexional Finance Committee
Property Board
General Committee (2)
Items removed from ‘en bloc’ –
Memorials
Business to be taken ‘en bloc’
I.M.Y.C.
Home Mission Forum
Methodist Women in Ireland
Covenant Council
Inter Church Relations
Sabbatical Committee
Communications Committee
Church Membership Statistics
Ministry of Healing
Prison and Health Care Chaplaincy
City Missions
Gurteen College
Methodist College
Wesley College
Methodist Widows’ Home – Eastwell
Methodist Historical Society of Ireland
Appointment of Boards and Committees
Other Uncompleted Business
18.00 EVENING MEAL - “GO....EAT....DWELL”
SUNDAY, 16 JUNE
11.00
CONFERENCE WORSHIP CELEBRATION
12.45 – LUNCH
14.00
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE FOR DECEASED
MINISTERS
14.45 – BREAK
15.00
TRIBUTES TO MINISTERS PERMITTED TO RETIRE
15.30
RECEPTION INTO FULL CONNEXION
A SERVICE OF COMMISSIONING
EXPRESSIONS OF THANKS AND SIGNING OF THE
JOURNAL
19.30
ORDINATION SERVICE
Joymount Presbyterian Church, Carrickfergus
CARRICKFERGUS CONFERENCE 2013
Members of the Representative Session
Rev R. Kenneth Lindsay, B.Sc., B.Agr., B.D. President of the Conference
Ms Gillian M. Kingston, BA, Lay Leader of the Conference
Rev Donald P. Ker, B.A., B.D., M.Th., Secretary of the Conference
Representatives from the British Conference:
Rev Dr Mark H. Wakelin, (President of the British Conference)
Mr Michael King (Vice-President of the British Conference)
Mrs Hayley Moss
Miss Rachel Coates
Observers from the Church of Ireland:
Rev Asa Bjork Olafsdottir
Mr Trevor Morrow
Observers from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland:
Very Rev Dr Roy Patton
Mr David Thompson
Observer from the Religious Society of Friends:
Ms Pleasuance M. Perry
Observer from the Moravian Church:
Rev Patsy Holdsworth
Observer from the Irish Council of Churches:
Rev Colin Campbell
Rev Bain, D.C.
Rev Dougherty, A.J.
Rev Forsyth, M.S.
Rev Foster, S.G.
Rev Hamilton, J.I.
Rev Kingston (C), P.
Rev Mackey, N.D.
Rev Mullally, W.D.
Rev Campbell, W.
Rev Graham, L.A.M.
Rev Griffin, B.D.
Rev Hewitt, M.E.
Rev Kingston, T.M.
Rev Lindsay, E.R.
Rev Milligan, C.
Rev Olmsted, W.
Rev Parkin, J.
DUBLIN DISTRICT
Rev Nicholson, E.C.
Rev Nicoll, J
Rev Nixon, D.H.
Rev Owens, I.N.
Rev Stephens, J.
Rev Yambasu, C.
Mrs Hinds, G. (1)
Mr Parsons, J. (2)
Mr Griffin, J. (3)
Mrs Whiting, R.(4)
Mr Peare, T. (5)
Ms Brookes, J. (6)
Dr Thorp, M. (7)
Mrs Galloway, V. (8)
MIDLANDS AND SOUTHERN DISTRICT
Rev Twinem, D.M.
Ms Perrott, L. (15)
Rev Yambasu, S.J,
Mr Kingston, A. (16)
Mr Oliver, G. (9)
Mr Roulston, A. (17)
Mr Fosuhene, M. (10)
Miss Shier, L. (18)
Mr Shaw, T. (11)
Mrs Parker, P. (12)
(13)
Mrs Kelly, F. (14)
LAKELANDS DISTRICT
Rev Bradley, W.K.
Rev Hayden, E
Rev Lindsay, R.K.
Rev McGuffin, T.H.S.
Rev Parke, E.J.
Rev Sweeney, D.J.
Rev Taylor, S.R.
Rev Wilson, J.J.
Mrs Miller, L. (19)
Mrs Woods, H. (19)
Miss Abercrombie, J. (20)
Mrs Tubman, J. (21)
Mr Graham, I. (22)
Mrs Gilmore, H. (23)
Rev Alexander, G.J.
Rev Beacom, J.S.
Rev Bowes, G.A.
Rev Corrie, J.S.
Rev Donald, M.L.
Rev Gregory, M.R.
Rev Henderson, I.D.
Rev Murray, P.D.
Rev Newell, W.J.
Rev Purdy, J.W.
Rev Sweeney, J.M.
Mr Bell, W. (28)
Rev Barnhill, J.B.
Rev Davison, W.A.
Rev DeLaureal, S.C.
Rev Ferguson, A.W.
Rev Fletcher, W.B.
Rev Harris, C.
Rev Hassard, M.E.
Rev Jamieson, J.T.
Rev Lorimer, P.M.
Rev McDade, E.I.
Rev Millar, G.D.
Rev Moore, J.R.J.
Rev Stevenson, T.C.
Rev Whalley, E.
Mr Anderson, K. (34)
Mr Blackwood, J. (34)
Ms Henderson, M. (24)
Mrs Beatty, S. (25)
Mrs Paterson, C. (26)
Mr Taylor, S. (27)
NORTH WEST DISTRICT
Miss McCandless, J.(28)
Ms Bray, V. (29)
Mr Young, A. (30)
Mrs McQuade, Y. (31)
Miss Colvin, G. (32)
Mrs Hutchinson, M.(33)
NORTH EAST DISTRICT
Mrs Robinson, M. (35)
Mr Scoffield, D. (36)
Mrs Sheerin, E. (36)
Mr Thompson, D. (37)
Mrs Lipsett, M. (38)
Mrs Campbell, S. (39)
Mr Reid, R. (40)
BELFAST DISTRICT
Rev Agnew, H.M.
Rev Alderdice, J.D.
Rev Bell, H.N.
Rev Blair, S.W.
Rev Boucher, A.N.
Rev Campton, D.A.
Rev Charles, M.N.J.
Rev Clarke, T.
Rev Clutterbuck, D.S.
Rev Clutterbuck, R.N.
Rev Duncan, C.J.
Rev Ewing, M.G.
Rev Ferguson, M.A.
Rev Hyland, E.A.
Rev Johnston, D.J.
Rev Johnston, R.C.
Rev Ker, D.P.
Rev Kerr, D.J.
Rev Kingston, P. (B)
Rev Lorimer, A.W.
Rev Mason, G.J.
Rev Morris, H.M.E.
Rev Munce, F.L.
Rev Neilands, D.G.
Rev Patterson, R.E.
Rev Rea, W.J.
Rev Rock, W.D.
Rev Spence, K.J.
Rev Unsworth, J.M.
Rev Wardlow, A.G.
Rev Waugh, R.W.D.
Rev Weatherill, B.W.
Rev Wonnacott, J.C.
Rev Agew, W.P.
Rev Anderson, B.B.
Rev Buchanan, W.T.
Rev Cooper, R.
Rev Craig, R.
Rev Gallucci, P.J.
Rev Good, J.W.
Rev Gracie, C.D.
Rev Harte, R.J.
Rev Kingston, A.G.
Rev Mawhinney, E.T.I.
Rev McCrea, F.R.
Rev McKibben, R.N.
Rev McKnight, T.R.
Rev Mercer, P.C.
Rev Todd, S.K.
Rev Turtle, D.L.
Rev Wilson, K.A.
Rev Cardwell, J.N.
Rev Clements, D.G.
Rev Deacon, T.R.
Rev Fraser, C.C.
Rev Hamilton, W.G.
Rev Laverty, J.A.M.
Rev Loney, R.T.
Rev Maguire, D.M.
Rev McKnight, N.D.
Rev Mullan, D.
Rev Robinson, K.J.
Rev Sheerin, S.
Rev Spence, G.L.
Rev Sweeney, B.T.
Rev Taggart, N.W.
Rev Webster, C.D.
Mrs Wright, M. (62)
Mr Johnston, E. (63)
DOWN DISTRICT
Miss Boland, H. (41)
Mrs Phillips, R. (42)
Mr McArthur, D. (43)
Mrs McHugh, H. (44)
Miss Swinton, M. (45)
Mr Dorman, W. (46)
Mr Warren, J. (47)
Mrs Telford, J. (48)
Mr Finlay, L. (49)
Mr Crooks, G. (50)
Mr Waring, B. (51)
Mrs Culbert, S. (52)
Mr Millar, D. (52)
Mr Russell, M. (53)
Miss Weir, E.M. (54)
Mr Burrows, C. (55)
Mr Curry, S. (55)
Mr Wright, J. (56)
Dr Mathison, C. (57)
Mr Edmondson, D. (58)
Mrs Brown, A. (59)
Mrs Turner, H. (60)
Dr Easson, L. (61)
Mr Wood, L. (61)
PORTADOWN DISTRICT
Mrs Kells, J.E.E. (64)
Mr Beatty, C. (65)
Mr Beattie, R.J. (66)
Mr Henning, G. (67)
Mrs Maxwell, K. (68)
Mr Hamilton, C. (69)
Mr Mawhinney, N. (70)
Mrs Cardwell, S. (71)
Mr Chiddick, L. (72)
LAY LEADER
Ms Gillian M. Kingston
DISTRICT YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES
Dublin District
Mr Mark Tilley
Midlands and Southern District
Ms Wanda Hogan
Lakelands District
Mr Timothy Vaughan
NorthWest District
NorthEast District
Miss Ruth Laverty
Belfast District
Mr Timothy Spence
Down District
Miss Ciara Knowles
Portadown District
Mr Ryan Harris
LAY REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LAST BRITISH CONFERENCE
Ms Gillian M. Kingston
Mrs Joy Graham
LAY REPRESENTATIVES TO THE NEXT BRITISH CONFERENCE
Mrs Lesley Rankin
Mrs Maureen Weir
LAY TREASURERS OF CONNEXIONAL FUNDS
Chapel Fund and Church Extension
Fund
Mr Stewart J. Wilson
Child Care Society
Mrs Margaret Copeland
Children’s Fund
Mr Glyn Capper
Council on Social Responsibility
Mr William Parkinson
General Education Fund
Mr J. Kenneth Twyble
General Purposes Fund
Mr J. Stanley Graham
Home Mission Fund
Mr Thomas G. Wilson
Mrs Nan McDowell
Ministerial Training Fund
Mr R. Alan Ker
Methodist Missionary Society (Ireland) Mrs Audrey Dickson
Irish Methodist Ministers’ Retirement
Fund
Mr Desmond Mitchell
Trustees of the Methodist Church
in Ireland
Mr Neil E. Morris
Department of Youth & Children’s Work Mr Mark McElhinney
World Development & Relief
Dr Ian Taylor
LAY SECRETARY OF PRECEDING CONFERENCE
Mrs Elaine Barnett
REPRESENTATIVES OF DEPARTMENTS
Mr David Twyble
Property Board
Mr John Clarke
Mr Kevin Kingston
Mr Neil Payne
Dr Fergus O’Ferrall
Mrs Hazel Baird
Ms Heidi Good
Edgehill College
Mr David McKendry
Gurteen College
Mr James Bennett
Methodist College
Dame Mary Uprichard
Wesley College
Dr John Harris
Local Preachers’ Committee
Mr David Allen
Mrs Carmel Irwin
Mrs Barbara Fennell
Methodist Missionary Society (Ireland) Mrs Rhoda Nixon
Trustees of the Methodist Church
in Ireland
Mr Albert Sherrard
Irish Methodist Youth and
Children
Mrs Janette McCormick
General Committee
Mr David English
SUGGESTED NAMES FOR COMMITTEES
TO BE ELECTED BY THE CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE OF SCRUTINEERS
Revs M.L. Donald, S.G. Foster, M.E. Hassard, J. Nicoll, J. W. Purdy,
T. C. Stevenson, Miss G. Colvin, Mrs M. Copeland, Mrs V. Galloway,
Mr I. Graham, Mr T. Spence, Miss M. Swinton.
Convener: Rev T.C. Stevenson
MEMORIALS COMMITTEE
The President, Lay Leader, ex-President, President Designate and Secretary
of the Conference, Rev J.M. Unsworth, Rev J.A.M. Laverty, Dr I. Taylor, Ms
G.M. Kingston.
Convener: Rev J.A.M. Laverty
PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The President, Lay Leader, ex President and Secretary of the Conference,
Rev D.C. Bain, Mr J.G. Clarke and Ms G.M. Kingston.
TO ATTEST THE DAILY RECORD
Rev J.N. Cardwell, Rev R.E. Patterson, Mr D. English and Mr.
TO PREPARE THE CONFERENCE ALLOCATION
The President, Lay Leader and Secretary of the Conference, Rev T.R.
Deacon, and Mr T.G. Wilson.
Convener: Rev M.G. Ewing
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
TO NOMINATE THE PRESIDENT- DESIGNATE,
THE LAY LEADER OF THE CONFERENCE (when required)
AND THE SUPERINTENDENTS OF DISTRICTS
The President, the Lay Leader and the Secretary of the Conference
The Officers of the Home Mission Fund
District Representatives
Dublin:
Midlands & Southern:
Lakelands:
North West:
North East:
Belfast:
Down:
Portadown:
Rev Alan G. Wardlow:
Rev Laurence A.M. Graham:
Rev T.H. Samuel McGuffin:
Rev M. Louise Donald:
Rev William A Davison:
Rev Ruth E. Patterson:
Rev Colin D. Gracie:
Rev Nicholas McKnight:
Dr Joyce Pickett
Ms Gillian Kingston
Mrs Hazel Gilmore
Miss Gladys Colvin
Miss Elizabeth Curry
Mrs Jean Telford
Mrs Helen Turner
Mrs Mgt Copeland
The Committee will meet on Tuesday 8th April 2014 in Belfast.
GENERAL COMMITTEE
Nominations from District Synods:
Dublin:
Midlands & Southern:
Lakelands:
North West:
North East:
Belfast:
Down:
Portadown:
Mrs Roisin Whiting
Mrs Val Fitzgerald
Mr Joe Kennedy
Mr John Buchanan
Mrs Patricia Gawn
Miss Pamela Algie
Mr Colin Burrows
Mrs Irene Dickson
Reports on the Work of God
DUBLIN DISTRICT
There’s a lot of faithful and consistent work going on in the context of our
churches week by week. This is very much included in the work of God. But
within a whole district’s witness, the ‘Work of God’ can only be given that title if
it is lived out well beyond the traditional boundaries of our churches. After all,
‘Jesus never let his disciples not be on mission. Why is it any different for us?’
(Jeff Vanderstelt) That other work beyond the normal church function is not a
mere tag-on, an extra that we might get round to. Being mission-minded is our
heartbeat. "Some people ask if "Missional" is just a fad. Folks, if it is a fad, God
help us! There's no other way." (Alan Hirsch)
Dublin Central Mission is beginning a major fundraising campaign for the
refurbishment of its premises to facilitate its mission into the future. In the
meantime, needs are being met. During the weekdays, 2000 people use the
premises. They attend a variety of self-help groups; people needing help with
addictions such as alcohol, narcotics, gambling, sex, debt and food. There are
fifteen English conversation and art classes run by volunteers. Open Doors on
Wednesday mornings provides a warm space of safety and support to people
from a variety of backgrounds. Indeed, it is a haven for many to come into and
many have then become volunteers. Not restricted to the premises however, the
Soup Run ministry continues to bring hope and support, as well as food and
clothes, to the homeless on the city’s streets, with opportunities for
compassionate interaction and prayer.
Several students, under the Trinity College Chaplaincy are involved in the social
compassion ministry of the city of Dublin YMCA, meeting in the centre, studying
the Bible together, imaging what God is up there. These new opportunities for
‘giving’ and engaging with the work of God on the streets has been an enriching
and engaging experience. Two students’ development of faith is resulting in
further service and ministry. Julian Hamilton, who sees that God is at work in
this non-church setting, also ran a grief support group for any students who have
experienced loss and are finding it particularly difficult alongside the Counselling
service. A member of a previous group got in contact. God is speaking into the
life of this young man who has come from a very different religious background,
and also to another past student that got back to speak about how God is using
him in non-traditional leadership.
Methodist Centenary is pleased to have the Korean Methodist Church meeting
for a communal meal and bible study discussion groups every Sunday afternoon,
and to be able to provide meeting rooms for St. Finian's Lutheran Church, while
their own building project is under way. The recently refreshed 'Duff Den' (with
the addition of a data projector) provides a very comfortable and safe place for
the youth/young adult discussion groups. Also, the recently established Faith &
Worship Local Preachers' Course, has attracted six new students from
Centenary as well as encouraging Local Preachers on trial from the Dublin North
Circuit. Also, they continue to welcome many new users to Wesley House from
baby sign language classes, summer holiday clubs, local beekeepers and
various choirs, ever mindful of their mission statement, 'To receive God's love
and to share it with others.'
Dundrum’s ministry includes various youth ministries, special services including
a healing service and carol service, Alpha and parenting courses, a live nativity
and ‘Follow the Star’ day for the community, the work of our TOM team, six week
church Bible study, the move to have a monthly church lunch and a missional
project with Julian Hamilton.
A community gospel choir led by the Salvation Army used Rathgar church for
practices and sang at the morning carol service. Rathgar also hosted an
interdenominational silent meditation gathering modelled on Benedictine
practices.
Mark Forsyth continues the Pioneer Mission in Co. Meath with regular trips to
the local pub to meet people and play pool. He has been encouraged by one
spiritual conversation in particular which led to further contact during the week
over coffee and a willingness to bring friends along. Mark is also meeting with
pastors in Meath with a view to setting up a county-wide network to facilitate
prayer, discipleship, evangelism, social action and church planting.
In December Lucan and Tallaght shared a unique Nativity Play in both churches,
including the children and combining Scripture, song, a narrated play and animal
puppets. Our aim has been to create something appealing for young and old
alike, representing the wonderful diversity of our congregations, and that will
also be attractive to people in the community, who may not normally be
churchgoers. It involves members from both churches, which helps to strengthen
bonds between us all; and the Gospel Choir had individuals from at least ten
different cultural groups. To celebrate this we included verses from ‘Hark the
Herald Angels Sing’ sung in each of these languages.
A major community initiative is the ‘Food Bank’ in Tallaght, which is also
supported by the Lucan congregation, and with donations gratefully received
from other Methodist Churches in the District. This project enables provision of
some relief to needy families in the area. Also this year, a free Christmas lunch
was provided for people in need in the community as well as Christmas food
hampers.
Blanchardstown’s identity as a multi-cultural church reflects the surrounding
area and is lived out in active engagement with other bodies and churches, such
as being a part of the TYT summer youth project, serving and tidying up in
Tyrellstown, and planning further active engagement with local schools. With
such a young age profile, a weekly Crèche, Junior Sunday School, Senior
Sunday School and Discussion Group are held. The Discussion Group ran a
Lenten Youth Alpha course. Networking with wider District youth activities has
been of great support.
The church’s main challenge is space for its growing congregation (34 families
instead of the 14 four years ago) in a Primary School Classroom. They would
like to move into a vacant shop unit that would greatly increase the profile and
ability to offer mid-week services. Small groups have expanded, with the
organising of a training course for new Pastoral Workers. The church read Rick
Warren’s 40 Days of Purpose and organised a number of local study small
groups. In October, an RTE Radio Service explored the theme of ‘God in the
Suburbs’, whereby church members, through interviews highlighted how they
outworked their faith in the Industrial Estates and Apartment Blocks of
Blanchardstown.
Monthly Men’s Breakfast and Women’s Groups were properly established, with
speakers including Patrick Nulty TD. Advent and Lenten Bible Studies in the
local Tyrellstown Community Centre were held. On the theme of the Holy Land,
they were organised in advance of church members’ trip to the Holy Land in
October 2013, as part of a DCM pilgrimage.
Arising from the visit of a team from New Jersey in the summer, a teenage-led
youth project has begun in Gorey. The group hold events, mainly a drop-in
centre, during the school breaks and is growing through gradually inviting more
friends to help. A prayer time is held before each event and the young team have
also engaged with other worship-focused gatherings. The work is benefitted by
Steven Foster’s involvement in Gorey Community School where he takes a
variety of Religion classes and helps with other activities. The travelling Team
on Mission also spent two full weeks in the Community School, the largest school
in Ireland.
Gorey church remains very active in a variety of inter-church activities and
services. It is active with the local Alpha committee that ran two parallel Alpha
courses and a Lenten series on the BBC production, ‘The Passion.’ The church
continues to welcome new worshippers and has another Local Preacher on Trial
in training, yet struggles to facilitate young families with various Sunday morning
commitments.
At the end of a Sunday service, Clontarf church met in groups to discuss the
essential characteristics of a church, what people liked about being a member
of the Church, what it should be doing in an ever changing world and what its
purpose is. A working group is identifying the common themes, with the church
seeking, under God, his vision for the future of Clontarf family. A Church
weekend is also being planned. Sutton hosted a very successful circuit service
in August and another very successful card fair.
Pamela Chiriseri is the Church Development Worker in Skerries and is seeking
to strengthen the church fellowship through home prayer and study groups.
Skerries were blessed by a donor who purchased 50 new chairs which have
made the church even more comfortable and attractive. Jono Griffin leaves the
circuit at the end of May, when he and Beth will be embarking on an exciting
new Surfing Ministry. The youth on the circuit are especially thankful for Jono’s
ministry over the past number of years.
Effective youth and children’s work is also being carried out by the assistant
Youth pastor in Dún Laoghaire and Bray. Bray continues to work closely with
members of other churches in the town to change the spiritual climate of the
area. The Bridge non-alcoholic café bar opened in December 2012 and is the
focus of sensitive outreach to the community. One of the members is on the
Management Committee.
The Dun Laoghaire congregation is in the middle of a redevelopment process
which will transform the use of the church premises and provide new
opportunities for new forms of worship, mission and outreach. As a result of this
process, prayer became a priority, with a regular Prayer and Praise meeting
being established, a Prayer Link Leaflet being issued (a weekly guide to personal
prayer) and a Time and Talents Survey being started.
MIDLANDS AND SOUTHERN DISTRICT
The importance of a community witness is apparent in the activities of many of
the societies on the Midlands and Southern District. From 'curry nights' in Cork
to men's breakfasts in Bandon there seems to be a desire within many churches
to relate to their local communities. Connecting people to the church is the
motivation behind the coffee morning in Kilkenny which has now extended into
a painting class. A 'food pantry' is up and running in Carlow where some
members of the community have agreed to partner with the church in an attempt
to offer help to the 'new poor'. The Athy society is finding that their relationship
with the Arts Council continues to be a productive enterprise.
RTE Six One News gave a slot to the Clonakilty church in respect of its renewed
'Eco - Congregation' award. The timing of the presentation coincided perfectly
with the interests of the wider community in Clonakilty who are celebrating the
400th anniversary of their official status as a town. In Roscrea the church was
able to introduce the local scouts to mission in Cote d'lvoire through the CAHPA
charity. The charity was also featured by RTE in their Nationwide programme.
The offer of prayer has been another way to engage the wider society. The main
street in Cloughjordan was the location for a prayer room during Heritage Week.
In Bandon prayers for healing are offered every Saturday morning in Brooke's
pharmacy.
Many of the churches on the District endeavour to work ecumenically. The clergy
fellowship in Adare is active in arranging several opportunities during the year
for united services. In Kenmare, Roscrea, Birr and Skibbereen there have been
exciting developments in community and inter-church Bible studies. The
'Christianity Explored' course was used in Kenmare. In Ballineen and
Drimoleague Alpha courses were organised with Roman Catholic and Church
of Ireland participation.
An exciting ecumenical development is just beginning in Cork. In this report last
year we read about 'Douglas Churches Together' bringing a united Christian
witness to the Douglas shopping centres. Recently, a manager in one of these
centres invited the ecumenical group to conduct a worship service in the centre
every Sunday in a vacant unit. The services have now begun and are organised
by the participating churches on a rota basis.
The District is witnessing some numerical growth, both in congregations and
membership. The Waterford congregation is now under Methodist care and
plans are underway to bring church governance in line with Methodist practice.
The Millstreet congregation is applying to be officially recognised as a society at
Conference this year. New members have joined the congregations in Portlaoise
and Bandon, and, although she was returning to China, the testimony and
baptism of a Chinese student in Waterford is undoubtedly an addition to the
membership of the church of Christ in the world. In another new beginning, a
Bible study/outreach has begun in Lispole near Dingle.
The Christian Gospel is about establishing a relationship with God through
Christ. It is also about working together to establish community relationships
which allow the claims of this Gospel to be demonstrated. The ministry and work
of the circuits reflected in this report clearly show that the Midlands and Southern
District is conscientiously attempting to fulfil this task.
LAKELANDS DISTRICT
Faithful worship, preaching and service continues around the various societies
on the district. Morning worship is generally well attended with some societies
noting an increase in attendance. Harvest services and other special services
at Christmas and Easter are also popular and prove a great blessing to all. New
Local Preachers in Ballinamallard and Trillick have enhanced the worship there.
Prayer
Prayer is an integral part of the life of the church. Most societies have some form
of prayer meeting taking place either within an established prayer and bible study
group or as a specific prayer meeting. A 24/7 prayer room proved to be a
blessing on the Lisbellaw Circuit. The shop front prayer room in Fivemiletown
took place in September again.
Bible Study
Bible study groups continue in various formats in all circuits. Home groups, circuit
& society study groups meet regularly. Two circuits are using J John’s “Just 10”
series and finding it challenging and encouraging. Fivemiletown also completed
LICC’s “Frontline” series challenging us to be whole-life disciples. Three different
groups are following “Step Forward” in Ballinamallard and Trillick. A third circuit
Bible study series has taken place in Upper Erne with Rev Ken Todd the special
speaker.
Youth Work continues to be strong on this district. Most societies have Sunday
Schools. Christian Endeavour groups are found in five circuits and all are going
well. Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade provide fellowship and spiritual blessing
for many young people. A circuit youth fellowship in Enniskillen is a particular
joy and nurtures the young people who attend. District and Connexional events
help our children and young people to see what God is doing beyond their local
areas. Groups from accross the District attended Soul Mates weekend in Lurgan,
Soul Mates Road Trips in Ballinamallard and Dublin for children aged 9-13, and
Autumn Soul in Bangor for teenagers. Ballinamallard has appointed a new youth
minister jointly with the Church of Ireland. Upper Erne have 6 young people
attending Membership classes following the Youth Christianity Explored course.
A youth orchestra enhances the praise at united services in Springfield and
Churchill. Tempo Coffee Bar and Maguiresbridge “Friday nite at the Bridge” are
well supported and very popular with young people. Holiday Bible Clubs also
take place in a number of circuits. Team on Mission led the Holiday Bible Week
in Cavan and Longford.
Special Services and Events
Many special services and events have taken place since last spring synod. The
Annual Conference of our church was held in Enniskillen and this proved to be
a great blessing particularly to the congregation in Darling Street. The visit of
HM The Queen, the opening of the South West Acute Hospital and the 25th
anniversary of the cenotaph bombing also provided opportunities for meaningful
commemorations. Alpha courses and fellowship breakfasts have been a soource
of blessing. The Covenant service was broadcast on RTE from Ballinamallard.
Fit 4 life has taken place in two circuits. Fivemiletown people were challenged
by a visit from a Christians against Poverty representative. In Sligo the “Open
Door” coffee bar outreach is proving fruitful, while Rivers’ praise band has played
at various conferences and meetings throughout the year.
Festivals and Friendship Clubs
Pettigo hosted their Christmas Tree Festival again – this time jointly with the
local Presbyterian congregation. Fivemiletown congregation hosted “The
Journey to Bethlehem” Christmas Festival. Meanwhile four circuits are hosting
friendship clubs, which are proving to be a blessing. We thank God for all that is
hapening in the life of our District.
NORTH WEST DISTRICT
As a District, we are truly grateful for the many and varied ways in which God
has been working both in our Societies and in our communities. God continues
to guide us, even in the difficult times, and often surprises us with His provision
and acts of grace. The faithful preaching of God's word by Ministers and Local
Preachers across our District has been a blessing to many people as they grow
in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Several of our Churches and properties have undergone renovations and
extensions. Castlederg has extended and refurbished its hall, while the Limavady
members have refurbished their Church. Both these properties were rededicated
to God's glory by the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev. Ken
Lindsay. The President also opened and rededicated Portstewart Church's new
extension. Drurnquin people have spent much time and effort improving their
premises by adding a new car park providing easier access to the church. They
have been running various activities and are at present organising a flower
festival weekend for the beginning of May 2013. Fintona have also enhanced
their premises with the installation of a new kitchen, improved toilet facilities and
disabled access. All of these improvements enhance the work of God providing
greater opportunities for the Mission of the Church.
Togherdoo continues to make great use of their extension and the building is
host to a range of activities with the on-going youth work attracting many young
people from our own circuit and from the neighbourhood. The monthly Men's
Breakfast provides Omagh Church with a great opportunity for fellowship and
sharing the gospel. In Donegal Church, Breakfasts are also on the menu each
Tuesday morning. Donegal had a 'Christmas Lights Party' which took the form
of 'Messy Church' and involved activities around the retelling of the Christmas
story.
On the back of Portrush's Queens Jubilee garden party last year they set about
doing more community based outreach and began a Monday drop in, and also
restarted a Thursday evening Bible study. At the time of writing they are looking
forward to the Surf Event in April as well as to the Holiday season and mission
opportunities this presents. Portstewart has great working relations with other
Churches enjoying Lenten studies, meals, carol services and a walk of witness
on the first Sunday of January. This March we held a retreat together. Our House
group is well attended, and we have seen new people join us in the last year.
We hope to do some new work around the North West 200, Blue Sail week and
the Air show. We have so much to offer and a wonderful saviour to share.
Clooney Hall, which is in the centre of the Londonderry Mission Circuit, continues
to build ecumenical relationships in the city. The distribution of Luke's gospel to
every person in Londonderry is a combined outreach between all the Churches
during this year as the City of Culture. The men's hostel meets some of the many
social needs in the city while the 'drop in’ centre in Carlisle Road church provides
a safe place for socializing for those on the fringes of society.
Strabane church continues to forge links with the Church of Ireland and different
joint activities are planned. Newbuildings and Strabane have also set up a food
bank. Inishowen Churches continue to reach out in mission in the community
through various events such as the ‘Harry Ferguson Story’ presented by Mr
George Conn from our Omagh congregation. An all age Christmas party, Cottage
meetings, after church coffee etc. all present opportunities to share the good
news of Jesus in our church and community. A prayer room, along with Holy
Week services, was available to the wider community in Moville hall. A member
of Glacknadrummond Church has been accepted as a 'Local Preacher' on trial.
Youth Fellowship, guided by amazing leaders, continues to be a blessing. Their
involvement in leading and participating in services is a great encouragement
to the Churches. A large number of young people from the District attended 'Soul
Mates' this year.
Dunkineely & Ardara have sent 18 young people to TeenStreet in Germany. This
is on the strength of good children's, youth and community outreach across the
area. Lay members on the circuit are at the heart of a new community
organisation Dunkineely Community Ltd. 'cafechurch' continues to open contacts
with those who do not belong to our traditional churches, and the staff now join
in the quizzes while the other customers thank us for our presence in their midst.
Sunday Schools, school assemblies, Bible studies, parent and toddler groups,
men's fellowships, Girls’ and Boys’ Brigades, Luncheon clubs, the M.W.I., along
with other ventures, continue to be part of the work and witness of the Churches
on the North West District. We pray that God will continue to enable and
empower us by His Holy Spirit to be the salt and the light in our Communities.
To God be the glory.
NORTH EAST DISTRICT
Helen Keller famously said,
‘The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also
by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker.'
Over the past months the Kingdom of God in the North Eastern District has been
pushed forward quietly and steadily in all our societies by the hard work and
commitment of honest and sincere followers of Jesus Christ.
LARNE CIRCUIT
Carnlough
The numbers in Carnlough Sunday School and Youth Club continue to grow
thanks to the hard work of the Youth Worker and the congregation. Both groups
are made up of members of both communities within the village. The Youth
Worker is part of the Youth Forum which coordinates all youth work in the village
and a Holiday Bible Club is planned for the summer. Carnlough church continues
to prosper with 17 adult members and growth in a Wednesday morning
fellowship group.
Larne and Craigyhill
A major new project will be launched in March 2013. In conjunction with other
churches in Larne, the Foodbank will provide donations of food to those in the
community who are experiencing hard times. Craigyhill Methodist Church will
be the main distribution centre and members of both Methodist churches are
heavily involved in the project.
CARRICKFERGUS CIRCUIT
Carrickfergus
The work in Carrickfergus is going on well and consistently.
There are great numbers attending the Friday night youth clubs. Many of these
are from non-church backgrounds and very good work is being done among
them. In November there was a week's children's and youth mission led by
Crown Jesus Ministries. It was a good week with many enquiring about the
Christian faith and there were a number who made commitments to Jesus Christ
as Saviour and Lord. A Lay Witness Mission is being planned for November 2013.
Greenisland
8 adults & 3 children joined the church in January. A Men's fellowship group has
formed under ministerial student, Alan Craig’s, leadership & folks are getting to
know each other better. A Women’s Bible-study started last autumn: 7 women
had a desire to know Scripture better & its life application. Wed. Food, Fun, and
Fellowship started this past year which provides a sense of community for a
variety of church & community folks. The church has taken their first NCD survey
(NOV 2012) and are in the first stages of interpretation and planning of future goals.
Whitehead and Islandmagee
Numbers have been growing recently in both Whitehead and Islandmagee. The
Sunday School in Whitehead regularly sees 12-16 children in attendance and
up to eight children in Islandmagee. Both MWIs and the M&M's men's group in
Whitehead have a healthy programme of speakers and events. Whitehead
Church Council has put in motion a survey to ensure they are making the best
use of our existing facilities and they are also seeking to maximise their spiritual
input in the area through interdenominational activity and fellowship.
BALLYMENA
The past year has been one where there has been a discernible sense of moving
on in the faith, with growth in existing ministries such as the choir, youth work
and school work. The traditional evening midweek was reborn as 'Faith Food'
on Wednesday mornings and 'Table Talk’ was introduced on Wednesday
evenings for those who wanted to explore 'what it means to be a Methodist.'
CULLYBACKEY
The church members praise God for the completion of their renovation work on
their Church buildings to bring them up to present Fire and Safety standards.
They have also recently established a "Puppet Ministry" group as an outreach
to the young and there is continued work in outreach to the village by
co-operation between the various churches in the area helping to run a Saturday
night drop in centre.
NEWTOWNABBEY MISSION CIRCUIT
Mossley
Mossley continues its work among young people with the appointment of a new
part-time youth worker. There has also been an introduction of a new system
for encouraging spiritual growth with the introduction of 'bands' of three. At
present there are three 'bands' meeting and the plan is to extend this to more
people in the congregation.
Hydepark
Hydepark continues to hold its own. Its small congregation continue to be faithful
and provide a witness for Christ in the Mallusk area.
Whiteabbey
Whiteabbey continues to operate its 'Storehouse' project. This project has really
taken off in the last few months and the number of families needing help with
food and electricity and fuel has really increased. Consideration is now being
given to extending this project to include the other churches in the area. The
cooperation between the churches in the village continues to develop with joint
services and joint outreaches planned. The church is now open all day Tuesday
and Thursday with daily prayers at 9, 12 and 3.
Glengormley
Glengormley continues to prosper with all its existing work going well. A new
group called 'Angels' was recently started. This is a support group for carers and
is greatly appreciated by those who attend. The church is planning an
evangelistic event for March 2014 with visiting evangelist, Mr Roger Murphy.
The youth and children's work in the church goes from strength to strength under
the leadership of Youth Worker, Ruth Laverty.
Newtownabbey Mission
All organisations in the church continue to prosper, reaching out to all age groups
in the community. Also all the youth organisations continue to be well supported.
Under the leadership of the Youth Worker, Cheryl Patterson, and her team of
volunteers, many activities and trips were enjoyed by the youth of Rathcoole
throughout the year. The events in the summer saw 12 junior leaders helping
out. They were able to put their skills learned through the Young Leaders
Programme to good use. There is a real sense of togetherness throughout the
church.
Greencastle
Greencastle has had a difficult time because of the continued illness of their
minister, the Rev Trevor Jamieson. But with the help of local preachers and an
Edgehill Student, they are weathering the storm. The G.B. goes from strength to
strength and cooperation between the churches in the area continues to be good.
BALLYCLARE CIRCUIT
Ballyclare, Ballynure, Doagh
This year a joint Alpha course was provided by the churches together in Doagh.
There were good numbers attending. There will also be a joint walk of witness
and dawn services at Easter. A prayer room in the Circuit will be open for 36
hours over the Easter weekend. The circuit has also become involved in a 'Street
Pastor' scheme with 10 other churches in the Newtownabbey Borough. This
involves working on the streets with young people who are vulnerable late at
night outside pubs and clubs.
BELFAST DISTRICT
There can be no doubting that in many ways the churches in the Belfast District
are awash with activity and effort to faithfully serve God and offer outreach and
services to the wider Belfast community. It would be impossible to report
everything but there are four prominent areas in which many churches are
concentrating their efforts: prayer, outreach, deeper discipleship and leadership
development.
Prayer
It is evident that there is a rising fervour and passion for prayer around the
district. In Jennymount, prayer is the “fundamental key” which is undergirding
all their attempts to engage with families and neighbours around the church.
They know that the prayer fuelled life and witness of the church is keeping them
in line with the work of the Holy Spirit. Finaghy has opened up a new time
specifically for prayer each Sunday morning from 10:00am. They are also taking
time to pray before each of their business meetings. Prayer is also the
foundation for the exciting work which is on-going in the chaplaincy at Queens
with space created each week for personal and intercessory prayer as well as
inter-chaplaincy sponsored prayer days for the campus at Queens. Braniel and
Cregagh churches are also seeking to become more strategic in their ministry
of prayer for the church and surrounding communities.
Outreach
Many churches across Belfast are engaging with the communities around them
through programmes of outreach. Greater Shankill is outreaching in its
community through numerous “give-aways” on the Shankill and Woodvale
Roads throughout the year, when a small gift is given to people as they go about
their business on the roads and in the shops. These gifts are always received
well. In Cavehill there has been exciting development in outreach to local
families. The Parents & Toddlers group started up in the last year is bursting full
with people to the point where a second session is currently being considered.
Knock has been putting its shiny new centre to use by welcoming 40-50 seniors
each week for a luncheon club as well as up to 60 children in its Parent & Toddler
Group. Ballynafeigh has been involved in an exciting inter church Alpha Course
for its community as well as contributing to the work of the Foodstore Ministry in
Cooke Centenary Presbyterian Church.
Belfast South is also reaching out to people by using its new suite of buildings
and has seen exciting developments in youth outreach as it engages with local
schools through assemblies, classes and Scripture Union groups. Several
churches in the district have partnered with other churches and organizations to
outreach to those who are struggling in the economic recession we are living in.
Joanmount is a partner church in the development of the North Belfast Food
Bank and is also continuing its work as a partner with Christians Against Poverty.
Sandy Row is bustling with outreach activity in the form of “Shine” After-schools
Club, a new Coffee & Chat morning as well as a monthly Men’s Breakfast. BCM
Social Care outreach continues to grow and develop with the Housing Support
for Older People now stretching its services across the entire city. Braniel have
also had an exciting project running celebrating the work and legacy of the
Harland and Wolff Shipyard which has been engaging with local schools.
Glenburn has developed a very popular children’s club running each week and
seeing many local children joining in. This has also started to give the church a
real connection with some of the parents of these children.
Deeper Discipleship
Similar to the rise in prayerful fervour across the churches in Belfast, there also
seems to be an increasing hunger in our churches for deeper growth and
discipleship through community study and fellowship. In Sydenham an exciting
development has taken place with the birthing of a new discipleship group.
‘Koinonia’ meets bi-monthly on Sunday evening for a meal and times of Bible
study, discussion and prayer. What is very exciting in this is that it is a cross
generational group in which teenagers and young adults have been invited to
deliver and lead bible study as well as adults in the group. Cell groups in
Dundonald have each committed to participate in the Community Bible
Experience through Lent and up to Pentecost. This has seen an increase in
numbers of people signing up to take part. Greater Shankill has also seen
positive development in its discipleship ministry with several new opportunities
for growth being provided for people at every age or stage in the faith.
Ballynafeigh has been working through the Biblica Course – “The New
Testament Books of the Bible” and they have seen an increased number of
people taking part in this.
Leadership Development
Several Churches have seen their leaders ‘stepping up’ to the demands of
church leadership in 21st century. Finaghy’s leaders have been asking some
hard questions and mapping their future as they have been moving through
Natural Church Development (NCD) with Chris Hollies. Cregagh has also
worked through their second NCD Survey and this has helped them identify
some strengths and weaknesses in the life and witness of the church. Knock
has also moved through the initial survey with NCD and is seeking to implement
some of the findings that came out of it and out of the congregational meeting
that took place in November.
Other News
Pioneer Minister, Alan Lorimer reports that Well.com has recently secured
premises from which to work from. It is hoped that after some redecoration and
refurbishment that it will be in use soon. East Belfast Mission has completed
and opened Skainos and is at the very centre of representing the Kingdom of
God in inner east Belfast. Glenburn also completed work on the renovation of
their foyer which has resulted in the church now having a bright and well-lit space
in which to welcome the community.
One great sadness to report is the winding up of the Dundonald Family and
Community Initiative due to lack of funding. However, it should be noted that
several of the programmes established by DFCI have been constituted in their
own right and will continue their good work on a voluntary basis.
DOWN DISTRICT
As a District there is no question that God is at work in our churches and
communities, working his purposes out through various people and places and
in diverse ways. From the individual society reports, there seem to be five clear
areas in which our work of God can be discussed.
Prayer – following on from our President’s theme of ‘Strength through prayer’
there certainly seems to have been a powerful and effective ministry of prayer
throughout our district. In addition to the regular prayer meetings and individual
and communal prayer in all of our societies, special mention must be made of
prayer ministry teams, a week of fasting and prayer and a circuit prayer room.
As one society put it, these times of focused prayer are what fuel and support
the rest of God's Work in our society and circuit.
Fellowship – the importance of building up those within our churches and
promoting a strong sense of family and love for one another has been common
throughout our district this year. Many societies have nurtured these
relationships through fun activities, ranging from family fun days, a Burns’ supper,
Pirate golf, congregational dinners, barbecues, barn dances, live music and
concerts. God is at work building up our church community in these big events
as well in the day to day conversations, pastoral visits and acts of kindness which
our congregations show to each other.
Organisations – one society used the following words to describe the work of
their organisations – ‘one mustn’t forget the ongoing witness of traditional
organisations such as MWI, BB, GB, Bowls (and we can all add many more)
who do a fantastic job in helping people understand Church and enjoy healthy
relationships.’ When we think of the work of God in our area we do not need to
focus on something new which we are trying or some huge, fancy event which
we have organised, in the words of another society ‘we want to highlight the fact
that God is at work in the ongoing weekly ministry that happens due to God’s
grace toward us, and through the commitment and dedication of many members
of our congregation; a commitment to serve our community and hold out the
hope of Christ.’
Community – it is clear that throughout our district Wesley’s people continue to
have a heart for others, a passion to reach out with the good news of Christ, and
a desire to serve the communities in which we live in practical ways. The ideas
coming from societies are innovative and exciting and seem to focus on the
holistic care of people – their spiritual needs, their health and wellbeing, their
finances, their emotional needs, their hobbies and interests and their need for
sustenance. Outreach activities range from an alpha course run in a local pub,
Wesley’s walkers, King’s Boxing, Fit for life, Christians against poverty,
counselling services, drop-ins, befriending, craft groups, tea parties, luncheon
clubs and food banks.
Youth and Children – the church of tomorrow is the youth of today and our
district takes very seriously the need to nurture and care for the children and
young people in our churches and communities. Christ tells us to welcome the
children and throughout our societies we continue to do this through our toddler
groups, GB, BB, CE, Youth Clubs, Sunday Schools, Youth Fellowships etc. New
ways to reach the younger generation have been tried in many of our societies
through activities such as messy church and kids praise parties, and we continue
to appreciate the work of IMYC and the organisation of Soul Mates and Autumn
Soul which many of our youth attend on an annual basis and appreciate greatly.
This year the travelling team on mission have had an effective witness on those
societies they have visited and the Bangor and Holywood circuit have been truly
blessed by the work of a static team on mission who have been hard at work
since September.
One society mentioned an away day they had organised this year to look at the
question – ‘Where are we going?’ Reading each society’s work of God report it
is clear that God is powerfully at work throughout our district and we continue to
seek His vision and guidance as individuals, societies, circuits, districts and the
connexion. Where we are going depends on where God is leading us and we
look forward with anticipation to God’s plans for our district in the coming year.
PORTADOWN DISTRICT
There are many on our District who have been praying for revival over the years
to come into their own personal lives, churches and communities. We know that
it can only come from God. Some of our churches across the district have
experienced revival in years gone by and we know that prayer has been the key
to releasing this supernatural move of God. We sing with passion these words
written by Albert Midlane:
"Revive thy work O Lord
Thy might hand make bare
Speak with the voice that wakes the dead
And make thy people hear”
(Hymns & Psalms 780)
There is an increased emphasis on prayer in churches and circuits across the
Portadown District. Special times of prayer have been organised in different
places and our district has been involved with other districts coming together in
Trinity Methodist Church Lisburn. We thank God for the on-going prayer
emphasis of those involved with 24-7 prayer, M.W.I, and others - prayer is being
answered by God. It's happening in churches like Queen Street and High Street
Lurgan, in Bluestone and also in Thomas Street, Portadown, where quarterly
people gather for special times of prayer. The "Love Week" in reach to the church
started with a morning of prayer in February and has led to new outreach in the
area.
Many churches continue to organise events both of in reach and outreach.
Epworth Church has been involved in evangelism to the surrounding
neighbourhood. The 11th night bonfire in July was a time of outreach to those
who came and resulted in the quietest bonfire night in the area in recent years.
In Battlehill the 150th anniversary of the church building was celebrated with
special events including film nights, Harry Ferguson nights, a Titanic event and
craft occasions. At Christmas 2012 the congregation visited homes in the area
giving a Christmas gift to each family, with an invitation to join the church
members for Christmas morning worship. Through this effort, relationships in
the community were built and this resulted in a full church where extra chairs
had to be provided, to enable everyone to be seated.
The church in Magherafelt continues to reach out into community. An
appointment was made of a church member to become a link person to several
of the estates and statutory bodies. There are on-going discussions with the
local council as to the role the church could provide in becoming a centre where
people could meet to resolve issues impacting the community. Another church
and community project has involved Fred Dunlop bringing together the gifts and
talents of young people from across the Magherafelt area in music and drama.
This group recently performed a production "Songs from the Shows" to well filled
halls in both Cookstown and Magherafelt Cookstown has been holding a
Sunday evening series entitled 'Journey of Faith". People have appreciated and
been encouraged by those who have come to speak about their faith journey,
through their individual stories. Cookstown along with other churches are
studying the Discipleship Explored courses, others following the Alpha course
and in Bluestone a series on Joshua has been presented by George Ruddell
following a Precept Ministries Course.
On the Armagh circuit, Killylea Youth Club has grown considerably and caters
for young people of primary school age, most of whom do not attend any church.
This club has grown out of a Holiday Bible Club, held during the summer of 2012.
A Youth Mission event was held in Killymaddy Mission Hall during September.
The Armagh congregation hosted the acclaimed Belfast Community Gospel
Choir in the Armagh City Hotel, to introduce the Alpha course, also being held in
the Hotel. People drawn from both sides of the community regularly come each
week, exploring "The meaning of life".
Tandragee is developing their youth work with Sunday School and also with
Christian Endeavour, which is growing in numbers. Leaders are working on
starting a young people's fellowship in the near future.
Moira continues to consider how it does church in a modern world and they have
been seeking God for the future. The leaders have taken a bold step of faith in
deciding that their site needed redevelopment and with great enthusiasm are
going forward. Maghaberry has also moved forward in co-operation with The
Church of Ireland. This now is a covenant church, united in one single
congregation, one vision, and one CLC covenant leadership council.
Glenavy community has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, but the
church still remains in a very committed way "friends of all and enemies of none".
The results of that has been the community support for a number of special
events held recently. Craigmore continues to be a very progressive and positive
witness for good in the area. Not afraid of change and enjoying fresh expressions
of ministry which is encouraging to all. The Cliff College team of students are
coming for 10 days of church and community ministry.
We give thanks to God for those who work in hospitals and in HMP Maghaberry
as chaplains. This necessary life changing ministry of the church goes on often
unnoticed but yet this work is a vital outreach among many who are in deep
need. We continue to praise God for those who find faith in Christ while in
hospital or prison. Please continue to remember chaplains at work in these
situations.
The Portadown District looks forward to the future with confidence, trusting in
God who changes lives, who renews lives in difficult days. We see Him at work
all across the district and pray for the continuing presence of God in our midst
as we seek to serve and love the Lord. Our prayer for the future: "Revive Thy
work, O Lord".
Pioneer Mission Committee:
The committee continues to provide oversight and support on behalf of the
Church Development Board for new ventures in mission. During the past two
years consideration has been given to Jonathan Griffin’s call to establish a new
ministry among the surfing community in Ireland and that work will formally begin
in July. Jonathan will be commissioned to this work during Conference.
Thanks to Rev Paul Kingston (C)
The Rev Paul Kingston (C) retires from the position of Chairman of the Church
Development Board at the end of this connexional year. He has brought to his
six years of service an immense commitment to the work of the Board and at all
times has demonstrated a deep understanding of all the complex issues involved
in mission initiatives and property schemes. During his term of office he has
provided warm encouragement and wise counsel to all who have sought advice
and guidance from the Board. He has also been instrumental in much new
thinking especially in the area of Pioneer Mission. We are indebted to him in so
many ways and greatly value this opportunity to express our warm appreciation
for all his dedicated service.
HOME MISSION DEPARTMENT
The Home Mission Department (HMD) seeks to provide essential financial
assistance to Circuits which are unable to support the ministers appointed to
them. The Mission Ireland Fund supports approved mission ventures. The
encouragement of worship, witness and leadership forms an important part of
Home Mission work.
BACK TO CHURCH
1. The number of churches registered for Back to Church in September 2012
was significantly down on previous years. In spite of the success of this ‘Sunday
of Invitation’ only 35 churches took part compared to 60 in 2011. The national
increase in Sunday attendance is equivalent to five new Methodist congregations
in the space of two years. It is recognized that the title of the Sunday, and the
resources produced by the Back to Church UK, are not particularly relevant to
every context in Ireland. However the basic principle is proven and should be
seriously considered by any church wishing to grow in strength and witness. You
are encouraged to register with www.backtochurch.co.uk, even if you do not use
their resources because it helps us to assess the strength of the response and
keeps your church on its toes! A new set of two seminars has been produced in
which Michael Harvey introduces ways of developing a culture of invitation that
makes a difference to the church. The Back to Church website has the full range
of resources and video downloads are available. MCI was to the forefront of
establishing B2C in Ireland and the registration has the effect of keeping
everyone on the ball!
PRAYER
2. Prayer Focus will again be available at the end of June. This year’s edition
will follow the theme of “A people invited to follow...”. Information about churches
in mission both here and abroad is included and this year prayers have been
gleaned from around the world and across the ages.
3. The Prayer Summits announced to last Conference took place in February
and April. These were another step on our journey as a Connexion in discovering
the directions in which God is leading us. The Summits in Dublin (2nd February)
Carlow (22nd) Cork (23rd Feb); Togherdoo (April 9th ) and Lisburn (April 13th )
were led by young adults and members of the “From our Knees” 24.7 working
group. Some feedback from the summits will be received in Conference sessions.
NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT (NCD)
4. It is interesting and encouraging to witness the growth of NCD since its
promotion at the Conference of 2011. Several congregations have now
undertaken surveys, and begun to act on the results. Those who have
undertaken a second survey after 15 to 18 months have detected a significant
and clearly measurable growth in their health and strength. We continue to urge
all Circuits to consider entering this excellent process and if some assistance
would be helpful, guidance from an accompanist can be provided.
PRESENT FINANCIAL SITUATION
5. At Conference 2012 HMD reported a deficit of £221,000 for the year 2011.
Conference directed that recommendations be brought to the Church
Development Board to reduce the high level of Ordinary Grants (given to sustain
ministry in Circuits and Departments) and Mission Ireland Grants (given to assist
in developing new mission ventures). In following this directive the following
steps have been taken (6 - 10 below).
6. Grant reductions of 30% were implemented for the second half 2012 and this
enabled the Home Mission Fund to finish the year with a deficit of £120,000.
Grants for 2013 have also been reduced and as a moratorium was placed on
Mission Ireland grants in 2010, it means that those which have now come to the
end of the three or five year cycle, have not normally been replaced, thus
producing a further saving. However, it is important that wise investment is made
in fresh mission and three new projects are receiving some funding in 2013.
These severe cuts have placed some Circuits in embarrassing situations and
there has been a need for some emergency which Home Missions is
endeavouring to meet as much as possible.
7. A recommendation from the Connexional Finance Committee to move
£100,000 in University and IMYC costs away from Home Missions and unto
General Assessment was declined by General Committee. An attempt to secure
funding from Britain to assist multi-ethnic congregations, of which there are a
number in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), has so far proved unsuccessful.
8. In November 2012 representatives from Circuits in ROI met in Dublin to
consider how their future life and witness can thrive in such difficult economic
times. The Comprehensive Assessment undoubtedly has a detrimental effect
on small congregations which must spend much energy to fundraise each year,
simply to be able to stand still. It is crucial that Treasurers submitting accounts
for the calculation of Assessment clearly indicate that any income from Home
Missions is identified so that it will not be subject to assessment.
9. Seven Circuits, on three Districts in ROI, are looking realistically and
imaginatively at how they can rise to the challenge of difficult economic times
and circumstances. There are six Circuits, out of ten, on the Midlands and
Southern District which will require the stationing of a new minister between
2014 and 2015. These are some of the areas where it is proving extremely
difficult to make appropriate appointments for the reasons given to Conference
in 2011’s Report on Priority Appointments.
10. Recognizing that there appears to be a movement of God as people of many
different nationalities take their place in the life and leadership of Circuits in ROI,
these Circuits, in addition to examining the need for the appointment of ministers
specially suited to the development of their life, are also seeking ways to share
resources. Suggestions to lower Circuit boundaries and to explore what role a
Local Lay Leader could play, are on the table. A Local Lay Leader would be an
expanded role for the Society Steward in some places.
11. In 2011 RoI contributions showed a 29.5% increase on 2010, whilst NI
contributions were down by 2.2%. In spite of urgent appeals at Conference last
year the contributions were, in round figures, as follows:
Dublin:
€12,200, down 20%.
Midlands and Southern: €33,400, up 50%
Lakelands:
£ 9,500, up 30%.
North West:
£13,300, up 5%.
North East:
£14,000, down 20%.
Belfast:
£16,000, down 14%.
Down:
£17,700, up 14%.
Portadown:
£11,200, down 19%
The overall total received in 2012 was £121,750 compared to £122,345 in 2011.
It is notable that the District most indebted to Home Missions and facing the
greatest challenges economically and in personnel, is by far the most generous
when it comes to contributing to mission in Ireland.
12. In addition to supporting University Chaplaincies and IMYC for Teams on
Mission, Home Missions will provide Ordinary or Mission Ireland grants to 24
Circuits in 2013. The Home Mission part of the JMA Project will go towards the
furtherance of IMYC’s innovative programmes with children who have special
needs.
1.
AGENDA
The Conference receives the report of the Church Development Board.
2.
The Conference expresses its thanks to Rev Paul Kingston (C) and
directs that the tribute be printed in the Minutes of Conference.
3.
The Conference receives the Home Mission report.
4.
The Conference expresses thanks:
i.
to collectors, and members of JMA for their efforts for Mission
Ireland, and to those who have made special donations and
bequests to the Department
ii.
to members of congregations whose various contributions have
helped the Fund, including Gift Aid and Income Tax (In 2012 this
amounted to just under £2,400)
iii.
to the many people who voluntarily engage in mission projects
around Ireland.
iv.
to Mr Ken Galloway, who gives a generous allocation of time and
professional expertise to advise on the finances of the Department
and prepare accounts.
5.
The Conference resolves that in cases of vacancies in Stations and
rearrangement of Circuits, the Officers of the Fund shall have authority to
adjust the grants to the Circuits concerned.
6.
The Conference directs that in all cases where major repairs and/or
improvements are contemplated in respect of Trust property, application
be made for such grants as may be available from the Local Authority.
7.
Home Mission Collections, Accounts and Applications for Grants
The Conference directs:
i.
that all collections and subscriptions for the Fund shall, immediately
on their receipt by the Circuit Treasurer or Superintendent, shall be
forwarded to a Treasurer of the Fund
ii.
that Sunday 20th November 2013 is Home Mission Sunday and that
all Churches arrange Home Mission services on that Sunday and
urges that strong efforts are made, by District Home Mission
Secretaries, to arrange exchanges between north and south, and/or
urban and rural Circuits.
8.
iii.
that Circuit Accounts for Home Missions be closed by the 13th
December, 2013 and that Schedules and remittances be forwarded
to: The Treasurer, 71B, Brighton Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6.
iv.
that all Applications for Ordinary and Mission Ireland Grants for the
year 2014 be sent to the Secretary of the District Home Mission
Committee not later than 1st September 2013.
v.
that applications follow the guidelines provided by the Department
and are accompanied by a full set of circuit accounts and a detailed
budget of how any grant will be used.
The Conference;
a)
notes that the directions of last year’s Conference relating to Circuits
where there is a line, has enabled Circuits to enter consultations
with their Districts regarding future co-operation with other Circuits.
b)
gratefully acknowledges the significant increase in donations from
Circuits in the Republic of Ireland last year and calls on all district
Home Mission committees to discuss with circuits how they (the
Circuits) can share their gifts of people, wealth and skills,
imaginatively and generously with the wider Methodist family.
c)
directs that all permissions to expend on manses shall be sought
through the Property Board which shall consult with the Home
Mission Dept in processing all such applications. Home Missions
shall continue to have responsibility for grants and to receive
income from lettings.
9.
The Conference re-appoints Rev Desmond Bain as General Secretary
and Ministerial Treasurer of the Home Mission Department.
10.
The Conference re-appoints Mr Thomas Wilson as Lay Treasurer of the
Home Mission Department.
12.
The Conference designates Mr Doug Edmondson as Lay Treasurer from
July 2014.
REASONED STATEMENT
Mr Doug Edmondson is Circuit Steward of the Glastry and Portaferry
Circuit. Making a Christian commitment at an early age, he has been
active in Christian witness and service since student days at QUB, serving
with VSO in West Indies. Throughout his professional career he has
continued to work voluntarily with various Christian organisations. A
Master of Business Administration, he has held senior positions with major
financial institutions in England for over 20 years. Retraining as a Barrister
at Law he returned to Ireland and practised in Belfast from 1998 until his
retirement in 2012. Doug has been effectively involved in the leadership
of local community affairs and along with his deep and practical Christian
faith, he will bring to the Home Mission Department the breadth of
expertise needed in dealing with its financial, legal and property concerns.
12.
The Conference approves that the Lay Treasurer designate participates
as fully as possible in the responsibilities of the Treasurer’s role during
the Connexional year 2013/14.
13.
The Conference directs that the maximum Car Loans for ministers and
probationers be €9,500 and £6,000. Loans over €7,000 or £4,800 are
repayable over three years.
14.
The Conference directs that the Church Development Board Executive
audits the Home Mission Accounts on behalf of the Church.
15.
The Conference directs that the line be withdrawn from Circuit 47
Ballynafeigh.
16.
The Conference directs that the line be withdrawn from Circuit 53
Finaghy.
17.
The Conference receives Millstreet as a Society on the Cork South and
Kerry Circuit
18.
The Conference directs that the Minsters’ Removal Allowance, for
incidental expenses, referred to in the Manual para 12.07, shall be €400
or £300, and administered through the General Purposes Fund. This is a
charge on the General Assessment.
19.
The Conference directs that grants from the Home Mission Fund to
Circuits for whatever reason shall be exempt in the calculation of the
General Assessment.
The Methodist Church in Ireland conducts its mission in the world through the
Home Mission Department, which focuses its activities in Ireland and the
Methodist Missionary Society in Ireland (MMS(I)), which concentrates its work
overseas. This is a division that has served the church well and is clearly
understood by our Connexion. However, the clarity of this simple division is not
so easily justified in the context of some current thinking about mission. Terms
such as ‘missionary’, ‘mission field’, ‘overseas’ are considered outdated, and are
being replaced by the concepts of partnership and world church. The reasoning
behind these developments is founded in the idea that the mission of the church
in the world should be, as it is with God, one mission. It is also reflected in the
introduction of the term ‘missional’. Where mission is often understood as
something the church does; ‘missional’ describes what the church is: a church
whose nature is characterised by its participation in the mission of God.
In embracing these ideas the Methodist Church in Britain plans to involve
representatives from Mission in Britain (Home Missions equivalent in Britain) in
a new joint committee which will be convened later this year. This will replace
the World Mission Group – the committee which dealt solely with the business
of world mission through the World Church Relationships team. Along with the
Methodist Church in Britain, the Methodist Church in Ireland continues its well
supported programmes of mission with the understanding that these are central
to the heart and existence of the church.
Volunteers in Mission Teams
Teams under MMS(I) continue to offer exposure trips to Irish Methodists of all
ages. 2012 saw a second joint IMYC/MMS(I) team visit Guatemala and
experience another culture and way of being church. The team also had
partnerships with the World Development & Relief Committee and Christian Aid
Ireland. The first part of the visit saw the group of eleven meet with a jointly
funded WDRC/CAI project, Bethania and the latter part of the visit was with a
peer group from the Methodist Church Guatemala. It was an incredibly moving
time where language and cultural differences did not prevent fellowship or mutual
learning. Thanks go to Rev Dr. David Rock, Ms Gillian Best and Rev Conrad
Hicks for their leadership.
Church Link Programme
Although no churches took advantage of the Church Link Programme during the
past 12 months, the opportunity to receive help from MMS(I), where a church
has its own connection with a partner church overseas, is still available.
Global Vision – Connexional and District Mission Conferences
Global Vision continues to be part of MMS(I)’s overall vision that Irish Methodists
not only support mission in a variety of ways, but also engage in thought about
mission in the 21st Century. The series of Global Vision events does indeed
present stories of mission but it also seeks to challenge thinking and attitudes,
asking how can we best involve ourselves in mission (both home and ‘away’)
as congregations and individuals. There are 5 Global Vision events. All
organising committees offered free attendance to ministers and this encouraged
some new attendees. It is important that church leaders take up these
opportunities for learning and inspiration and encourage their members to do so
also.
MMS(I) wish to express their sincere thanks to those volunteers who give so
much of their time and skill to make these events happen. They do a tremendous
job and their efforts bless hundreds throughout Ireland which in turn becomes a
blessing in many parts of the world.
Global Vision, Craigavon
Saturday 16th February 2013 at Lismore Comprehensive School, Craigavon
Keynote speaker: Rev David and Mrs Rhoda Nixon
The theme was ‘Serving as Senders’
Seminar programme and speakers:
Peace Between Faiths (Steve Pearce, MCB’s Partnership Coordinator for Asia
and the Pacific), Engaging in Mission from Home (Alison Judd, World Federation
of Methodist and Uniting Church Women), ‘Should Lottery Funding be used for
Mission?’ and ‘Western Missionaries did more Harm than Good’ were both in
the form of debates, the ‘IF’ campaign to end hunger (Deborah Doherty, Christian
Aid Ireland), Syria (Roger McKay, Frontiers Ireland), Church in the Caribbean
(Rev Ken and Mrs Ruth Wilson), Women in Development (Tendai Madondo,
Christian Aid Ireland), Methodist Church The Gambia (Ruth Wilson), A People
Invited to Follow (Home Mission Department), Good News About Injustice (Ruth
Cooke, International Justice Mission), Making Waves in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Tea Deak) and ‘Is the Official Church in China State-run?’ (Simon Brown).
Attending adults – 330, youth – 15, children – 15
Global Vision, Lakelands
Saturday 23rd February 2013 at Darling Street Methodist Church, Enniskillen
This year’s event built upon the success of previous years and offered a wide
range of seminars and workshops – Methodist Church The Gambia (Ruth
Wilson), the ‘IF’ campaign to end hunger (Dave Thomas, Christian Aid Ireland),
Reconciliation in a united kingdom (Scott Boldt), Dignity for the Disabled in West
Africa (Lesley Webster), Peace as Mission (Peter and Jenna Martin, Church in
the Caribbean (Ken and Ruth Wilson).
There was also worship and a children’s programme. The day was a great
success with some from South Donegal attending. The NW District has
expressed interest in joining with the Lakelands District next year.
Attending adults – 70
Also a children’s programme
Global Vision, Midlands and Southern
Two meetings took place in this District: one on the Saturday in Cork and one in
the week preceding in Carlow.
Friday 22nd February 2013 at Carlow Methodist Church
There was a focus upon the persecuted church with input from Open Doors and
the Rev Des Bain also shared about the 24/7 prayer movement.
Saturday 23rd February 2013 at Ardfallen Methodist Church, Cork
Again there was a focus upon the persecuted church and the 24/7 prayer
movement. Rev Dr and Mrs Okegbile shared about their work with the Nigerian
community in London.
‘Inspire’, Global Vision Dublin
Saturday 20th April 2013 at Wesley College, Dundrum
Keynote speakers: David and Janice Clark (former Methodist mission partners
in Sierra Leone)
Also workshops led by Tendai Madondo of Christian Aid Ireland (Women in
Development) and Rev Dr Sahr Yambasu (Narratives of Africa in the West).
Mission Advocacy Week
MMS (I) provided materials for all Methodist churches to organize their own world
church service. These were based around stories, information, prayers and
visuals provided by members of the Methodist Church Ghana. These were
particularly well received this year with very positive feedback from ministers
and congregation members. The DVD enabled Methodists in Ghana to speak
directly to Irish Methodists and this had quite an impact. MMS(I) encourages all
churches to use these resources each year. They are not reliant upon
technology. Alternatives are provided.
JMA
Junior Mission for All is very important to our children and our Methodist heritage.
It is vital that young children know that to be a Methodist, is to be involved in
mission, wherever that may be. The JMA Active pack for 2012 was based around
the Methodist Church in The Gambia. Children learned about their peers in that
country, about their schools and church and daily life. In association with this,
our children gave approximately £32,000 / €35,000 to Methodist work amongst
children in The Gambia. The current JMA project for 2013 focuses upon work
amongst children in Ghana with both the Methodist Church and the Bible Society
Ghana. JMA Active also features material connected to mission within Ireland.
For 2013 IMYC has produced excellent activities and information around their
Star Stories programmes.
Container Ministry
During 2012, amongst others, containers were sent to the following countries:
Sierra Leone; Philippines; Kenya; Bosnia (with the support of Edgehill College);
Sierra Leone (airfreighted pallets of books for Cliff College International).
Experience Exchange Programme
Rev Conrad Hicks is currently serving in Mexico with the Methodist Church. Part
of his duties involves pastoral care within local congregations. EEP offers 6-12
month placements.
Mission Partners
Serving mission partners:
Rev Dr Barry and Mrs. Gillian Sloan (children: Michael and Megan) serving
through the Methodist Church in Germany – pastoral charge. Barry has taken
on the role of National Director of Evangelism.
Ms Pat Jamison serving through the Church of Bangladesh – health.
Ms Helen Moorehead serving through the Methodist Church in Kenya –
education for the deaf.
Rev Mervyn and Mrs Claudette Kilpatrick serving through the Methodist Church
Sri Lanka – pastoral care and women and children’s work.
Rev Andrew and Mrs Julie Cunningham (children: Elijah and Hannah) serving
through the Methodist Church Belize – pastoral care and women’s development.
Mission partners with changed status:
Mr David and Mrs Sarah Hall (children: Rebecca, Reuben and Matthew) – the
family remains in Bangladesh but now serve with the Mennonite Central
Committee in similar work to that done previously.
Dr Alan and Mrs Margaret McIlhenny – Alan has retired as a mission partner but
continues to be involved with Open Schools Worldwide, bringing education to
children at risk in Africa.
Rev. Wesley Campbell
The Conference places on record its deep appreciation and gratitude to the Rev
Wesley Campbell who has served as General Secretary of the Methodist
Missionary Society (Ireland) for six years. He truly practices the belief that every
Methodist is a member of the Mission Society and has a calling to fulfil. Wesley
does not only think mission but lives mission and this is evidenced in his own
personal commitment to creating, training and leading mission opportunities.
MMS is always at the centre of Wesley’s endeavours for meaningful mission
through the World Church Relationships team in London, Pre Conference
Consultations to the British Conference and in mission relationships wide and
far. Wesley’s heart is for mission and this infectious characteristic shapes his
call, his conversation and his influence on those around him. We wish him well
in his continued mission for God and we are deeply appreciative of all he has
accomplished on our behalf though MMS(I).
AGENDA
1.
The Conference adopts the report.
2.
The Conference approves the dates for Mission Advocacy from 9th–16th
February 2014
3.
The Conference requests Circuits to inform their District Missionary
Secretaries by 1st November 2013 regarding their plans for special
services and advocacy.
4.
The Conference records its appreciation of:
a. The World Church Relationships team, London
b. The convenors and committees appointed by MMS (I)
c. The Circuit and District World Mission Secretaries
d. The Ministerial and Lay Treasurers
e. The World Mission and Development Officer
5.
The Conference sends greetings to those serving as Mission Partners
with the World Church: Barry and Gillian Sloan and family, Helen
Moorehead, Pat Jamison, Mervyn and Claudette Kilpatrick and Andrew
and Julie Cunningham and family.
6.
The Conference appreciates the work of M.W.I and J.M.A. for their
contributions to the General Fund, and commends these funds for
support.
7.
The Conference requests circuits to submit their financial contributions
and schedules to MMS(I) not later than 1st December each year.
8.
The Conference re-appoints:
a. Rev William D. Mullally as Ministerial Treasurer of the Methodist
Missionary Society (Ireland)
b. Mrs Audrey Dickson as Lay Treasurer of the Methodist Missionary
Society (Ireland)
9.
The Conference places on record its thanks to the Rev Wesley Campbell
for his contribution to the mission of the church in the world during his
period of service as General Secretary of the Methodist Missionary
Society (Ireland)
10.
The Conference appoints the Rev Laurence A.M. Graham as General
Secretary of the Methodist Missionary Society (Ireland).
11.
The Conference appoints the Rev Laurence A.M. Graham and the Rev
William D. Mullally as representatives to World Church Relationships,
London.
General Committee
A.1 Thanks to Rev R. Kenneth Lindsay, President of the Conference.
The Methodist Conference, on behalf of the Methodist people throughout Ireland,
expresses its sincere thanks and deep appreciation to Rev R. Kenneth Lindsay
for his dedicated and committed leadership of the Church throughout the past
Connexional year.
He took as his theme for the year, “Strength through Prayer”. In his inaugural
address to Conference he challenged the Church to seek faith that is personal,
faith that grows and faith that recognises the unlimited potential within each
individual through prayer. He sought constantly to place this challenge before
the Methodist people throughout the year in recalling us the renewed
commitment to faith and prayer.
During his Presidential visit to Guatemala (which took place in February 2012
during his year as President Designate due to the celebrations planned for the
Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II), he received the gift of a stole, which he
subsequently used as his Presidential scarf. As a President’s Project he chose
to support the Methodist Church in Guatemala through the proceeds from the
sale of specially made candles during his year of office which had the motifs of
his Presidential scarf and the flag of Guatemala on them.
Two features, which have been the hallmarks of our President’s whole ministry,
namely his capacity for work and his pastoral care, were very evident during his
year of service as President. He visited the home of every retired Methodist
minister and every Methodist minister’s widow in our Connexion, including those
resident in the U.K.
He shared with many families where there was a special birthday or family
anniversary. He visited bereaved families and attended the funeral of murdered
garda, Adrian Donoghue in Dundalk, prison officer David Black in Belfast and
PSNI Officer Philippa Reynolds, tragically killed in the line of duty in Londonderry.
He encouraged congregations celebrating milestones in their mission. He also
maintained pastoral oversight during his Presidential year of those Circuits of
which he was Superintendent.
We are grateful to him and his wife, Patricia, for their year of service to our
Connexion.
A.2 Thanks to Ms Gillian M. Kingston, Lay Leader of the Conference.
The Conference expresses its indebtedness and sincere gratitude to Ms Gillian
Kingston for her outstanding period of service as the Lay Leader of the
Conference during the past three years. The Conference made a wise choice
when it elected her in 2010 as the first person to hold this new office in the
Church.
There was obviously no established pattern for this role within Irish Methodism.
The new Lay Leader was laying the foundations for this new and evolving office.
She would pay tribute to the Presidents with whom she has served during the
three years and the Secretary of Conference for the helpful and sensitive way
in which they have encouraged this new leadership model and representative
role to develop.
Before taking up this position, however, Gillian was already well known within
Irish and World Methodism and among ecumenical partners in Britain and
Ireland and had held several important positions. She had served as the
Convenor of the Faith and Order Committee, the all Ireland President of the
Methodist Women’s Association, a member of the Board of Christian Aid, one
of the Presidents of the Council of Churches in Britain and Ireland and Chair of
its Church Representatives’ Meeting, President of the Irish Council of Churches,
Chair of the Programme Committee of the World Methodist Conference and a
member for several years of the International Dialogue between Methodists
and Roman Catholics.
All of this wide experience she brought to the new role of Lay Leader. Gillian
has filled the position with dignity, commitment and enthusiasm. She has
travelled widely and represented the Church at denominational, ecumenical
and community events with much acceptance. Her wise counsel has been
much appreciated in committee affairs and at personal level. Her ability to grasp
the essential core of an issue and her skill in chairing Conference and other
committees has proved a great asset to the Church. A person of deep
spirituality and a convinced Methodist and a local preacher for many years, she
articulates the gospel with clarity and challenge and her preaching, teaching
and writing ministry have enriched the whole Church. Colleagues in ministry
have appreciated her friendship and pastoral interest in their personal and
circuit situations.
The Conference is grateful to God for the energetic and mature leadership
which Gillian has contributed and wishes her, and her husband Tom, God’s
richest blessing in their continued service and ministry.
B. Actions taken by the Committee
B1.
The Following Observers were appointed:
The General Synod: The President, Mr John Buchanan
The General Assembly: The Ex-President, Mr Hamilton Blain
The Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends: Mr Charles
Payne
B2.
Appointed as Chairmen of Boards
The Church Development Board: Mr David Twyble for a first year;
The Property Board: Rev Colin J. Duncan for a first year;
The Stipends and Allowances Board: Mr Kevin Kingston for a twelfth
year;
The Connexional Finance Committee: Mr Neil Payne for a sixteenth
year;
B3.
Appointed as members of the Assessment Appeal Panel:
The President, Mr Thomas H. Millar (Convener), ; Substitutes: Mr
Hamilton Blain and Mrs Irene Dickson.
C. Recommendations to the Conference
C1.
METHODIST MINISTERS’ HOUSING SOCIETY
The Conference appoints the following as members of the Management
Committee
Mr Donald Hayes (Chairman), Mrs Jennifer Stutt (Secretary), Mrs
Marion Cavan Drysdale (Treasurer), Revs Desmond C. Bain, Shaun
R.F. Cleland, Mark S. Forsyth, Donald P. Ker, Dr. Edmund T.I.
Mawhinney, Mrs Margaret Copeland, Messrs J.A. Kenneth Irvine,
Thomas H. Millar, Brian J.O. Pasley, David Smyth.
METHODIST MINISTERS’ HOUSING SOCIETY (DUBLIN)
The Conference appoints the following as members of the Management
Committee:
Mr Clive Scott (Chairman), Mrs Margaret Pelley (Secretary), Mr Nigel
Bryan (Treasurer), Revs Desmond C. Bain, Mark S. Forsyth, Messrs
Donald Hayes, Brian J.O. Pasley, David Smyth.
C2.
GRANTS
The Conference directs that the following grants be paid during the
year 2013-2014:
World Council of Churches
£ 2750
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
£ 1000
The Irish Council of Churches
£ 7650
The Conference of European Churches
€ 1600
The World Methodist Council
$ 2500
The European Methodist Council
€ 5700
PACT
€ 350
Methodist Historical Society of Ireland
£ 100
Churches’ Council on Healing
Council for Christians and Jews
Irish School of Ecumenics
C3.
£ 100
€ 150
€ 2775
TREASURERS OF THE GENERAL PURPOSES FUND
The Conference re-appoints Rev Aian W. Ferguson and Mr J. Stanley
Graham as Treasurers.
C4.
DESIGNATION OF SECRETARY OF CONFERENCE
The Conference designates Rev Donald P. Ker as Secretary of the
Conference for the year 2014-2015.
C5.
CONNEXIONAL COMMITTEE EXPENSES
The Conference Directs:
(a) That expenses incurred in attending Connexional Committees be
defrayed at the following rates: Overnight accommodation £50 per
night; Meals: One Meal £7.50, or £15 per day.
(b) That additional expenses for Committee meetings etc. shall not be
incurred without prior arrangement with the Treasurers of the
General Purposes Fund.
C6.
DATES OF SYNOD, GENERAL COMMITTEE AND CONFERENCE
The Conference approves the following dates for meetings during
2013-2014
District Synods:
Autumn 2013: During the fortnight beginning 8 September 2013.
Spring 2014: During the week beginning 9 March 2014
General Committee:
Wednesday 9 October 2013 (Dublin)
Thursday 9 January 2014 (Belfast)
Tuesday 8 April 2014 (Belfast)
Conference:
11th June 2014 (Ministerial) and 11th June 2014 (Representative) in
the Dublin District.
D. Designation of General Secretary and Ministerial Treasurer of the Home
Mission Department.
The Conference of 2012 received notice from Rev Desmond C. Bain of his
intention to retire in 2014. As required by our regulations the Conference
approved a job description for his successor and appointed a panel to bring a
designation to this Conference. The panel met with a number of ministers and
explored with them their understanding of and vision for this appointment.
The Panel has pleasure in bringing the name of Rev Heather M. E. Morris, B.Sc.,
B.D., Ph.D. for designation as General Secretary and Ministerial Treasurer of
the Home Mission Department. We do so believing that Dr Morris best fulfils the
criteria set out in the Job Specification for this appointment. She has both an
excellent understanding of the theology of mission and a passion for mission.
She is a good listener and a very gifted communicator. She has the ability of
getting alongside people, helping them discern God’s will through prayer and
sharing and offering encouraging in both good and difficult situations.
Resolution D.1 The Conference designates Rev Dr. Heather M.E. Morris as
General Secretary and Ministerial Treasurer of the Home Mission Department
from 1st July 2014.
E. Preparation for Forthcoming Connexional Appointments
E.1.1 Under our legislation (Manual of Laws 4C.24) notice of the need for
appointment of Ministers to certain Connexional Appointments should normally
be brought to the Conference two years in advance. The Conference is then
required to approve the Job Specification and criteria for the appointment, along
with the Selection Panel. The panel will then bring its recommendation of a name
or names to next Conference.
Rev Donald P. Ker has indicated his intention to retire at the Conference of 2015.
The Committee therefore brings the following recommendation to Conference
to initiate the appointment of a Secretary of Conference and of the Trustees of
the Methodist Church in Ireland from that date:
Job Description for Secretary of Conference
Preamble
The office of Secretary of Conference in a Connexion our size is a pivotal one.
It calls for a thorough grasp of its Constitution and Laws, a wide and intimate
knowledge of its organisation and personnel and a breadth of outlook, which
can command the trust of the widest possible range of views, in keeping with
the ethos of Methodism.
The Secretary of Conference needs to make her/himself available to the
Connexion for consultation and advice.
The role of Secretary involves the following areas of the Church’s life:
1. Administrative
1.1 Guide the courts of the Church in decisions relating to policy and laws.
1.2 Ensure compliance with The Methodist Church in Ireland Acts, the
Constitution of the Methodist Church in Ireland and the Manual of Laws.
2.1. Executive
2.1.1 Make arrangements for the Annual Conference including compiling and
publishing the Agenda and Minutes.
2.1.2 Ensure that Conference directions, decisions and changes in church
legislation, etc. are implemented.
2.1.3 Ensure strict compliance throughout the Connexion with civic rules and
legislation and co-ordinate a response to Government.
2.1.4 Convene and serve as Secretary of the General Committee, the Stationing
Committee and attend other Connexional Committees as listed under
section E 5 (i) & (ii) below.
2.1.5 Coordinate and convene as appropriate, meetings of Church
Departments, Committees, Working Parties, etc. functioning at
Connexional level.
2.1.6 Attend ex-officio as a member of Connexional Committees as prescribed
by Conference.
2.1.7 Manage the office staff.
2.2. Trustees
2.2.1 Serve as Secretary of the Trustees.
2.2.2 Serve as Registrar of Deeds and Documents.
2.2.3 Manage the Trustees office staff, budget and premises.
2.2.4 Oversee the Trustees financial systems on behalf of the Connexion.
3. Representative
3.1 Assist the President in all engagements and, in particular, in her/his
representative role with civic leaders and representatives of other
churches.
3.2 Liaise with the President and Lay Leader of Conference regarding the
business of the Conference and the General Committee.
3.3 Undertake preaching, speaking and representative engagements as
appropriate.
3.4 Encourage and represent, or assist in the representation of, the Church in
ecumenical etc. opportunities.
4 Pastoral
4.1 Advise in relation to all matters affecting the ordained ministry as the need
arises.
4.2 Consult and liaise with ordained ministers and church officials as the need
arises.
4.3 Facilitate and encourage the Church to function as a Connexion: helping to
keep its constituent parts in touch with one another.
4.4 Act as an initial contact person for issues of child protection.
5 Detailed Duties
5.1 To prepare for and, plan the Annual Conference, collate, print and circulate
the Agenda and prepare and publish the Minutes
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Liase with the Conference Arrangements Committee
Correspond with the British Conference Representatives
Correspond with the ecumenical observers
Arrange for the printing of the Agenda and Minutes
Request copy of the Agenda material from Departments
Prepare General Committee material and write most of the reports
Check and prepare other material, lists of representatives etc.
Proof read agenda material
Arrange for the distribution of the agenda
Arrange for Conference services: Sunday worship; installation of the
President and the Lay Leader; Ordination service; Orders of Service; write
to former Presidents and Lay Leaders; write to Ordinands; tickets for
guests
Prepare necessary materials for Conference. Consult with Assistant
Secretaries and secretarial help
Prepare Minutes with Assistant Secretaries
Obtain advertising.
Proof read Minutes
Prepare distribution list and arrange distribution
Prepare accounts for the cost of Agenda and Minutes
Inform various boards etc. of changes in chaplaincies
5.2
To be responsible for the general administration of the Church.This
includes preparation and sending out the Synod materials, Connexional
Schedules; circulars to ministers and stewards re Stipends, Stations,
President’s visits; and deal with requests for information
5.3
To ensure that Connexional Committees are kept aware of each other’s
discussions, where appropriate
5.4 (i) To represent the Church at special occasions/events when requested or
necessary
(ii) To ensure that information is provided about the Church and its position
on various issues, when requested
(iii) To Liaise with the Child Protection Officer on matters of child protection
5.5 (i) To be Secretary of and Member of the following committees:
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General Committee and its working Groups – Minutes, Reports and
correspondence
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Stationing Committee
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Special Committee
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Overseas Service Committee
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President’s Advisory Committee
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Joint Secretary of the Church Leaders’ Meeting – correspondence,
arrangements for meetings and visits
5.5 (ii) To be Member of the following committees:
• Audit Committee
• Authorisations Committee
• Board of Education
• Board of Examiners
• Chaplaincy Committee
• Church Development Board
• Church’s Ministry of Healing Committee
• Communications Committee
• Connexional Finance Committee
• Council on Social Responsibility
• Covenant Council
• Discipline and Advisory Committee
• Faith and Order Committee
• Governor of Edgehill College
• Governor of Methodist College
• Home Mission Forum
• Inter Church Relations Committee
• Local Preachers’ Committee
• Memorials Committee
• Mission Ireland Forum
• Mission Partnership Forum
• Obituaries/Retirements Committee
• Pastoral Efficiency Committee
• Property Board and Executive
• Sabbatical Committee
• Stipends & Allowances Board & Working Party
• World Mission Forum
5.6
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To represent the Methodist Church in Ireland on other church bodies
Annual General Meeting of Christian Aid Ireland
Annual General Meeting of Christian Aid Britain
Member of the Irish Council of Churches
Member of the Irish Council of Churches Executive
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5.7
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5.8
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5.9
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Joint Management Committee of the Irish Council of Churches
Trustee of the Inter Church Centre
Member of the Irish Inter Church Meeting
Member of the Irish Inter Church Committee (five meetings)
CTBI Senior Leaders’ Forum (meets annually)
To represent the Methodist Church in Ireland on other Methodist bodies
Representative to the British Conference.
Representative on the European Methodist Council (three days once a
year)
Representative to the Conference of European Churches
Representative on the World Methodist Council Executive (every second
year)
To be Secretary of the Trustees of the Methodist Church in Ireland
Trustee of the Methodist Church in Ireland
Secretary of the Annual General Meeting and the General Trustees
Meeting
Secretary of the Standing Committee and Governance Committee
Responsible for all correspondence relating to Trustees’ business
Responsible for sealing and signing all leases, documents, contracts of
sale etc. on behalf of the Trustees in connection with sales, purchases,
letting etc. of Connexional property
Oversee the central payment of stipends, salaries and allowances
Oversee the operation of the Comprehensive Assessment and Gift Aid
Schemes
Signatory on the majority of cheques issued by the Trustees
Approve payments by cheques and electronic banking
To be Registrar of Deeds and Documents
Responsible for the custody of Connexional (Title) Deeds and
Documents and the Connexional seal
Responsible for the issuing of (Title) Deeds to Circuit Superintendents
and solicitors when requested and the follow up procedure to ensure
their safe return
Responsible for the issuing of certificates of Title Deeds held to Circuit
Superintendents for Circuit Commissions
Responsible for ensuring that the filing of Title Deeds and Documents
is properly maintained, that all correspondence relating to each Trust is
checked, collated and sorted; and a procedure in place to ensure the
regular check up on documents removed from the Connexional safe
Resolution E.1.1 The Conference approves the Job Specification for the
position of Secretary of Conference and of the Trustees of the Methodist Church
in Ireland
Resolution E.1.2 The Conference appoints the following Selection Panel:
Revs Ian D. Henderson, Paul Kingston (c), Janet M. Unsworth, Mrs Irene
Dickson, Mr J. Stanley Graham, Mrs Laura Griffith, Ms Gillian Kingston, Mr Neil
Morris
E.2 Director of Ministry
Should the Conference approve Resolution D.1 under this business the post of
Director of Ministry will become vacant from 1st July 2014. Under our normal
regulations as noted above it would not be possible for this appointment to be
filled until 2015. The Governors of Edgehill College and the Secretaries of the
Board of Examiners believe that this delay would be detrimental to the
Connexion. They therefore present the Job Description as required for approval
by the Conference, and request that, following the normal interview procedure,
the General Committee, meeting in the Autumn of 2013, be given authority to
designate for appointment from 1st July 2014
Job Description for Director of Ministry
Edgehill Theological College:
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Co-ordinate practical theology, contribute to teaching and supervision.
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Supervise postgraduate students within their specialist.
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Participate in the core ministerial training team
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Take a full part in the life of the college.
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Act as Stationer for students ready to leave college
Candidates for Ordained Ministry:
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Provide vocational guidance and stimulate interest in ordained ministry.
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Exercise a role in the candidating process, including administration and
selection events.
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In particular, take a leading role in the planning and delivery of events
for:
• Exploring ordained ministry
• Explaining the candidating process
• Selecting candidates
Probation
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The development of probationer studies, in collaboration with Edgehill
colleagues and the Board of Examiners (Ordained Ministry Committee).
• The oversight of probationers. This will include ensuring supervisory
arrangements and liaising with Circuit and District representatives, the
Discipline and Advisory Committee and officials of the Board of
Examiners (Ordained Ministry Committee) on any issues of discipline
and progress.
Continuing Development in Ministry
• Share with colleagues in the provision of opportunities for Continuing
Development in Ministry.
• In particular, develop, coordinate and administer a programme of
learning for ordained and probationer ministers in MCI to be delivered
throughout the Connexional year.
[Board of Ministry
• Be responsible for convening and facilitating the Board of Ministry.
• Assist the Board of Ministry in the development of vision and strategy.]
Accountability
• The Director of Ministry is accountable through the Principal of Edgehill,
in consultation with the Senior Secretary of the Board of Examiners
(Secretary, Ordained Ministry Committee).
Person Specification
The person appointed will:
• Be an ordained Minister in Connexion with the Methodist Church in
Ireland, or be eligible to be recognised as such.
• Have a passion for developing ministry, ordained and lay, in the
Methodist Church in Ireland.
• Have evidence of excellent pastoral and leadership skills.
• Have proven oral and written communication skills.
• Have experience of (or demonstrate potential for) excellence in Adult
Education and Higher Education.
• Have an degree in theology.
• Have evidence of substantial continuing learning in theology and
ministry, preferably through the completion of a higher degree
• Have a proven ability to work in teams.
• Have good organisation ability.
• Have the ability to give a lead in one or more areas of theological
education and ministerial formation (practical theology and/or mission
are preferred).
Resolution E.2.1 The Conference approves the Job Description for the position
of Director of Ministry
Resolution E.2.2 The Conference appoints the following Selection Panel:
Revs R.N. Clutterbuck, T.D. Cooper, A.W. Ferguson, Miss F. McKinney, Dr F.
O’Ferrall and ______________
Resolution E.2.3 The Conference authorises the General Committee to receive
the report of the Selection Panel and bring a nomination to the Conference for
appointment from 1st July 2014.
F. Extensions of Separated Appointments
F.1 Edgehill College
Rev Dr Richard N. Clutterbuck was appointed Principal of Edgehill Theological
College on 1 July 2004. He came to Ireland from the British Methodist
Conference, having served as a mission partner in Tonga, a circuit minister and
circuit superintendent in London. He is a former chair of the Faith and Order
committee of the British Methodist Church. Before being appointed to Edgehill,
he served as Principal of the West of England training course.
Dr Clutterbuck has guided the college through the changes in relationship with
Union Theological College, with its implications for the teaching staff at Edgehill,
and with Queen's University. In the continuing transition relating to ministerial
formation, Dr Clutterbuck has built relationships with the Church of Ireland
Training Institute. He has also encouraged the connection between theology and
ministerial practice which has been enabled by the partnership with St. John's,
Nottingham through which theology for ministry degrees are validated by the
University of Chester. Dr Clutterbuck has continued to develop the work with the
Exploring Theology Together course in collaboration with the Mater Dei Institute,
Dublin.
The future of theological education and ministerial formation continues to be in
transition and in the conversations both in Britain and Ireland, Dr Clutterbuck,
with his experience in both the British and Irish Conferences, is well placed in
understanding what will be most effective in our context.
In relation to the teaching needs of the College, the work of Dr Clutterbuck as a
systematic theologian is essential. Under the leadership of Dr Clutterbuck,
Edgehill continues to be an integrated and happy place where he is highly
respected by students and staff as teacher, scholar, administrator and friend. In
a time of transition over the coming years, the Board of Governors believe it is
in the interests of the College and the Connexion for Dr Clutterbuck to remain
as Principal and Director of Christian Education for two years following the end
of his present appointment in 2015.
Resolution F.1 The Conference approves the extension of the appointment of
Rev Dr Richard N. Clutterbuck as Principal of Edgehill College for the period of
2015-2017.
F.2 Irish Methodist Youth and Children.
At the 2010 Conference, Rev Dr David Rock was granted an extension to his
current appointment as Team Leader of IMYC until 2015. It had been indicated
at that time that this would be the final time the IMYC executive would ask for
such an extension for David, who has been in this appointment from 2001.
The process for the appointment of the IMYC Team Leader is the same as other
separated appointments, i.e. normally a job description is brought to the
conference two years prior to the appointment starting and a designation is made
by the conference a year prior to the appointment starting.
In the current timeframe this would mean that a job description for the role would
have to be brought to the Conference of 2013.
However, the IMYC executive is aware that for educational reasons it would be
helpful for the Rock family not to have to move until 2016. For that reason, the
IMYC executive asks that David Rock be granted an additional one-year
extension until 2016.
The reasoned statement from the Conference Reports and Agenda of 2010
stands in relation to the IMYC executive’s view of the extremely effective work
being carried out by David as Team Leader. The statement from 2010 notes that
David is very well qualified in relation to youth and children’s ministry. His
qualifications sit well with the department’s aims and objectives at this time. His
management and financial skills also are well needed and used in IMYC. Finally,
in particular, his role in relation to overseeing child protection is of vital
importance to the whole church.
All other things remaining equal, it would be the intention of the IMYC executive
to bring a job description for the Team Leader role to the 2014 Conference for
designation in 2015 and appointment in 2016.
Rev Dr W. David Rock as Team Leader of Irish Methodist Youth and Children
for the period of 2015-2016.
F.3 Methodist College, Belfast
The Governors of the Methodist College request a further extension to the term
of service of Rev David G Neilands as Chaplain to the College.
Mr Neilands continues to be fully involved in the life and work of the College.
Relationships and availability to people play important roles in chaplaincy work.
The Methodist College community amounts to well over two thousand people.
The role of Chaplain gives access to all these people and that access may
provide either a casual contact or relationships at a much deeper level. Through
personal contact and counselling, engaging with pupils in the classroom and
support of extra - curricular activities, Mr Neilands has proved himself to be a
wise counsellor and pastor who has the support of staff and pupils.
The Chaplain carries considerable responsibility as the Head of Pastoral Care
and the Designated Teacher for Child Protection. These roles bring the Chaplain
into contact with young people, parents and staff at times of great stress and
anxiety. These moments of need provide an opportunity to show the love of
Christ in the care and support given. The organisation and provision of
Counselling in school is the responsibility of the Chaplain as he is the key contact
for New Life Counselling services in school.
The Vice-Principal responsible for Pastoral care will be retiring at the end of this
academic year. The Chaplain will have a significant role to play in the induction,
development and support of her replacement. Continuity of practice and
procedure as well as the retention of knowledge is important during this time of
transition in order to maintain the high standard of care provided to the extended
College community.
The Chaplain continues to have a significant role in the provision of Religious
Education at both academic and non-academic levels in Methodist College and
is responsible for the organisation of assemblies, all services within the Chapel
and helps organise the Christian Union.
The Governors believe that Mr Neilands continues to make an important
contribution within the College community. The Governors therefore request
that his term of appointment be extended and that he be permitted to serve as
Chaplain for a further three years from 1 July 2015.
Rev David G. Neilands as Chaplain to Methodist College for the period
2015-2018.
F.4 Wesley College, Dublin
Rev Nigel Mackey was appointed as Chaplain in Wesley in August 2001 and he
completed his first term at the end of July 2009. Extensions to 2015 were sought
and approved by Conference.
The Governors of Wesley College now seek to have Nigel Mackey’s term
extended from 2015 to 2018. The Governors are conscious that this request
will not be in keeping with the norms of the Church. This request is made for
the following reasons.
Nigel has proved to be an invaluable asset to Wesley College, particularly in the
way he relates to young people. He demonstrates his abilities daily, capturing
the imagination, and maintaining the interest and enthusiasm of 900 pupils at
morning Assembly not to mention the 100 staff in Wesley. But he has done more
than this. He has built Christianity and Methodism into the reality of daily life for
families who might not attend any form of Sunday worship. While other schools
may have a school Chaplain, Wesley College has a Minister who is sought after
by other schools nationally, Church communities locally, and who has given this
College a particular edge. The Governors believe that Mr Mackey can continue
to contribute significantly to the mission of the Church in his position as Chaplain
in Wesley College.
Wesley College faces a particular issue of management personnel turnover from
2014 to 2017, with the retirement of the Administrator and Deputy Principal in
these years. The Chaplain is part of a core management team and the
Governors are keen to ensure a staggered change at what may be a critical time
in the life of Wesley College.
At this very testing time for all Protestant schools in the Republic of Ireland and
for the above reasons, the Governors of the College request the Conference to
look favourably on this request.
Rev Nigel D. Mackey as Chaplain to Wesley College, Dublin for the period
2015-2018.
G. Matters remitted to the Committee by the Conference.
G.1 Lay Representation on the Statioing Committee
The Conference of 2012 received Notice of Motion to amend the Manual of Laws
in order to permit Lay Representation on the Stationing and Special Committees.
In bringing this business, which was referred from the Conference of 2011, the
General Committee was mindful that the principles underlying this direction have
been discussed within Irish Methodism over many years. The most recent
discussion can be found in the report to the Conference of 2007 of the
Commission on Ministry. As part of their report the Commission wrote as follows:
“Opinion about adding lay people to the membership of the committee is divided,
and the suggestion is not strongly supported. There is unease about making the
membership any larger than it presently is. On the other hand there is recognition
that having some lay members would bring a meaningful insight to the process.
It would also be the means of making the committee more representative of the
church as a whole. There is a suggestion of adding 2-3 lay members to the
committee, for example the Connexional Lay Treasurer for Home Missions being
one, but not to appoint people on a District wide basis. The Commission is
supportive of this.”
The Committee would echo the sentiments of this report. It believes that, if the
report was to be written today, the Lay Leader of Conference would be one of
those positions to be included. It should, however, be borne in mind that
membership of the Stationing Committee demands a considerable commitment
of time from the months of October to February each year. The Special
Committee tends to meet less often.
In considering the membership of the Stationing Committee it is also appropriate
to recognize formally that students are now represented by the Director of
Ministry rather than the Principal of Edgehill. It also seems desirable that the
Director of Ministry should be a member of the Special Committee.
Resolution G1: The Conference having received Notice of Motion from the
Conference of 2012 now amends the constitutions of the Special Committee
and Stationing Committee as follows:
4D.13 The Special Committee shall consist of:
The Ministerial Members of the President’s Advisory Committee,
The Lay Leader of the Conference
The Ex President,
The President Designate,
The General Secretary of the Home Mission Department,
The Lay Treasurer of the Home Mission Department
The Director of Ministry
A representative from the District of any minister whose application is
under consideration,
together with five additional ministers, appointed by the Conference, who
shall each serve for a three year term.
Representatives of the following shall attend if summoned:
The Ministerial Treasurer and Secretary of the Irish Methodist Ministers’
Retirement Fund,
The Secretary and Ministerial Treasurer of the Children’s Fund,
The Principal of Edgehill College or her/his nominee,
The Convener of the Faith and Order Committee (if a minister) or a
ministerial representative of that committee.
The Secretary of the Conference shall be the Convener.
6.52
A Stationing Committee, constituted as follows, shall be
appointed:The President of the Conference
The Secretary of the Conference
The Ex-President of the Conference
The President-Designate of the Conference
The General Secretary of the Home Mission Department
The Lay Treasurer of the Home Mission Department
The Principal of Edgehill Theological College
The Director of Ministry
Ministers elected by each Spring District Synod by the votes of ministers
and lay representatives.
G.2
RECONCILIATION OF UNRESOLVED TENSIONS
1 The Conference in 2011 received the following Resolution from the Belfast
District and referred it to the General Committee:
‘The Belfast Synod requests Conference to appoint a working party, which
includes people with expertise in employment practice, mediation and
counselling skills, to advise Conference urgently on how to address in a
professional and caring manner the issues involved where there are unresolved
tensions between ministers, leaders and congregations, so that hurts may be
healed, lessons learned for future ministerial development, and good practice
developed for dealing with future situations of conflict if they should arise’.
The General Committee appointed a Working Party which has met on nine
occasions. The members were:
Rev Dr Heather Morris, Director of Ministry (Chair)
Mr David Keys, former Head of HR Development for Danske Bank
Ms Fiona McAuslan, Mediator and Conflict Coach
Mr John MacQuarrie, CBE, former Deputy Ombudsman
Rev Dr Edmund Mawhinney, former President and former Secretary of
Conference, Methodist Church in Ireland
Rev Dr John Stephens, Superintendent Dublin Central Mission
Professor Robert Stout, Professor Emeritus and former Dean of the Faculty of
Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast
INTRODUCTION
2 Differences of opinion are normal; we experience them in all our relationships,
especially with those we consider close. Often they are unspoken, sometimes
they lead to arguments or to a breakdown in relationships. When differences
are handled and engaged appropriately, they have the potential to bring us
closer. In fact, differences are often what provide both substance and intimacy
to our relationships.
3 Difference is not necessarily a bad thing. Disputes and divisions can be a
part of the life of any community. As long as the Church is comprised of humans,
there will be differences of opinion. They can be testing but they also provide
opportunities to find creative ways to turn them into a constructive experience
for change and growth.
4 Conflict occurs when differences are unresolved and lead to breakdowns in
relationships and impair the functioning of the organisation. The Church, like
the rest of life, encounters from time to time situations of conflict. However,
perhaps due to a desire to ‘be nice’ to one another, we often ignore or avoid
conflict in our churches. Our experience of conflict in a church context is largely
negative. Some churches have been plagued with internal division, an ‘us’ and
‘them’ mentality, secret meetings and resignations which produce feelings of
anger, fear and mistrust. Members have been hurt and have left with a sense
of disillusionment.
Those who remain can also experience hurt and
disillusionment and the church’s witness in the wider community has been
damaged. The Christian community has a duty of care to ensure that incidents
of conflict are not harming the health and wellbeing of its members. Sometimes
the real damage results not from the issues in question but from the way in which
they are handled or neglected.
THEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
5 There are examples of conflict in the Bible. Jesus was confronted by leaders
who posed seemingly innocent questions while plotting to trap him with his
answer. The apostles were not immune. An argument broke out among them
as to which of them should be thought of as the greatest (Luke 22, 24). In
Matthew 18 guidelines are given on a process to address differences. In the
early Church the Greek speaking Jews quarrelled with the native Jews because
they were unhappy that their widows were being neglected in the distribution of
funds. Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement over the suitability of Mark
to undertake another missionary journey (Acts 15, 38 – 39). Paul reminded the
church community in Corinth that when there was jealousy and quarrels among
them they were living by the standards of this world (1 Cor. 3, 3). He urged the
Corinthians to settle personal disputes among themselves (1 Cor. 6, 1). He also
opposed Peter to his face in Antioch, and advised the church in Rome not to
ignore those who would cause division.
6 The early Church dealt with conflict by recognising differences and facing up
to them. It tested issues against its sense of mission. Paul sought to direct the
thoughts of those who were at variance to the higher, common cause of
preaching the gospel. They were encouraged to rise above their differences
and find harmony in something which was beyond their differences. The
principle of restoring understanding between people who are in disagreement
should be the goal in seeking to resolve any dispute between Christians. God,
who has reconciled us to himself through Christ, has given us the ministry of
reconciliation (2 Cor. 5, 18). Issues of conflict should be approached as an
opportunity to see God’s grace at work as conflicts are resolved and
relationships restored.
7 Conflict doesn’t go away. The only approach to discord or division in a church
is to address it. There is no point in trying to do our best to survive in the situation
or hope that it will go away. Conflict tends to recur when core issues are left
unaddressed. Situations should not be allowed to fester and develop. The goal
must be to restore God’s standards to the church for the good of God’s name.
8 A basic reason why churches should be interested in conflict resolution is
that they would be better off by not being damaged by internal disputes. But
much more important is the fact that churches have a mandate from Jesus which
should motivate them toward resolution. Jesus said: ‘Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God,’ and ‘let your light so
shine that others may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.’
9 Being in one accord and united as a church does not mean a church does
not have conflict. It means the church is focused on moving forward together
even if there are different views on how to move in that direction. Ultimately, it
is difficult to know when and how to engage in conflict. The church needs to use
discernment and rely on prayer and the Holy Spirit for guidance on how to move
into and through conflict.
10 It might be hoped that a church community would be better equipped than
other groups to deal with destructive conflict and division, but experience shows
that this is not always the case. The resolution of destructive conflict will often
require help and professional expertise from elsewhere. However as Christian
communities the process which we implement must be primarily informed by
Christian principles. As a Christian Church we should aim to be an exemplar
of how to engage with conflict with love and compassion. Indeed the mark of a
Christian community is not the absence of conflict but how it addresses its
conflict.
PREVENTION OF CONFLICT
11 The committee believes that action in a number of areas would help to
prevent conflict. To that end it encourages and recommends that:
• Training on conflict transformation be continued with theological students
and probationers.
•
Continuing Development in Ministry days on ‘Conflict’ be offered for
ministers.
•
Training be offered to congregations and Church Councils and facilitated
by the Reconciliation Office in Edgehill College.
•
Information on conflict transformation be made available for all
congregations.
•
Training be provided for District Superintendents.
•
Implementation of the transition process which Conference has agreed
in terms of Circuits and ministers being enabled to address expectations
and develop priorities together will be helpful.
WHEN CONFLICT ARISES
12 A first step is to recognise that differences are natural and not necessarily a
sign of an unhealthy or divided church. A church that encounters differences
can come out of it with greater clarity about its mission and purpose and be
better prepared to handle conflict in the future. The issues on which the
remainder of this report will focus concern the occasions when conflict becomes
unhealthy and disruptive.
13 Because serious conflict in the Church is rare, and because every conflict
will have unique features, it is impossible for this report to cover all possibilities.
The recommendations should be seen as principles of good practice and may
need to be modified to suit individual circumstances.
STAGE 1 EARLY INTERVENTION
14 Where a potentially destructive conflict arises every effort should be made
to resolve the matter at local (i.e. the Society) level. The more quickly a problem
is recognised, the better the opportunity to:
• Identify the underlying causes.
• Reach a sustainable agreement.
• Resolve the conflict.
15 There are a number of people who, because of the responsibilities they fulfil,
are particularly likely to become aware of the signs of conflict or be informed
specifically about a matter giving rise to concern. They are:
The Minister,
The Society Steward,
Other members of the Church Council.
Each member who fulfils any of these roles should be aware of the symptoms
of conflict which include:
• Motivation – fewer people volunteer to take on tasks and there is little
membership input at meetings.
• Behaviour – people start to make derogatory remarks towards each other,
points of view become distinctly polarised or people begin to form
themselves into unofficial groups over issues.
• Productivity – the level of achievement within groups reduces.
• Absence – members are uncharacteristically absent from church events.
• Response – members indicate general or specific dissatisfaction.
16 Where the Minister, Society Steward or a member of the Church Council
have become aware of a situation of conflict, the Minister and Society Steward
shall consult together and agree as to whom and in what way the initial steps
outlined below shall be taken to deal with the situation.
17 The person or persons who have been requested to deal with the situation
should:
• Have a quiet word. Often giving a person the opportunity to express their
feelings and concerns can help to clear the air.
• If the matter remains unresolved the Minister or Society Steward must be
advised of the matter and an informal investigation conducted. Establish
the facts. Speak separately to those involved. The objective is to clarify
facts, remove misunderstandings and reach an amicable way forward.
• If the matter involves an issue affecting the use of church resources,
church property or activities then the Church Council must be involved in
determining the matter.
STAGE 2 CIRCUIT ACTION
18 If the matter remains unresolved and appears to have the potential to cause
a rift within the congregation or involves the Minister, he/she and the Society
Steward, separately, must inform the Circuit Superintendent in writing of the
matter and send a copy of the correspondence to the District Superintendent.
They may also, jointly or separately, meet the District Superintendent to discuss
the matter and the written notifications.
19 The Circuit Superintendent shall:
• arrange for a suitable person or persons to investigate the matter and
report to him/her, or
• commission a mediation process (Appendix 2).
20 The committee recommends that Conference identifies a number of suitably
qualified and experienced mediators, who do not have to be members of the
Methodist Church, who may be available to assist. The contact details of the
mediators will be available in the Conference Office for use when needed.
STAGE 3 DISTRICT ACTION
21 If the Circuit Superintendent is unable to resolve the situation, he/she shall
advise the District Superintendent in writing. The District Superintendent should
not become directly involved in the matter until he/she has received the report
of the Circuit Superintendent, the investigator or the mediator.
22 When the District Superintendent (DS)
(a) is informed by the Circuit Superintendent (or another minister appointed
in lieu of the Circuit Superintendent if the latter is a party to the conflict),
or
(b) comes to his/her own conclusion that resolution is unlikely to be achieved,
he/she takes charge of the process and calls upon the Connexional Advisory
Panel.
The Connexional Advisory Panel (CAP)
23 The committee recommends that Conference creates a new group to be
called the Connexional Advisory Panel (CAP).
24 The CAP shall be appointed by Conference to resolve or transform the
conflict. It shall consist of people who have expertise and experience in conflict
transformation, human resource management and employment law, and one or
more ministers with relevant skills and experience.
25 A group of members of the CAP will be selected by the Secretary of
Conference, in consultation with the DS, for a particular situation. None of the
members shall have any connection with the circuit in which the conflict has
occurred or the people involved.
26 After an initial meeting at which the District Superintendent defines the
problem, the group meets without the District Superintendent. The group listens
to all parties. It may then,
(a)recommend to the District Superintendent how the conflict may be
resolved;
(b)implement a mediation process.
The group would become the
“commissioning body” for that process and the group to which the
mediator reports;
(c)implement the Dignity in the Church policy.
27
After it has completed its work, the group reports to the District
Superintendent that,
(a) the conflict is resolved;
(b) the conflict is not resolved but no further action is needed;
(c) the conflict is not resolved and action is needed.
28 The DS must monitor the implementation of any agreement that has been
reached and ensure that it is implemented in its entirety.
STAGE 4 FURTHER ACTION
29 If the CAP group, in a situation in which a minister is directly involved,
considers that the minister may have committed a disciplinary offence, the
District Superintendent refers him/her to the disciplinary process as set out in
the Manual of Laws, Chapter 5. The Committee, however, recommends that
Chapter 5 be reviewed to consider if it is fit for purpose.
30 If the CAP group considers that relations between the minister and
congregation have broken down, it may recommend that the minister be
transferred to a different appointment. In this case, the District Superintendent
informs the District Stationer. If the minister is transferred, he/she must also be
given any counselling, retraining or supervision that the CAP recommends.
Immediate removal from duty of the minister can be considered if appropriate.
31 The District Superintendent must ensure that, at all stages and within the
constraints of confidentiality and the requirements of justice and due process,
the minister and congregation are kept fully informed on the process and its
outcome. The District Superintendent should do this personally at key stages
of the process. The District Superintendent shall also advise the President and
Secretary of Conference of the action which has been taken and the outcome.
When the Minister in Conflict is the Circuit or District Superintendent.
32 It has been assumed that the process outlined above is designed for a
conflict situation which arises in a multi–point circuit where more than one
minister is stationed. If the conflict involves the Superintendent of such a circuit,
the DS shall appoint another Superintendent Minister to undertake the process.
However, a number of circuits have only one minister stationed who is both
minister of the congregation and Superintendent of the Circuit. For the process
described in this report the District Superintendent shall appoint the
Superintendent of another circuit within the District to undertake the process.
Further, the situation of conflict may involve the District Superintendent either
as the minister of a congregation, as Circuit Superintendent or in her/his duties
as District Superintendent. In this case the Secretary of Conference, in
consultation with the President of Conference, shall appoint another District
Superintendent to take over the process.
STAGE 5 POST CONFLICT
33 When the process is completed, a healing process for the congregation
must be implemented. The congregation must be fully informed of what has
happened and have the opportunity to reflect on and pray about what has
happened.
34 Where a conflict has been serious there will be hurts which remain to be
healed, notwithstanding a resolution of the matter giving rise to the difficulties.
The District Superintendent and the Circuit Superintendent will work with the
Minister to ensure that suitable pastoral care is provided to individuals, including
the Minister and the congregation. If appropriate, ministry may be undertaken
for a period by another suitable Minister.
35 The Committee recommends that for an open and transparent process of
healing within a congregation the following must be addressed:
• acknowledgement of the problem to the congregation.
• When ‘things go wrong’ within the life of a congregation there needs to
be a radical re-discovery of Gospel values e.g. by a well prepared and
skilfully led opportunity for biblically based study and prayer in which all
parties are invited to take part.
• Urgent and serious consideration needs to be given to children and young
people whose homes and families may have been involved in or affected
by the conflict.
• Careful consideration should be given to the provision of adequate
pastoral care.
•
Opportunity needs to be given to individuals to seek reconciliation with
others in an open and managed way.
•
Attention needs to be given to a service or event in which there would be
conscious and visible signs and expressions of reconciliation, e.g. the
Covenant Service or Holy Communion.
•
If re-stationing is necessary there may be a need for a short term
appointment of an assisting minister or an interim minister.
•
The process must be agreed between the Circuit and Connexion.
•
The implementation needs to be monitored by the District Superintendent
or her/his nominee.
OTHER ISSUES
Accountability
36 There is little or no accountability for the minister who has been ordained.
The “character questions” which are asked at each meeting of the Spring Synod
no longer adequately meet the requirement.
Training in supervision is now mandatory for those who superintend
probationers, but the Church needs to think about how accountability to
ministerial discipline is built into our structures and practice.
The Committee therefore recommends that Conference re-examine our
understanding of and process for accountability and discipline for ordained
ministers.
Role and Stationing of District Superintendents
37 The role of the District Superintendent (DS) is crucial to the development
and implementation of this model of accountability. It is important for their role
in this area, as in other areas, to be clearly spelled out. The Church’s current
legislation sets out the duties and responsibilities of a District Superintendent,
including her/his responsibility to ‘take such action as he/she may deem to be
helpful to the promotion of peace and order, and to the faithful and judicious
execution of the Church’s discipline’ (Manual of Laws 9.15 – 9.19). However,
experience has shown that it has not always been easy for a District
Superintendent to know when and how any intervention was advisable or helpful.
The current legislation also provides for the election of a District Superintendent,
subject to the exigencies of stationing, for a period of three years with a
maximum of six years in succession in the same District (Manual of Laws
6.43(d). However, it has often been the case that stationing considerations have
taken precedence over an adequate tenure in office.
The Committee, therefore, welcomes the work of the Working Party appointed
by General Committee to review the appointment and role of District
Superintendents. Our recommendation is that District Superintendents be
appointed for at least three years and normally five years, and that the
appointment should override all other stationing considerations. They must be
provided with adequate training as recommended above (paragraph 11).
Appendix 1 - Case Studies
Case 1 Two Families “Fall Out”
A small country church has two dominant families who vie for control. In a
dispute over who should cut the anniversary cake to mark 100 years the two
families fall out and stop talking to each other.
In the initial response the local minister feels he is unable to deal with the
situation.
The two families refuse to meet and the local minister feels torn by this issue
because he inadvertently caused this by inviting the person to cut the cake.
The minister and Society Steward agree that it would be helpful to have the
Superintendent Minister involved. A joint letter is written outlining their concerns
and requesting the help of the Circuit Superintendent. She arranges two
separate meetings and seeks to listen to them and establish the facts. During
the period since the initial fall out other things have happened and past upsets
have also been aired in public.
One family is prepared to engage in a process with the Superintendent Minister
but the other family won’t because they feel the Superintendent is overly familiar
with the other family. Realising this, the Superintendent feels she has no option
but to refer this to the District Superintendent (DS).
Following a review of the situation and realising the complexity of the historical
disputes, the recent flare ups and her concern for the wellbeing of the local
congregation, the DS decides to refer this to the CAP. A mediation process is
established. Through the help of trained mediators both sides are eventually
brought together and enabled to begin to understand the historical nature of the
on-going conflict between the two families and the damage this has done to the
local congregation. The CAP in conjunction with the DS draws up a report
outlining the recommendations for implementation to be overseen by the DS.
The local minister also meets with the mediators and is given insights into the
future handling of the two families and steps to take if difficulties occur in the
future.
Case 2 “Expectations!”
The Lay Worker and the Superintendent Circuit minister get into conflict over
hours that should be worked and the work that should be done. There are
ambiguities in the contract of employment. Their relationship is seriously affected
and because this is a one church circuit other members of the circuit quickly
begin to notice. The Lay Worker takes these issues to the District
Superintendent (DS).
The DS arranges a separate meeting, but the atmosphere is soured because
the Circuit Superintendent feels betrayed by the Lay Worker’s actions and the
Circuit Superintendent behaves in a hostile manner towards the District
Superintendent.
The situation continues to deteriorate. Before the District Superintendent can
gain a full picture the Lay Worker proceeds to make a formal complaint under
the “Dignity in the Church Policy”. The District Superintendent thus begins this
formal process.
Case 3 A Refurbishment Project gone wrong
The minister and the congregation get into conflict over what needs to be done.
The minister wants to retain the traditional architecture and layout of the church,
a group led by the “Praise Group” want to refurbish and modernise the worship
space with the removal of the pews, introduction of chairs, and new layout at
the front with space for drums, etc. They have significant support within the
congregation. At the planning meetings there are heated discussions between
the minister and members of this group.
The Circuit Superintendent hears about this but it is too late. Divisions now run
deep. The issue is now about the direction the congregation should follow. The
Circuit Superintendent would be perceived by the minister as being sympathetic
to the “Praise Group”. He realises that due to the speed with which this has
occurred the District Superintendent should be involved as a matter of urgency.
The DS chairs a meeting of the congregation. The discussions between the
minister and the “Praise Group” members are now intense and there is more
“heat than light” shown at the meeting.
The DS refers the issue to the CAP and they initiate a mediation process.
Following extensive deliberations with the various parties there is no resolution
and the mediators in conjunction with the DS draw up a report outlining their
findings.
The DS meets with the minister and following this consultation they agree that
his expectations and those of the congregation cannot move forward together.
The minister informs the stationers of his willingness to move. The DS initiates
follow up work with the minister to ensure that appropriate pastoral care and
support is provided. The DS also meets with the congregation helping to put in
place a process that enables them to work through the ‘Refurbishment Project’
in a constructive manner.
Appendix 2 Mediation
1 Mediation is a process for resolving conflict, where a third party, who is
impartial, supports and helps the disputants find a way forward or reach an
agreement. The important part of mediation is that the outcome is in the hands
of the disputants themselves. The mediator does not make decisions or judge
the parties. The process is focused on building the capacity of the disputants,
themselves, to negotiate a mutually agreed plan.
Impartiality of the Mediator/Third Party
2 A third party in a dispute can listen, without prejudice, to each of the parties.
This is critical to helping the parties talk and reflect on their situation. It can often
be the first time they have truly been listened to in this way which, in turn, can
make a big difference as to how they feel about the dispute. If the disputants
believe the third party is not trying to persuade them of their point of view, the
third party can help the disputants develop their own ideas as to how to resolve
their dispute.
3 The number one rule for any third party is not to become part of the dispute.
To this end, it is not possible truly to fill this role if there is a professional or
personal relationship with one of the parties in the dispute.
Reaching an agreement
4 Agreements in mediation can be written or verbal. Written agreements can
take the form of a contract that both sign and keep. These do not become legally
binding but are kept by the parties themselves. If there are any problems or a
breakdown in the agreement, the parties will have agreed to return to mediation
as part of the agreement.
5 Agreements negotiated in mediation have a high success rate and tend to
last because the participants themselves have worked hard to reach them. They
also are based on what the participants themselves understand as being needed
and acceptable to both of them.
6 The language in any agreement should be clear and straight forward. Ideally
it should be in the words of the parties themselves although sometimes, if the
agreement is particularly complicated, the mediator will help in the framing of
the document.
Conflict at the Heart of Mediation
7 Conflict can be a difficult and confusing experience for us all. We can get
anxious and angry. We often lose the ability to see clearly what we should do.
It also gets more difficult to see the other's point of view. As the conflict
escalates, we alienate ourselves from the other person. They can become our
enemy. We may lose a sense of their humanity and the awareness of our own
ability to make mistakes. The stakes get higher for all involved.
8 Mediation offers an opportunity to turn this negative process around. As the
parties work through the process with the mediator they are empowered to
decide and act for themselves and start to recognise the other's point of view.
Together, they begin to feel more in command of their own future again.
9 The mediator needs to understand the landscape of conflict. They act as
navigator and understand the emotional ebb and flow throughout the process,
knowing how to read the responses of each individual. There is a particular type
of pastoral care that is required and good quality training with continued reflective
practice is needed for every mediator. Mediators need to be fully trained and
willing to attend regular supervision to provide the best quality duty of care to
their clients.
Resolution G 2.1 The Conference receives the report.
Resolution G 2.2 The Conference directs theGeneral Committee to appoint an
implementation panel.
Resolution G 2.3 The Conference refers the issues of accountability and the
role of District Superintendents to the General Committee for
further consideration and report.
Edgehill Theological College
Edgehill is pleased to service the Connexion through its varied activities. We
report on a year that has seen steady progress together with important
challenges. As well as encouraging the development of educational
programmes, the Governors have sought to find the most effective way of using
the Edgehill premises for the Methodist Church in Ireland. They are working with
other departments in the Methodist Church to test the feasibility of making the
Edgehill site a Connexional headquarters as well as a training centre.
Ministerial Training
During Conference, five Edgehill students are to be commissioned as
Probationer ministers at Conference. The commissioning service is always a
highlight of our year and a reminder of our core purpose.
Since the last Conference we have continued our relationship with St John’s
College, Nottingham, through which we are able to tutor students on their
Theology for Ministry degrees, validated by the University of Chester. There have
been good results in this programme and evidence that students are better
integrating the theoretical and practical elements of training. There are
possibilities of further academic partnerships in the near future and the college
will keep Conference informed of their development.
We have signed a new Memorandum of Agreement with Queen’s University,
Belfast, enabling us to continue post-graduate work with our local university.
In our relationship with the Church of Ireland Theological Institute we have
shared a two-day integrated course on worship and human emotions.
The Governors have been involved in the discussions regarding the proposed
Board of Ministry and, should Conference agree to accept the proposals, will
collaborate with other bodies on the more detailed work that will follow.
Ministerial and University Teaching Arrangements
We are grateful to the many people beyond the full-time staff of the College who
have shared responsibility for teaching, both in university modules and in other
workshops and courses. We thank, in particular, Mrs Lyn Gallagher (Voice
Production), Rev Dr Jim Williamson (Old Testament), Rev Alan Lorimer (Pastoral
Theology), Rev Diane Clutterbuck (Leadership and Teamwork), Dr Anita Gracie
(World Religions) and Rev Britt Gilmore (Tutorial Support). We continue to enjoy
our partnership with the staff of the Mater Dei Institute of Education in Dublin
and the SMA Fathers at Dromantine (Exploring Theology Together).
Thanks to Circuits and Supervisors
The Governors are grateful to the many who have helped ministerial training by
supervising placements, whether in Circuits or in chaplaincy or in community
situations. We have continued to share in the life of the Connexion through
Edgehill Sundays in the Lucan/Tallaght and Ballymena circuits. We are
sometimes able to fulfil appointments in the Districts and Circuits and welcome
enquiries about this.
Continuing Ministerial Development
As well as the highly-regarded courses in supervision skills, this year’s
programme has included five varied workshops, four held at Edgehill and one
in Dublin.
Christian Education and Training
This year Hazel Loney has taken over the leadership of the Bible-study course,
‘Walk in the Word’, and this well-established course is much appreciated. Once
again we thank Heather Boland for using her gifts in leading ‘Faith and Worship’.
This continues to be a blessing both to those who take the course and the
churches where the ministry of Local Preachers is received. We have a small
group taking modules in the St John’s Certificate of Christian Studies
programme. The work of the Training and Development Officer includes the
support of Lay Ministries within the Church as well as work in the area of Prayer
Ministry, pastoral care and the development of vision for mission.
Reconciliation Programme
The programme enhances ministerial formation (through placements, events
and overseas encounters) and offers creative contributions to Church’s ministry
of reconciliation. Of particular note has been the production of an animated film
based on the stories of inmates in Hydebank Young Offenders Institution. We
are most grateful for the ministry of our two Mennonite volunteers, Jenna and
Peter Leichty-Martin and wish them God’s blessing as they return to the USA.
Exploring Theology Together
This is an ecumenical venture in theological education, based at the Dromantine
retreat centre near Newry, and delivered in partnership with the Mater Dei
Institute and Dublin City University and the SMA fathers. This year a Diploma
course has been completed and a new cohort of Certificate students have
begun. We are looking at the possibility of a degree level course in the future.
Finally
None of the work that takes place in and through Edgehill would be possible
without the support and involvement of the Methodist people.
AGENDA
1.
The Conference receives the report
2.
The Conference re-appoints the Rev Dr Richard Clutterbuck as Principal
of the College and Director of Christian Education.
3.
The Conference re-appoints the Rev Dr Heather Morris as Director of
Ministry.
4.
The Conference re-appoints the Rev Janet Unsworth as Director of
Studies.
5.
The Conference re-appoints the Rev David Neilands as Ministerial
Treasurer of the Ministerial Training Fund.
6.
The Conference re-appoints Mr Alan Ker as Lay Treasurer of the
Board of Examiners
1. Ministry in Part-time Appointments
Background
In 2009 the Conference directed the Board of Examiners to consider the
development of ministry in part-time appointments (MPTA). A working group was
convened by Rev Peter Murray and chaired by Rev Winston Graham. The report
from this Working Group was received at Conference in June 2011. In their report
the working group examined the theology of ordination and highlighted how
presbyteral ministry is currently exercised in MCI;
· Itinerant, stipendiary ministers
· Itinerant, non-stipendiary ministers in full or part-time appointments
· Various kinds of full-time chaplaincies and appointments outside of the
stationing system with “permission to serve.”
· Minister without pastoral charge.
However the working group recognised “that there is a definite need to both
maintain and increase our flexibility of structures in allowing for ordained ministry
in rapidly changing times.”
This observation was made in the light of Connexions and the variety of
ministries that had been developing over the past years e.g. Pioneer Ministries.
Therefore the recommendation from Conference in 2011 was that the Board of
Examiners establish a process which would lead to the implementation of MPTA.
A working group was convened by the Rev Diane Clutterbuck with the Rev Alan
Lorimer acting as secretary to the group.
The Working Group
The most difficult task which confronted the Working Group was maintaining the
tension between the covenantal relationship that a minister has with a
congregation and the theology of stipend on the one hand, with trying to quantify
time worked and using more of the language of salary on the other. What
became clear to the group from the outset was the difficulty in quantifying a
minister’s working week. Whether this is expressed in sessions or hours was
less of a problem than defining the number of sessions a minister should be
working if he/she is in a Full Time Appointment. The Health of Ministers Report
which was adopted by the Conference of 2006 suggested that a minister should
work 5 days per week which was viewed as 10 sessions. However the Working
Group recognised that the suggestions of the Health of Minister's Report do not
accurately reflect the number of days and sessions worked by ministers each
week. The Working Group decided to work on the basis that a full-time itinerant
minister works 12 sessions per week. Part-time would therefore be calculated
pro rata from this baseline.
Process of MPTA
The following is the proposed outline for a process of application for MPTA based
on the attached changes to the legislation.
A. For a Circuit applying for a Minister in Part Time Appointment (MPTA)
If a Circuit is seeking a MPTA the process as clearly laid out in the legislation is:
1. An application is made by the Circuit Executive by 31st January in the
calendar year prior to that for which the appointment is sought. 4C13 (b) (i)
2. An application is made by the Circuit Executive to District Home Mission
Secretary for consideration by District Home Mission Committee. 4C13
(b) (ii). The members of the District Home Missions Committee will
arrange to visit the Circuit requesting a MPTA and to meet with Circuit and
Society leaders to determine the reasons for asking for a MPTA.
3. A Circuit might seek a MPTA in order to extend its capacity for sharing in
a new way in God's mission or because it has limited financial resources
and is seeking to be strategic in how those resources are used. The circuit
needs to be clear about the particular gifts, skills and experience they are
looking for in the MPTA so that the more limited ministerial resource can
be used wisely.
A Circuit which applies for MPTA must recognise that the 'on call' element
of the minister's time is limited and that they should not put an undue
burden on other ministers of the circuit. The Working Agreement drawn
up between the minister and the circuit must make clear the limitations
on the minister's availability to cover emergencies, for example her/his
secular work may have set times of work, or might involve working away
from home which makes response to some emergencies impossible.
When this happens the Society must be prepared to pay a sessional rate
to another minister, such as a supernumerary, who is willing to cover the
emergency.
4. The District Home Mission Secretary must ensure that the Circuit and
Society has a clear vision, a mission statement and a strategic plan which
shows the contribution the MPTA is expected to make to the Circuit's
participation in God's mission.
5. The District Home Mission Committee will make their recommendation to
the Church Development Board in consultation with Connexional Home
Missions Secretary. 4C13 (b) (iii). Following the meeting of the Church
Development Board, the Circuit will be informed of the decision.
6. If there is a positive recommendation the District Home Mission Secretary
ensures that the District Stationer has all of the information concerning
the part time appointment before the Stationing Committee meets in
September 4C13 (b) (iv) The Stationing Committee will endeavour to
match the appointment with a minister who is seeking MPTA and make
an appointment which will be published in the Draft of Stations.
However if there is not a minister available who is suitable for a ministry
in a part time appointment, the Stationing Committee may choose to treat
the appointment as a full time one and station a stipendiary there. If the
Circuit does not have the financial resources for a full-time appointment
then the Stationing Committee may station a non stipendiary minister,
leave a line on the station or invite the circuit to make a local arrangement.
7. After the draft of stations is issued the Circuit Officials meet with the
designated minister to begin the drafting of a working agreement
(pro-forma available). This agreement must be in place by the 15th May.
4C13 (b) (vii)
8. 4C13 (c) In any year the Stationing Committee may deem it appropriate
to recommend the appointment of a Non-Stipendiary minister or a minister
in Part-time Appointment where no application has been made and shall
do so in direct consultation with that Circuit.
9. 4C13 (d) The appointment of a Non-Stipendiary minister or a minister in
Part-time Appointment to Circuit shall be from year to year for a maximum
of eight years.
10. 4C13 (e) A Non-Stipendiary minister or minister in a Part-time
Appointment is normally stationed within 30 miles of her/his home and
continues to live in that home.
B. For a Minister applying to be stationed as a MPTA
A Minister may apply for a transfer between Modes of Ministry under 4C.09 9(b).
The process for becoming a MPTA is:
1. The minister informs the District Superintendent and makes an application
to the Special Committee through Secretary of Conference by 30th
September detailing the reasons for the request to transfer to MPTA. The
final decision in relation to the transfer is made by the Ministerial Session
of the Conference.
2. There are a number of reasons why a minister may seek to transfer to
MPTA. These may include:
· A sense of God calling her/him to specialise in a particular area of
ministry, e.g. counselling, work among the homeless or refugees,
within the overall vocation to ministry of word and sacraments.
· A call to share in God's mission in an area of new work where there
are limited church resources available to sustain a full time
appointment.
·
·
·
·
A call to develop tent making ministry where a minister has part time
employment outside the church structures which pays a salary which
enables the minister to take up a part time appointment in a circuit.
To take time for research and writing.
To meet particular family needs such as caring for an elderly parent.
For health reasons
In all of the above the minister embodies the call to ordained ministry of
word and sacraments in the whole of her/his life, just like every other
minister. The difference lies in what they do, some of the work falls within
a traditional Circuit appointment and some may have a more secular
focus. While working in both areas the ordained person is first a minister
and comes under the discipline of the church.
The request for MPTA needs to include any geographical limitations there
may be to making an offer for this kind of ministry. For example, if the
reason is to care for an elderly relative who needs to remain where they
are. The minister also needs to be clear about whether or not a manse
will be required. A MPTA has no entitlement to a manse, 4C.12 (c). but if
there is a manse available she/he may live in it, subject to the agreement
of the Circuit and the Home Mission Department.
3. If a minister is in a full time appointment and wants to move to a Part-time
Appointment in the current station and the current station is in agreement
the Circuit and the Minister must apply separately to the District in line
with the proposed legislation.
For a minister applying for MPTA, the vocational dimension must be
emphasised, the minister is a minister all of the time and if there are
emergency pastoral call outs, the MPTA should be available, whenever
possible, by telephone and arrangements must be made for follow up to
the emergency either by the minister, a colleague or lay person. The
presbyteral dimension must be regarded as the primary vocation in any
bi-vocational situation. The minister is always under the discipline of the
Conference.
Resolution 1.1: The Conference adopts the report of the Working Group on
Ministers in Part Time appointments.
Resolution 1.2:The Conference amends 4C.09 to 4C.13 as follows:
Modes of Ministry
4C.09 (a) The Methodist Church in Ireland recognises one form of ordained
ministry, presbyteral ministry, which can be exercised in two various
ways:
(i) Full-time Stipendiary Ministry: This is an itinerant ministry in which
ministers can be stationed across Ireland and for which a full stipend
is paid,
(ii) Non-Stipendiary Ministry: This is an itinerant ministry which is a
‘tent-making’ ministry in which ministers feel called by God to be
self-supporting while exercising ordained ministry. This is in
accordance with the Pauline example (Acts 18:3). The distinctive
feature of this ministry is that it is self-supporting in which no stipend
is paid offered.
(iii) Ministry in a Part-time Appointment: This is an itinerant ministry
in which ministers feel called by God to be partially
self-supporting while exercising ordained ministry. The
distinctive feature of this ministry is that the minister receives a
pro-rata stipend in accordance with the scales set down by the
Conference.
(b) Any minister wishing to transfer between modes of ministry shall inform
her/his District Superintendent and shall make application in writing to the
Special Committee through the Secretary of Conference by 30th
September detailing the reasons for the request. The final decision in
relation to the transfer shall be made by the Ministerial Session of the
Conference.
Full-time Stipendiary Ministry
4C.10 Those in the Full-time Stipendiary ministry receive a full stipend, in
accordance with scales as laid down by the Conference, and may engage
in regular paid employment outside circuit and connexional commitments
only under the following conditions:
(a) after consultation with the District Superintendent, conducted through
the Circuit Superintendent (unless the minister is Superintendent),
(b) after the opportunities on the Circuit, as well as the contribution to the
mission of the church the proposed paid employment would be likely
to make, have been assessed by the Church Council(s) and Circuit
Executive
(c) after the consent of the Church Council(s) and Circuit Executive and
of the District Advisory Committee has been obtained,
(d) that the amount by which the income from such paid employment
exceeds the gross amount determined from time to time by the
Stipends and Allowances Board will be deducted from her/his stipend
and remitted in equal sums to the Treasurers of the Home Mission and
Retirement Funds.
Non-Stipendiary Ministry
4C.11 (a) Non-Stipendiary ministry is a ‘tent-making’ ministry for those who
are self-supporting.
(b) A Non-Stipendiary minister is free to offer as much time as he/she is
able to a circuit but shall offer a minimum of 2 two Sunday services a
month and two sessions a week to the Circuit in which he/she is
stationed (a session being roughly equivalent to a morning, afternoon
or evening).
(c) In the List of Stations, The suffix NS shall be placed after the name of
a Non-Stipendiary minister in the List of Stations, but removed when
he/she retires.
(d) A Non-Stipendiary minister who has served in an appointment
for the appointments to Circuit shall be from year to year for a
maximum of eight years which will normally take be followed by one
year's leave of absence for reading and reflection. Any
Non-Stipendiary minister who does not avail of the year’s leave of
absence after eight years will be eligible for a sabbatical under the
terms of Manual of Laws paragraph 4D.01.
(e) A Non-Stipendiary minister has there is no entitlement to a manse,
but if a manse is available he/she may avail of it only with the full
approval of the Home Mission Department.
(f) No contributions to the funds of the Church which exist for the support
of the Stipendiary Ministry shall be required of a Non-Stipendiary
minister and no benefits therefrom shall be available.
(g) Expenses shall be reimbursed by the Circuit in accordance with the
scale determined by the Stipends and Allowances Board.
(h) A Non-Stipendiary minister may hold such offices in the District Synod
and the Conference as her/his circumstances permit employment
permits.
(i) At any point a Non-Stipendiary minister may request a meeting with
the Special Committee with the purpose of reviewing ministry and
addressing any particular questions.
(j) A Non-Stipendiary minister In addition he/she must apply through
the Secretary of Conference to the Special Committee if he/she is
seeking other employment within the Methodist Church in Ireland or
her/his for permission to take on or change outside employment
is changing.
Ministry in a Part-time Appointment
4C.12 (a) Ministry in a Part-time Appointment is a ‘tent making’ ministry
similar to Non-Stipendiary Ministry, differing primarily in that the
minister receives a pro-rata stipend in accordance with the
scales set down by the Conference.
(b) In the List of Stations, the suffix PT shall be placed after the name
of a minister in a Part-time Appointment, but removed when
he/she retires.
(c) A minister in a Part-time Appointment has no entitlement to a
manse, but if a manse is available he/she may avail of it, subject
to the agreement of the circuit and the approval of the Home
Mission Department and provided the tax implications have been
clarified.
(d) A minister in a Part-time Appointment shall make pro-rata
contributions to the funds of the Church which exist for the
support of the Stipendiary Ministry and avail of those benefits on
a pro-rata basis, or as determined by the Stipends and
Allowances Board.
(e) Expenses shall be reimbursed by the Circuit in accordance with
the scale determined by the Stipends and Allowances Board.
(f) A minister in a Part-time Appointment may hold such offices in
the District Synod and the Conference as her/his circumstances
permit.
(g) At any point a minister in a Part-time Appointment may request
a meeting with the Special Committee with the purpose of
reviewing ministry and addressing any particular questions.
(h) A minister in a Part-time Appointment must apply through the
Secretary of Conference to the Special Committee for permission
to take on or change outside employment.
Stationing
4C.13 The following additional regulations apply to the stationing of
Non-Stipendiary ministry ministers and ministers in Part-time
Appointments:
(a) The A Non-Stipendiary minister or minister in Part-time Appointment
anticipating a new appointment at the ensuing Conference must:
(i) submit to her/his Stationer a ‘Minister’s Profile for a Part-time or
Non-Stipendiary Appointment’ on the form provided, in addition
to a Stationing Procedures form. This profile will make should
make clear to her/his stationer any particular issues relevant to her/his
stationing, including – for example the number of sessions amount
of time for which he/she is will be available to the a Circuit; The
stationer is responsible for liaising with the ‘receiving’ stationer. and
(ii) meet with the District Stationer and District Superintendent to
discuss the needs and expectations of the minister regarding
Non-Stipendiary ministry or ministry in a Part-time Appointment.
(b) Any Circuit seeking the new appointment of a Non-Stipendiary minister
or a minister in a Part-time Appointment shall make application by 31st
January in the calendar year prior to that for which the appointment is
sought.
(i) Such application shall be made by the Circuit Executive, which will
complete provide a ‘Circuit Profile for a Part-time or
Non-Stipendiary Appointment’, on the form provided, in addition
to a Circuit Stationing profile, containing the details of the work to be
undertaken by the Non-Stipendiary minister or minister in Part-time
Appointment and the hours sessions per week or per month he/she
will be expected to serve.
(ii) The application shall be forward to the District Home Mission
Secretary for consideration by the District Home Mission Committee.
(iii) The Home Mission Committee shall make a recommendation to the
Church Development Board, in consultation with the Connexional
Home Mission Secretary. The Circuit shall be informed of the
recommendation.
(iv) The District Home Mission Committee shall ensure that the District
Stationer is in receipt of the necessary information prior to the first
meeting of the Stationing Committee in September.
(v) When a Circuit application is not being recommended, or proposals
are made to change the terms of the application, the Superintendent
minister and Circuit Steward have the right to request a meeting with
representatives of the Church Development Board at which the District
shall also be represented.
(vi) After the draft of stations has been published, representatives
of the Society and Circuit involved will meet with their designated
minister to At the beginning of March there should be a meeting with
the local Church officials, Circuit Superintendent and the two
Stationers to ensure clarity and begin the process of drafting a
Working Agreement (the pro-forma for which will be available from the
Secretary of Conference).
(vii) The Secretary of Conference is responsible for ensuring that a clear
Working Agreement is in place with a church receiving a
Non-Stipendiary minister or minister in Part-time Appointment by
15th May in the year of the change.
(c) In any year the Stationing Committee may deem it appropriate to
recommend the appointment of a Non-Stipendiary minister or a minister
in Part-time Appointment where no application has been made and
shall do so in direct consultation with that Circuit, Department or
Institution.
(d) The appointment of a Non-Stipendiary minister or a minister in
Part-time Appointment to a appointments to Circuit shall be from year
to year for a maximum of eight years.
(e) A Non-Stipendiary minister or minister in a Part-time Appointment is
normally stationed within 30 miles of her/his home and continues to live
in that home.
(f) If during the Connexional year a Non-Stipendiary minister or minister
in Part-time Appointment is transferred to another location by
her/his outside employer, In the event of a transfer in employment
location during the Connexional Year the situation shall be considered by
the Special Committee which shall advise the Stationing Committee and
the President of the Conference to take such action as may be necessary,
acting under the regulations of the Church.
(g) In the List of Stations, when a Non-Stipendiary minister or minister in a
Part-time Appointment is appointed to a station where a ‘line’ exists, the
line should be printed after the name of the minister.
2 - Board of Ministry
Background
The concept of a Board of Ministry has been taking shape over the past seven
years. Initial discussion between the Board of Examiners, Edgehill Theological
College (ETC) and the Connexional Local Preachers Committee recognised the
need for more joined up thinking regarding ordained ministry and the pathway
leading to it. A principle was agreed that a 'seamless robe' approach to such
ministry be established. This has now been nearly accomplished with clear
strategy and criteria for ministry throughout the candidating, student and
probation phases of training for the ordained ministry.
As well as ordained ministry, the Methodist Church in Ireland (MCI) values,
supports and encourages lay ministry, both paid and voluntary. Having a Board
of Ministry which would consider all ministry within MCI would provide a context
to consider and develop issues regarding ethos, expectation, training and
recognition.
Working Group
The General Committee agreed that this was worth pursuing and directed the
Board of Examiners to set up a working group. This group met on 7 occasions.
What became clear from the outset was that the setting up of a Board of Ministry
was complicated due to the many departments of the MCI which currently deal
with ministry issues. It was also the aim of the working group neither to set up
an unnecessary new level of bureaucracy, nor simply a talking shop. What is
proposed below is the summary of our thinking to date but the committee
recognises that there is further detailed work to be done in modifying structures
and amending the Manual of Laws.
Proposed Remit of the Board of Ministry (BOM)
The BOM is tasked with the responsibility of the development and oversight of
ministry, lay and ordained within MCI. It is not envisaged that it should get
involved in the minutiae of implementation and administration of ministry issues,
but rather it will work at the macro level of policy and strategy.
The shape of this would be as follows:
• Collaboration across all the departments dealing with ministry understanding and learning from the expertise of one another
• Coordination to ensure that ministry in MCI has clear principles of ethos,
training, recognition and practice
• Vision and direction allowing the development of ministry within MCI,
along with issues of policy and strategy
• Accountability - each area of ministry to be more accountable to the
Connexion
The proposed Connexional Committees which would relate to a BOM would be
as follows:
1. The Ordained Ministry Committee (replacing the current Board of
Examiners) will be responsible for the following aspects of the ordained
ministry;
a. exploring ordained ministry and the candidating process
b. liaising with the Discipline and Advisory Committee on the oversight of
ministerial students and probationers
c. working with ETC and the Districts on probationer training and making
recommendations regarding those to be ordained
d. working with ETC in the continuing development of ordained ministers
(CDM)
e. supporting those exercising ordained ministry
2. A new Lay Ministry Committee (incorporating Local Preachers). This would
be responsible for the development, training, support and recognition of
lay ministry in all its forms, both employees and volunteers.
3. IMYC - would specialise in the development, training, oversight and
recognition of ministry among children, teenagers and young adults’
ministry, both employees and volunteers.
4. The Board of Governors of Edgehill Theological College - would be
responsible (in collaboration with other bodies) for the development of
appropriate educational and training programmes for both lay and
ordained ministers, particularly ministerial students and probationers.
5. Pioneer Mission Committee – responsible for exploring and supporting
pioneer mission opportunities and bringing recommendations to the BOM
and Conference.
6. Discipline and Advisory Committee - responsible for monitoring the
progress and discipline of ministerial students and probationers and
bringing recommendation to the Ordained Ministry Committee and ETC.
The committee recommends that the Convenor of the BOM should be the
Director of Ministry.
Further Implications
If Conference is content with the general principles outlined in this report, further
detailed work would be required to bring the necessary amendments to the
Manual of Laws before Conference 2014. These will include the constitution,
membership and remit of the BOM.
Resolution 2.1: The Conference agrees, in principle, to the establishment of a
Board of Ministry and directs the General Committee to bring a more detailed
report together with the necessary changes to the Manual of Laws to Conference
2014.
It is a great privilege and pleasure to report on the continuing work of Local
Preachers throughout this island. Once again this year throughout Ireland we
have celebrated with a number of men and women “on trial” who, having
completed their studies, have been awarded their “Fully Accredited” certificates
at services of recognition. We are considerably blessed by the many men and
women with varying skills, gifts and personalities who support their colleagues
in our endeavour to make known abroad the grace and mercy of God. As a
church we are eternally grateful to God for continuing to call men and women to
this ministry and deeply appreciative that men and women hear that call and
respond in the way they do. We are very conscious of the sacrifice offered as
they commit to study to equip themselves for this particular service.
Edgehill Faith & Worship Class:
The Committee appreciates the Faith and Worship Class that runs every year
at Edgehill College. We are indebted to the Tutor who offers unstinting
commitment and dedication to students, and to Edgehill College for making
available the space to deliver this course. This is without doubt an excellent
resource for the training of Local Preachers and others besides. Those who take
this course find the content stimulating and challenging as they practice their
discipleship.
District Local Preachers Secretaries:
This year we have seen a number of changes in our District Local Preachers
Secretaries and we are very grateful for the service and commitment they have
given to this office. We take this opportunity to welcome new District Secretaries
into their post and assure them of our continued support and prayers. The
Committee acknowledges and appreciates our District Local Preachers
Secretaries as they continue to provide on the ground support and to initiate
opportunities for Local Preachers to come together at District level.
The Preachers’ Meeting:
Those Circuits that have Preachers’ Meetings report that they are an invaluable
resource for offering support and pastoral care and for stimulating, building up,
encouraging and disciplining all the preachers on the Circuit. They are meeting
places for preachers, ordained and lay to discuss the business in hand and enjoy
fellowship together. It is surprising that this meeting appears not to exist in many
of our Circuits across Ireland and the recommendations below seek, in the
strongest terms to encourage that where no such meeting exists on a Circuit,
one should be established.
Local Preachers Discipline Questions:
It has been noted that there is some ambiguity relating to the procedures
surrounding the discipline questions that Local Preachers are required to
answer; the recommendations below attempt to bring clarity to this.
Colleagueship:
There is a line in the report below that reads “The colleagueship to be enjoyed
as ministers, ordained and non-ordained work together for the advancement of
Christ’s kingdom in the hearts and lives of our families, friends and neighbours
is deeply valued and appreciated.” This sentence caused some consternation
among the Committee as sadly there is a sense among some of our Local
Preachers throughout this island that they are not valued as colleagues.
Local Preachers Training Review:
The Local Preachers Review group met on a number of occasions throughout
the past two years. The report below makes a number of recommendations in
response to two memorials received by Conference 2011. Whilst a large portion
of the report is given over to the training of Local Preachers, there are also a
number of recommendations relating to procedures and practices associated
with this office. A considerable amount of time was given to ‘moderation’ and
how we can ensure balance and stability in the training of our Local Preachers
throughout Ireland while at the same time offering encouragement and support.
We acknowledge from the outset that these recommendations are considerably
different from current practice detailed in the Manual of Laws and Minutes of
Conference, but would want to reassure members of Conference and the
Connexion that none of the "essential tools" for equipping Local Preachers to
exercise their ministry effectively have been removed.
Improved links with Edgehill College:
One anticipated outcome from our discussions was improving our links with
Edgehill College. We are delighted to report that a new partnership has been
forged between the Connexional Local Preachers Committee and Edgehill
College through the offices of the Training and Development Officer, the Principal
of the College and the ministerial Secretary of the Committee. One area of
training that exercised the Committee greatly was in the area of lifelong learning,
not only from the point of view of encouraging Local Preachers to commit to the
idea but also how we would deliver the training. To that end this year at the
beginning of March we ran a pilot at Edgehill College entitled “The Worship
Architect” which provided an overview for the crafting of a service of worship.
Over 35 Local Preachers from all over this island attended that training day and
thoroughly enjoyed the experience. On the back of the success of this event
plans are already in hand to replicate this Training Day throughout the Districts
and offer regular Training Days at least three times a year in venues including
Edgehill College.
Local Preachers’ Training Review
Report & Recommendations
In response to memorials received from Conference 2011, the Connexional
Local Preachers Committee was charged with the duty to carry out a
comprehensive review of the Faith & Worship course and consider an alternative
training course for the training of Local Preachers.
Local preachers have been a part of Methodism from its beginnings as a renewal
movement in eighteenth century England. John Wesley encouraged those who
attended Methodist meetings to attend their parish churches. However, they also
attended Methodist preaching services, which were held elsewhere, and met in
"classes" (small groups). It quickly became necessary to build "preaching
houses" where the Methodist meetings could be held. Because of the limited
number of ordained ministers John Wesley could call on, he appointed Local
Preachers who were not ordained but whom he examined, and whom he felt he
could trust to lead worship and preach, though not to administer the sacraments.
This pattern remains to the present day.
We are hugely blessed in Irish Methodism to have the large number of preachers
on trial and fully accredited that we do, men and women from all walks of life
who are passionate about leading worship and preaching, bringing their own
experiences, personalities, skills, gifts and graces to help build Christ’s church.
Local preachers have played and continue to play a significantly important role
in the life and ministry of the Methodist Church in Ireland, both Connexionally
and locally. The colleagueship to be enjoyed as ministers, ordained and
non-ordained work together for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom in the
hearts and lives of our families, friends and neighbours is deeply valued and
appreciated. The need for properly trained local preachers has never diminished;
it would not be unusual for a Local Preacher on some Circuits across Ireland to
prepare and lead worship eight or nine times a quarter.
It is recognised that being a ‘Fully Accredited’ Local Preacher has always been
and continues to be the basic requirement for any person who wishes to
candidate for the ordained ministry within the Methodist Church in Ireland. The
procedures employed in the candidating process have changed over the last 5
years and the Local Preachers Connexional Committee recognise the
importance of keeping up with developments that have been made in the
candidating process and to consider a training course that could directly feed
into the academic training process prescribed for candidates for the ordained
ministry.
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee recognises that the majority of
Local Preachers will not be interested in achieving academic awards; therefore
sensitivity was given to those LPs who simply want to reach a level whereby
they are ‘qualified to lead worship and preach’ and be affirmed in this calling.
1. Membership of the LPs Training Review Group
A Local Preachers Training Review Group was formed consisting of the following
persons:
Rev Dr Richard Clutterbuck: Principal, Edgehill Theological College
Rev Alan Lorimer:
Junior Secretary, Board of Examiners
Miss Heather Boland:
Tutor, Faith and Worship, Edgehill
Mr David Allen:
Lay Secretary, Connexional Local Preachers
Committee
Rev Mervyn Ewing:
Ministerial Secretary, Connexional Local
Preachers Committee
In Consultation with
Mr Andrew McNeile:
Church of Ireland, Ministry Project
Mrs Shirley Alexander:
Tutor, Faith and Worship, Coleraine Circuit
Mr Charles Payne:
District Local Preachers’ Secretary, Midlands
and Southern District
2. Aims of the LPs Training Review
The aim of the review was to examine the Faith & Worship course as it stands
and consider whether it should be replaced by an alternative training course.
3. Timeline for the LPs Training Review
It was originally intended that the Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee
would report its findings to Conference 2012 with a view of implementing its
recommendations at Conference 2013. However, it was felt that more time was
needed and that a report should be presented to Conference 2013 with a view
to implementation in 2014.
4. Investigation into effectiveness of Faith and Worship
In an effort to get the views of Local Preachers from across the Connexion about
the Faith & Worship course, the Local Preachers Training Review Group sent
out Questionnaires and out of approximately 313 Local Preachers surveyed 150
were returned. The following 5 points are a synopsis of the comments made by
respondents:
1. Most respondents agree that the course is challenging but rewarding.
Some units appear to be more of a challenge than others but all are time
consuming for people in full time employment. There seems to be an issue
with the clarity of the assignment tasks especially for people not accustomed
to undertaking such work.
2. A number of respondents appreciated the biblical content of the course
and said that it had deepened their Bible knowledge. The Local Preachers
Training Review Group noted that there is a wide range of favourite units.
Local Preachers clearly liked the way the course tried to relate material to
everyday life. Those who studied with a group found this a very positive
experience as opposed to studying alone. Students liked the Methodist
content. There is value in the discipline of having an outline/framework for
planning a service of worship.
3. Respondents wanted more help with the practical skills of sermon
construction and leading worship. They suggest a reduction in the number
of assignments that need to be submitted. Many raised the issue of Faith and
Worship’s failure to take account of modern worship songs and the less
formal nature of contemporary worship. There is also a demand for more in
depth Methodist teaching. Some students would like to see the course carry
academic recognition.
4. There was no obvious demand for a different course. The Irish Bible
Institute clearly commands respect and many seem to be aware of the St
John’s certificate in ministry and theology, most likely because of its link to
Edgehill. Flexibility to accommodate foreign nationals and people not used
to doing assignments is an issue for discussion. Online backup material is a
useful suggestion.
5. Respondents are saying loud and clear that they would welcome further
training and the opportunity to develop skills and increase their knowledge.
Many want help with the use of IT in worship, with children’s talks and with
sermon construction. They appear to be keen on the idea of training either in
an annual event or for short courses.
These comments helped to inform the Local Preachers Training Review Group.
We concluded that Faith & Worship as the training resource for Local Preachers
in the Methodist Church in Ireland met all the requirements and was endorsed
by Local Preachers. Having considered the context and the entire process of
Local Preacher training and accreditation, the Local Preachers Training Review
Group proposed a number of changes as set out in section 5 below.
5. Recommendations
a. Proposed new process
In these recommendations the Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee is
mindful of the fact that what is being recommended here is substantially different
from the current practice as specified in the Manual of Laws and Minutes of
Conference.
As part of this proposed process, the Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee
will appoint an Accreditation Sub-Committee. This sub-committee will normally
consist of a member of the staff of Edgehill College, a Secretary of the Board of
Examiners, an experienced tutor of Faith and Worship and the two Secretaries
of the Connexional Local Preachers Committee. The sub-committee will act on
behalf of the Connexional Local Preachers Committee to supervise the process
and shall be responsible for scrutinising all applications for the office of Local
Preacher, assessing requests for credit in respect of prior learning,
recommending a training pathway for each individual, receiving the
recommendation of the Circuit Executive on completion of training and issuing
Certificates of Accreditation. The appointment of this Accreditation
Sub-Committee will ensure that moderation and standardisation is achieved
throughout the learning/training and assessment experience.
•
When a Church Member believes that God is calling her/him to become
a Local Preacher and wants to test this call he/she will first have a
conversation with their local minister. If after this conversation both
minister and candidate sense that it is right to proceed, then the minister
will inform the Ministerial Secretary of the Connexional Local Preachers
Committee, providing name and contact details of the candidate.
•
An Application Pack will be forwarded to the candidate to use in applying
to become a Local Preacher with MCI. The application pack will include
the criteria required for becoming a Local Preacher as outlined in the
Manual of Laws of MCI, the application form, and the ‘Characteristics of
a Local Preacher ‘(Appendix 1). The Application Pack will also be
downloadable from the LP section on the Irish Methodist website.
•
Having prayerfully considered that the Candidate has indeed a call to the
office of Local Preacher, the minister will bring her/his name to the ensuing
circuit Local Preachers’ Meeting where the candidate will be examined
using a pro forma set of questions and with regard to her/his call and
journey of faith. If the Local Preachers’ Meeting is satisfied then it will
recommend to the Circuit Executive that the candidate be received as a
‘Local Preacher in Training’. If the Circuit Executive agrees then the
Candidate will be invited to apply to the Connexional Local Preachers’
Committee using a pro forma application form. In circuits where there is
no Local Preachers’ Meeting the duties of the Local Preachers’ Meeting
will be undertaken by the Circuit Executive.
•
If the candidate wishes that existing study/learning experience be taken
into consideration through the accreditation of prior learning/accreditation
of prior experiential learning, they should indicate this on the application
form. The candidate should include with the application evidence of the
learning (e.g. copies of Transcripts, Subjects, Marks and Accrediting
College/University) together with a 300 word statement outlining the
learning experience and demonstrating its relevance to Local Preacher
training. The application form with the names of two referees and all the
attachments should then be returned to the Ministerial Secretary.
•
The Accreditation Sub-Committee will scrutinise the application, assess
any application for accreditation for prior learning/experiential learning
and recommend the training pathway that is best suited to the individual
and their local situation e.g. whether a local tutor for Faith & Worship is
available.
•
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee recognises the benefit
group study makes to the candidates spiritual awareness and discipleship.
•
The standard pathways for an individual without any prior training will be
as follows:
Pathway 1 – the candidate will normally be required to complete Faith
and Worship over a period not less than 2 years up to a maximum of 4
years. The candidate will be required to complete the whole of Faith and
Worship. This pathway will feature an emphasis on interactive,
experiential learning and offers a flexible approach. The Accreditation
Sub-Committee will provide the candidate with a Learning Plan which
will identify the agreed selection of assignments that the candidate is
expected to complete. As at present, the assessment for each module
will, include an assignment and exegeses of set passages while the
assessment for the whole course will include the production of a ‘worship
portfolio’.
Pathway 2 – the candidate will be required to complete a course,
normally through Edgehill College, comprising modules on OT, NT,
Theology, Homiletics and Methodism. Compared to Pathway 1, these
modules will involve more formal learning. These modules will be
accredited by a University partner of Edgehill College thereby offering
the candidate the opportunity to accumulate academic credits, within the
scheme used by the accrediting University, if desired. (It is planned that
Pathway 2 will also be offered through distance learning, e.g. DVD of
lectures, podcasts.) Each module will have an assignment with exams
that will lead to certificate level 1 or diploma level 2.
•
Those with prior learning and experience (either from other churches, or
evidenced experience of learning) may get credit and then complete
missing modules from Pathway 2 rather than pick modules out from
Pathway 1.
•
As part of the training in each pathway, the candidate will be required to
keep a portfolio recording practical experiences of training, including
sermons preached accompanied with reports and evidence of other
courses/training completed. They will also be required, as at present, to
read four books from the reading list and to include in this portfolio the list
of books that they have read.
•
Whichever pathway of training is taken, it is important to emphasise the
fact that becoming a ‘Fully Accredited’ Local Preacher will always involve
more than just taking a course. Relevant practical experience, and
reflection on that practice, represents an integral part of the process. It is
therefore expected that Local Preachers in Training will both be offered
and avail themselves of every opportunity to lead worship, preach and
otherwise engage with related areas of work and witness within their local
church.
•
On completion of the appropriate training pathway, the Local Preacher in
Training will be assessed by the Circuit Local Preachers’ Meeting. The
Local Preacher in Training will be required to conduct an appraisal service.
They will then be interviewed using a ‘standardised interview process with
set questions’ at a meeting of the Local Preachers’ Meeting. The interview
will include personal testimony, call to preach, a brief synopsis in own
words of one of Wesley’s sermon’s (this sermon will be chosen from a list
of John Wesley’s sermons posted on the website with the exegesis
passages) and consideration of the portfolio of practical experience (which
may include requiring the Local Preacher in Training to comment briefly
on the books that they have read). The Local Preachers’ Meeting will
report its conclusions to the Circuit Executive, in the form of a
recommendation that the Local Preacher in Training be either received
as ‘fully accredited’ or not received. The Circuit Executive may either
accept or reject the recommendation of the Local Preachers’ Meeting.
Where there is no Local Preachers’ Meeting or where other circumstances
make it desirable to do so the duties of the Local Preachers Meeting shall
be undertaken by the Circuit Executive.
•
Once the Circuit Executive has approved the Candidate, a standard report
form which will record number of votes, additional comments, portfolio of
practical experience/training and marks given for assignments, should be
forwarded by the Circuit Superintendent to the Ministerial Secretary for
consideration by the Accreditation Sub-Committee.
•
The Accreditation Sub-Committee will examine all of the material and if
satisfied a Certificate of Accreditation will be issued, by the Connexional
Local Preachers Committee, to be presented at a recognition service
locally.
•
The names of ‘Fully Accredited’ Local Preachers accepted during that
Connexional year will be listed in the ensuing Minutes of Conference.
b. Circuit Preacher
The Local Preachers Training Review Group considered the suggestion made
in the memorial from Midlands and Southern District that a designation of ‘Circuit
Preacher’ be given to preachers “who were not in a position to complete the
Faith and Worship course, and that such preachers should be 'accredited' by
the local circuit for service only in that Circuit.”
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee wishes to affirm that preaching
in the context of Christian worship is a serious undertaking. Therefore, when the
Church authorises someone to undertake this ministry it does so on the basis of
evidence that the person concerned has the call, competence and character to
serve God’s people in this way. There is a danger that some might content
themselves with "circuit preacher/pulpit supply" status and not fully appreciate
the value of training to become a ‘Fully Accredited’ Local Preacher. If training is
perceived as not being essential, that may have the negative effect of devaluing
the office of Local Preacher, and adversely influence Local Preachers in training.
The Pathways outlined above provide ample scope for other learning and
experience to be taken into account. In relation to those who currently exercise
the gift of preaching and have previously opted not to train as Accredited Local
Preachers, the Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee recommends that they
should now be strongly encouraged to take steps towards accreditation by
following one of the pathways available. In this regard the Connexional Local
Preachers’ Committee is aware that there are those in the life of our Church who
exercise a regular speaking ministry as ‘local preachers’, but have no formal
accreditation; they should be encouraged towards accreditation. Both pathways
offer a flexible approach to training that can be tailored to the individual
candidate.
Accreditation formed a major part of Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee
discussions in relation to training. It has been proposed above that the
Accreditation Sub-Committee would take into account prior learning and
experience while tailoring any necessary extra training for the individual. The
Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee concluded that a designation of ‘Circuit
Preacher’ is unnecessary.
c. Lifelong Learning
•
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee recognises the merits of
lifelong learning and strongly recommends that all Local Preachers would
commit to 15 hours per year of further learning/training either through
Edgehill College or other available learning/training agencies. (The
Training and Development Officer [TDO] at Edgehill College in conjunction
with the Local Preachers Ministerial Secretary and Principal of the College
will develop a variety of training opportunities that will allow Local
Preachers to study for a certificate, diploma or degree). Additional training
will be offered by the Connexional Local Preachers Committee in
conjunction with Edgehill College on voice production, speed of delivery,
hand gestures etc., training on alternative methods of communicating e.g.
audio visual.)
•
Candidates for the ordained ministry must be ‘Fully Accredited’ Local
Preachers. Whether the individual has been trained in pathway 1 or
pathway 2 will only be relevant at the candidates training interview with
Edgehill College. A member of the College staff should therefore be part
of the accreditation process thus providing a seamless robe to ministerial
training.
•
A new Local Tutors Handbook will be produced.
•
Training will be offered, through the offices of Edgehill College and the
Local Preachers’ Connexional Committee, to anyone offering to act as a
Tutor. This training shall be mandatory. The Training will be provided at
District level.
d. A Wider Brief
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee took the opportunity to consider
the wider context of Local Preaching practices and procedures. While visiting
all eight District Local Preacher Meetings which were used as focus groups, the
Connexional Ministerial Secretary gathered a number of concerns expressed by
Local Preachers that have been fed into the ‘wider brief’ of the review. We make
the following recommendations:
• The name ‘Local Preacher’ will refer to a Local Preacher who is fully
accredited. It is recommended, however, that the name ‘Local Preacher
on Trial’ be replaced with ‘Local Preacher in Training’.
•
A review of each individual Local Preacher should take place every 10
years, by a District Monitor appointed by the District Synod.
o District Synods will be required to appoint a District Monitor to
supervise this process. This District Monitor should be both
independent of and sympathetic to the office of Local Preacher.
o The role of the District Monitor would be to facilitate the process of
review by providing support and guidance to Local Preachers and, in
conjunction with the District Local Preachers’ Secretary, to ensure that
reviews are undertaken and completed within the required timeframe.
o Local Preachers will be required to undergo some form of
self-appraisal which will include peer supervision. (Guidelines will be
offered)
o The formal 10 yearly review will seek to affirm and encourage the Local
Preacher in her/his ministry and will be designed to ascertain Call,
sense of fulfilment, opportunities for further learning, courses attended
and refreshment.
o The District Monitor will keep confidential records recording all of the
above.
•
Local Tutors are appointed by the Circuit Executive with the approval of
the Accreditation Sub-Committee.
•
It is recommended that local Church Councils/Circuit Executives pay Local
Preachers travel expenses as outlined in paragraph (e) under Ministerial
Stipends and Allowances in the Minutes of Conference.
•
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee questions the timing and
relevance of Local Preachers Sunday. We are not suggesting that a
Connexional Local Preachers Sunday is not observed but that it is
reviewed. It suggests that Local Preachers Sunday be discussed at
District Spring Synods and that each synod report its findings to the
Connexional Local Preachers Committee via the Ministerial Secretary.
•
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee feels that it is necessary
to reinforce the Methodist Church in Ireland’s discipline regarding Local
Preachers affirming “in writing each March to the Circuit Executive that
she/he continues to believe and preach our doctrines and to observe the
discipline of the church” (Manual of Laws 4G.09 (b)). This is an important
part of our discipline and should be reinforced by Circuit Superintendents
to ensure that it is taken seriously.
We now recommend that this affirmation be made to the Superintendent
Minister in the form of a declaration and signed by fully accredited Local
Preachers, countersigned by the Superintendent Minister and brought to
the ensuing Circuit Executive in advance of the Spring Synod.
•
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee recommends that the
question relating to Local Preachers in the Spring Synod Superintendents
Questionnaire should read: “Please confirm that the Local Preachers on
your Circuit have signed the Declaration affirming that they continue to
believe and preach our doctrines and observe the discipline of MCI and
that this has been noted by the March Circuit Executive.” (Manual of Laws
4G.09 (b) (2011)).
•
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee reminds Superintendent
Ministers that it is their responsibility, together with the Local Preachers’
Meeting (or, in the absence of the Local Preachers Meeting, the Circuit
Executive), to supervise and report on the progress of all Local Preachers
in training on their Circuit (Manual of Laws 4G.04 (c)).
•
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee reminds Superintendents
that these reports are to be sent to the Ministerial Secretary of the
Connexional Local Preachers Committee for scrutiny by the Accreditation
Sub-Committee in December of each year.
•
It is recommended that Circuits take opportunity, annually, to affirm and
celebrate the ministry of Local Preachers at a service of public worship.
•
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee appreciates the value of
District Local Preachers gatherings and recommends that District local
Preachers Committees should consider holding two District gatherings
per year, one for fellowship and one for training.
•
In the spirit of ‘Connexions’ the Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee
recommends that the Connexional Committee be reduced in size to
include the following: The President, the Lay Leader, the Secretary of
Conference, the Ex-President, one of the Secretaries of the Board of
Examiners, the Ministerial and Lay Secretaries of the Committee, the
Principal of Edgehill College, the District Secretaries, together with a
maximum of 2 ministers and 4 lay people elected by the Conference.
•
It would be desirable that as part of the formation of ‘Fully Accredited’ Local
Preachers that the idea of apprenticeship at local church level be
recovered.
o This is an aspect of Local Preaching training that appears to have been
lost in our evolution. ‘Apprenticeship’ is a great way to encourage
preachers in training and provides a mechanism to help in both
identifying gifts and developing skills. The idea is that experienced
Local Preachers take less experienced colleagues out with them as
they conduct worship. As the process continues the new preacher is
invited to be involved more and more in conducting worship, gaining
confidence and experience along the way. Alongside the formal study
this is an invaluable way of encouraging men and women who want
to serve God in this way while at the same time offer support and
mentoring to the trainee Local Preacher.
•
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee believes that Local
Preachers are ideally placed to be part of a collaborative leadership team
approach to mission at local church and Circuit level.
o We want to encourage a more joined up approach where leaders are
encouraged to exercise their gifts, working together with colleagues
ordained and lay, for the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom in the
hearts and lives of our families, friends and neighbours.
•
The Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee believes that in light of our
‘Covenant relationship’ with the Church of Ireland that consideration ought
to be given to the interchange-ability between Diocesan Lay Readers and
Local Preachers. A conversation will be had with the Church of Ireland in
relation to Methodist Circuits who are having difficulty in providing
reasonable local training for Faith & Worship, that there might be the
possibility of joining with a Diocesan Lay Readers training course. This
joint training resource will have a Methodist module. The Local Preachers
Training Review Group appreciates that the opposite scenario may also
occur and that accommodation should be afforded to Diocesan Lay
Readers who are having difficulty in resourcing reasonable local training,
that there might be the possibility of joining with a Faith and Worship Class
which would have a Church of Ireland module. There is still more work to
be done on this.
Appendix 1
Role and Characteristics of a Local Preacher
The characteristics of a Local Preacher:
Local Preachers are people who lead worship and preach the Good News of
Jesus Christ. Many of them are lay people whose employment, paid or unpaid
is not directly with the Methodist Church in Ireland. Some are employed by the
church e.g. as lay pastoral assistants, youth pastors etc.
A Local Preacher is someone who has heard a call to preach and responds to
that call. They set an example of a consistent Christian lifestyle through growing
in their Christian life and faith by developing their own walk with God, including
biblical knowledge, communications skills, competence in the use of technology
and are committed to life-long learning/training.
A Local Preacher is someone who is in good standing as a member of the
Methodist Church in Ireland, worships regularly (as preaching appointments
permit) in their Local Church, receives Holy Communion regularly and will affirm
annually that they believe and preach Methodist doctrines. (Manual of Laws
4G.09 (b) (2011)).
A Local Preacher is someone who submits to the discipline of the Methodist
Church in Ireland, is accountable to the Circuit Superintendent, ministers, Church
Council and Circuit Executive and is a committed member of the Circuit Local
Preachers Meeting where one exists for fellowship and discipleship. Fully
Accredited Local Preachers are people who have completed training/learning
that equips them for that role.
The role of a Local Preacher:
The primary task of Local Preachers is to present the Bible in a way that is
instructive, challenging and relevant to people today. Much of their time will be
spent in preparation and study seeking to understand the Bible in its original
context and, drawing on their experience in the workplace, applying it in a way
that makes sense to people today. In unpacking the Bible they seek to bring
inspiration, encouragement, challenge and sometimes rebuke. Local preachers
are willing to give generously of their time which may mean from time to time
taking services at short notice.
Local preachers do more than preach. They conduct worship in ways that will
inspire, move and draw people closer to God. This will involve careful planning
and preparation so that all the components (i.e. hymns/songs, children’s talk,
prayers, Bible readings etc.) of a worship service dovetail and complement each
another. They will work in collaboration with others such as readers, musicians
and technicians to ensure that a meaningful worship experience where the whole
congregation engages with God is achieved.
In the wider devotional life of the church Local Preachers may be called upon to
lead house groups, take Bible studies and prayer meetings. Their ministry is one
of a supporting role to the local minister.
The above criteria describe what Local Preachers aspire to while recognising
that nobody achieves all of them equally well. As such they help to explain why
there is a requirement for rigorous study to prepare people for the role and why
there is a need for all preachers to engage in lifelong learning.
AGENDA
1.
The Conference receives the report.
2.
The Conference re-appoints Rev Mervyn G. Ewing as Ministerial
Secretary.
3.
The Conference re-appoints Mr David Allen as Lay Secretary.
4.
The Conference receives the report on the Review of Local Preacher
Training.
5.
The Conference approves the proposed new process and procedures for
Local Preacher training and directs the Local Preachers’ Committee to
bring to the Conference of 2014 the necessary changes to the Manual of
Laws.
6.
The Conference directs that, with effect from the Conference of 2014, the
names (and the circuits to which they belong) of those who have been
fully accredited as Local Preachers within the previous Connexional year
be printed in the Minutes of Conference.
7.
The Conference resolves that, in view of the fact that the proposed training
pathways offer a flexible approach that can be tailored to the
circumstances of the individual candidate and thereby afford to those who
may not be in a position to undertake ‘Faith & Worship’ an opportunity to
be fully accredited, it is neither necessary nor desirable to introduce any
designation such as ‘Circuit Preacher’.
8.
The Conference recommends that each Local Preacher commits to an
average of 15 hours per year of further learning and/or training.
9.
The Conference directs that an individual who has been duly received by
their Circuit Executive as a candidate for the office of Local Preacher be
designated ‘Local Preacher in Training’ and that those who have
completed their training and have been duly accredited are designated
‘Local Preacher’ (without any further qualification such as ‘fully-accredited’
etc.).
10.
The Conference approves the concept of periodic review for Local
Preachers.
11.
The Conference directs that, except where a Local Preacher is conducting
worship in their customary place of worship, Local Preachers shall be
reimbursed for their travelling expenses at the rate set for retired ministers
by the Stipends and Allowances Board.
12.
The Conference directs each District Synod to consider the role and timing
of Local Preachers’ Sunday, and report its conclusions to the Ministerial
Secretary by no later than 31st March 2014.
13.
The Conference recommends that circuits take opportunity, in the context
of public worship, to affirm and celebrate the ministry of Local Preachers.
14.
The Conference receives as a Notice of Motion to the Conference of 2014
the following amendments to the Manual of Laws:
27.01 A Committee shall be appointed annually by the Conference, to
promote the efficiency and work of Local Preachers. It shall be
constituted as follows:The President of the Conference
The Secretary of the Conference,
The Ex-President of the Conference
The Secretaries of the Committee,
A member of the staff The Principal of Edgehill Theological College,
Belfast,
The District Secretaries for Local Preachers,
One Secretary The Secretaries of the Board of Examiners,
Up to two Three ministers and four eight lay members elected by
the Conference.
The ministerial and lay secretaries shall be appointed annually by
the Conference.
15.
The Conference approves the printing of the guidelines for Faith and
Worship in the Minutes of Conference.
Board of Education
NORTHERN EXECUTIVE
Introduction
The Northern Executive of the Board of Education continues to represent the
Methodist Church, and in partnership with other sister Churches through its
membership of the Transferor Representatives’ Council (TRC), seeks to maintain
and develop a clear and shared vision of education in Northern Ireland shaped
by core values of the Christian faith.
The Education and Skills Authority (ESA)
In Spring 2012 the Board welcomed the statement from the Office of the First
Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) of 16th November 2011
announcing a political agreement on the establishment of ESA. Since then,
however, progress has been painfully slow with the Education Bill eventually
being laid before the Assembly on 2nd October 2012. As this report is being
written, the Bill is still going through scrutiny at Committee level with at least one
political party expressing grave reservations. The latest estimate is that it may
well be December 2013 before ESA can be established.
ESA is designed to replace 8 current Bodies - the 5 Education and Library
Boards, together with the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), the
Youth Council and the Staff Commission. The Bill proposes that ESA will have
an Executive Board of 21 of which 4 will represent the 3 main Transferor
Churches of the Controlled Sector. This is significant because the original
propositions maintained that there could be no positions reserved for the
Transferor Churches under Equality considerations. In addition, the Bill provides
for the establishment of a Controlled Sector Support Body, which, for the first
time, will give dedicated voice to the needs of Controlled schools. This will
broadly mirror a similar body, replacing CCMS, for Maintained schools, together
with similar Support Bodies for the Integrated and Irish Medium Sectors. This
should provide a firm and equitable basis for dealing with so many of the
educational challenges that lie ahead.
The Controlled Sector Support Body
The TRC has broadly welcomed the establishment of the CSSB but has stressed
the need for legacy funding to enable catch up on the other Bodies. All 4 are
described as non-statutory but having some statutory functions. It has yet to be
seen how these will develop but some of the functions will include: advocacy
and representation for the Sector, co-operation with ESA in the nomination of
governors, working with schools to develop their collective ethos, participating
in the planning of schools’ estates, the promoting and facilitating of shared
education, and building of co-operation with other Sectors.
The CSSB will also have an Executive Board and a sizable Secretariat, and a
working party has been established by the Minister to advise on the creation of
these. One of the challenges facing the working party is to create a viable
Executive Board which is representative of all levels and types of schools
–Primary, Secondary, selective and non-selective etc – which collectively come
under the umbrella of the Controlled Sector. One particular Group of schools –
the Voluntary Grammars – is lobbying strongly for distinctive representation.
Shared Education
Significant debate has been maintained on this topic and a Ministerial Advisory
Group for the Advancement of Shared Education has been engaging in wide
consultation with stakeholders. It remains a key strand in the Programme for
Government with the aim of ensuring that all children have the opportunity of
participation in shared education programmes, and that schools are encouraged
to share facilities and activities in “Area Learning Communities”.
Stranmillis University College
Following a letter from the Belfast Synod, the TRC has resumed earlier
discussions over two matters. Firstly, as a consequence of reorganization some
years ago, the Transferor Churches lost formal representation on the
management Board of Stranmillis University College, which has a key role in
the preparation of teachers for employment in the Controlled Sector. Secondly,
the context of school closures and mergers, and oversupply of teachers, has
exacerbated an already perceived inequality of opportunity between Initially
Trained Protestant and Roman Catholic teachers at Stranmillis and St.Mary’s
Colleges, respectively.
The Teaching of Religious Education
The Executive continues to express its concerns about the extent of RE support
services to schools in the present and future governance structures. Due to
pressures on the Education Boards aligned to retirements and redistribution of
responsibilities, there is currently only one Curriculum Advisor across the 5
Boards with direct responsibility for supporting RE teachers in their subject.
Support for RE has therefore been marginalized, and this will be a key issue to
be addressed by the Controlled Sector Support Body.
Area Based Planning
For some years the current Education Boards have been tasked with the
responsibility of producing viability audits for schools in their areas with strategic
recommendations regarding schools’ estates. In many cases quite radical Area
Based Planning proposals have recently been suggested for debate and
negotiation, involving possible amalgamations, collegiates and closures. These,
in some cases, have produced major reaction and will, no doubt, be the basis of
much consideration for the new governing authority. Conclusion must be arrived
at on the basis, inter alia, of community dialogue.
Thanks
The Board of Education would, finally, wish to place on record its thanks to all
those who have served, and continue to serve, as Methodist representatives on
Education and Library Boards, and various advisory and consultative Bodies.
Likewise, the Board wishes to express appreciation to the many who have
served, and continue to serve, as Methodist representatives on numerous
Boards of Governors of schools through the Province. With additional
responsibility being placed on the shoulders of Governors, it is important that
the Church appreciates and supports its representatives in prayer.
SOUTHERN EXECUTIVE
1. A tribute to teachers and school management
Given the range of problems which currently are being experienced by all
schools in the Republic it is important to start by paying tribute to all those
teachers and other school staff members for their unswerving dedication to the
education of the young people in our schools. Over the recent years they have
had to face serious difficulties in coping with cuts in funding for the running of
schools and by taking reductions in their own salaries. They deserve the greatest
credit for continuing first and foremost to consider the interests of their students.
The difficulties with which they are having to cope are set out below in this report.
Appreciation should also be extended to those who carry the heavy burdens of
school management and administration, particularly to principals and deputy
principals who are expected to maintain standards against a background of
greatly reduced resources. It is also important to compliment members of
Boards of Management or Boards of Governors for their commitment and
support. They too are giving dedicated service without which the schools would
be greatly at a loss.
2. Cutbacks in Education
In compiling this report, the Southern Executive has been conscious that over
the last few years it has been very difficult for teachers to give of their best as a
result of the austerity programme which has had to be introduced by the
government resulting from the severe international recession. Other factors have
also been at play adding to these difficulties, including the high levels of
unemployment and issues relating to fiscal problems throughout Europe. It is
recognised that the wishes of the Minister and Department of Education and
Skills are to maintain standards but they have been hampered by constraints in
spending imposed by the International Monetary Fund and the agencies of the
European Union. The effects of these cutbacks have become more and more
damaging to education each year. All the educational sectors have been
severely hit and school and college boards have had to struggle to find ways of
minimising the damages caused. They still have to do their best to ensure that
their students will be adequately prepared to face an uncertain future in which
there will be a crucial need for young people to be equipped with the skills
required to help restore a more vibrant and effective economy.
3. Issues at primary level.
The general position outlined above is seen at primary level at a time when there
is an increasing demand for school places in many areas due to substantial
increases in the birth rate. Foreword planning has had to take account of this
by having to ensure that new schools will be established and built on time.
Because of this situation the normal capital expenditure allocated to maintaining
existing schools to an adequate standard has had to be put on hold. This means
that some school boards with buildings in urgent need of investment or repair
are having to wait for better times to come. The Methodist primary school at
Rathgar in Dublin has been struggling to manage its finances, particularly as
maintenance grants from the Department have all been withdrawn. An appeal
was made by the school board to the Methodist Board of Education for
assistance in funding a badly needed toilet building. The Board of Education
has had to agree to draw down some investments so that they can help meet
part of the costs involved in this project.
4. Other difficulties being faced by primary schools.
There are many areas throughout the Republic where there is a scattered
population and where primary schools are very small. This applies particularly
to schools serving Protestant families, mostly, but not exclusively, in rural areas.
In such places existing schools may have only two or three teachers and in some
extreme cases only one. Clearly this is very wasteful in economic terms and
the Minister and Department are exploring ways to amalgamate some of the
schools into what are seen as more viable entities. The downside of such an
approach can lead to great upset locally where the local residents can feel that
a key social element is being taken away from their village or town. Another
difficulty arises for such families who have to avail of costly school transport.
5. The need for a number of new schools.
The issue of school patronage continues to arouse discussion. Traditionally the
vast majority of primary schools have operated under Roman Catholic
patronage. This situation is starting to change. There has been an increasing
number of families who now wish their children to attend schools which are
multi-denominational or non-denominational. The Minister has been anxious to
allow for a much greater diversity in modes of patronage and has initiated a
system whereby parents are invited to vote for the kind of school they would
prefer, in cases when new schools are being established. “Educate Together”
primary schools have been increasingly popular. In such schools Religious
Education of a general multi-denominational nature is provided. However,
education with a faith-based emphasis is limited to after-school hours.
6. Post-Primary issues:
Schools at this level also have also been forced to manage with cutbacks of a
considerable nature which include reducing the number of teachers employed
and also the funds for specialist services such as Guidance and Counselling.
There has also been a withdrawal of summer works grants.
All schools have had to manage with reduced funding. There was no increase
this year in the pupil-teacher ratio for those schools which provide tuition free of
charge. However, in the case of the Protestant schools there are five
comprehensives and one voluntary secondary school which enjoy the same
arrangements in funding as enjoyed by other “free” schools. However, the
remainder of the Protestant secondary schools, of which there are nineteen, are
currently fee-paying, as they have always been since “the free education
scheme” was first introduced in the 1960s. A small number of Catholic schools
also charge fees. In the case of all fee-paying schools the Department has
withdrawn all support-funding from them. The only financial aid they receive
from the Department of Education and Skills is by paying the salaries of most of
the teachers. However the cost of the balance must be made up from fee
income.
For further details of the effects of these measures see the second paragraph
under “Educational Developments” which are discussed in the report of the
Secondary Education Committee which is appended to this report.
It must be acknowledged, however, that the Government have retained the block
grant scheme whereby necessitous Protestant families can apply to the
Secondary Education Committee (SEC) for a grant towards school fees. This
scheme operates on a means-tested basis and has enabled a significant number
of grants to be awarded. The scheme has retained the same amount of funding
allocated for a number of years now but it is due to be reviewed in 2014. The
membership of the SEC is comprised of representatives of the Church of
Ireland, the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church and the Society of
Friends. The chairman is the Rt Rev. W.P. Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and
Ross.
The Methodist Board of Education continues to operate a scheme under which
a small number of grants are allocated to Methodist families to assist them in
paying school fees in one of the Protestant fee-paying secondary schools. While
this Board has limited funds available to distribute it is appreciated by those who
have difficulty in meeting the cost of attending a Protestant school.
7. Prayer support.
The Southern Executive asks for the prayers of the members of our Methodist
Connexion in support of the work of the Board of Education and for the challenges
being faced by the schools. It urges all our churches to give emphasis to the theme
of education during services in early September each year. The work of the Board
is currently highlighted in the Prayer Manual on the 23rd day of each month.
Membership
SECONDARY EDUCATION COMMITTEE
REPORT 2013
Church of Ireland
The Rt Rev W.P. Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross (Chairman)
Mrs J.M. Bruton
Mr E.R. Lindsey
Mrs P. O’Malley
Rev B.J.G. O’Rourke
Ms E.E. Oldham
Mr A.G Oughton
Mr G. Perrin
The Presbyterian Church
Rev C.M. Hunter (Deputy Chairman)
Mrs E. Petrie
The Methodist Church
Rev N.D. Mackey
Dr J.W. Harris
The Religious Society of Friends
Mr A.G. Harrison
Mr D.M. Grubb
Secretary to the Board and to the Company
Dr. K.W. Fennelly
Administrator (Grants Scheme)
Mr D.J. Wynne
Secondary Education Committee:
The Secondary Education Committee (SEC) is a corporate body comprising
representatives from the Church of Ireland, the Methodist Church in Ireland, the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Religious Society of Friends. The
Committee derives its authority from a resolution passed by the sponsoring
Churches in 1965.
The functions of the SEC are twofold. The distribution of a Block Grant provided
by the Department of Education and Skills (DE&S) to ensure necessitous
Protestant children may attend Protestant secondary schools and the
representation of the interests of the member churches in the post-primary
education system.
The Committee operates as a limited company thus allowing both the corporate
body and the liability of individual members to be appropriately insured, with
members of the committee being simultaneously directors of the company.
Block Grant Scheme
Enrolments in the twenty fee charging schools totalled 7,732 Day Pupils (7,577
in previous year); 2,071 Boarders (2,143); 9,803 in total (9,720). This figure
does not include the five comprehensive schools. In the school year the audited
accounts showed the total amount, received from the DE&S, was €6,500,000
(€6,481,720), the grant in aid of fees totalled €6,540,396 (€6,541,479) . The net
cost of administering the SEC scheme was €145,807 (€151,205). There is no
grant to assist the running of the office.
The following numbers of grants were awarded in respect of the 2012/13 school
year: 1,623 day grants (1,672), 819 boarding grants (872), in total 2,442 (2,544).
The Committee agreed to retain the grants for the school year 2012/13 on a
scale for boarding from €570 to €7767(€1140 - €7767) day € 174 - €2820 (€480
- €2820). An increase in certain allowances was also agreed in relation to the
reckoning of assessments. This resulted in improved access to grants for a
number of families.
The Administrator, Mr Wynne and Mrs McAuley, Administrative Assistant,
attended a number of open days at the request of schools and took the
opportunity to discuss issues with individual parents. Mr Wynne also made
contact with each school to discuss the functioning of the grant scheme.
Educational Developments
Budget 2012 also announced plans by the D.E &S to conduct an analysis of all
fee-charging schools to determine schools net income from fees. The DE&S has
been in contact with schools recently and has also met with the Committee on
Management in this regard. It is expected that the results of that Analysis will be
published in Spring 2013 and will display, publically, the levels of funding and
income which exist in particular secondary schools. It will enable all interested
parties to ascertain for themselves, the financial situations of each of the
Protestant fee-charging secondary schools.
Budget 2013 saw a further increase in the pupil teacher ratio to 23:1 for schools
who were outside the free education scheme. This increase will add to the strain
on Protestant fee-charging schools to provide a full range of subject and
curricular choice to students while, at the same time, seeking to avoid employing
significant numbers of privately paid teachers. The pupil-teacher ratio (ptr) has
been now been increased over three successive budgets. It is clear that a policy
is being pursued at governmental level to “squeeze” fee-charging schools. Yet,
it also seems clear that a significant portion of current fee-charging Protestant
secondary schools will remain outside the free scheme as the costs associated
with running their schools are too high to contemplate any other option. However,
other schools are in a different position, to the extent that those with responsibility
for the management and governance of the schools are reflecting carefully on
the future funding provisions for their schools. Should the current Minister be
minded to increase the ptr to the level suggested in the McCarthy Report (28:1),
it is hard to see how the financial and curricular implications of such a reality
would not push a number of schools to actively engage with the Department of
Education and Skills in relation to other funding mechanisms, while concurrently
it would likely cause other schools either to significantly curtail their curricular
choices to students or to employ more privately paid teachers and increase fees
(or perhaps a combination of all three). What is clear however is that changes
in the funding mechanisms for a number of Protestant voluntary secondary
schools will be seen in the short to medium term.
In this regard, Kilkenny College, a fee paying boarding school under the
Patronage of the Incorporated Society for the Promotion of Protestant Education,
announced in February 2013 that it intends to enter the Department of Education
and Skills’ Free Tuition Scheme. This entitles the School to the full Pupil /
Teacher Ratio and the return of Department Support and Services Grants. The
SEC boarding grant remains payable to support boarding families on the same
basis as all other pupils attending SEC boarding schools. The School retains
control of its admissions Policy and ethos in accordance with the Education Act
1998. Kilkenny College follows Wilsons Hospital School, Multyfarnham, Co.
Westmeath who entered the Free Scheme in 2011.
The SEC also wishes to advise the Churches of the opening of a new
co-educational voluntary secondary school under the patronage of the Church
of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin and Glendalough, The Most Rev Dr Michael
Jackson. The new school will be called Temple Carrig Secondary School. It is to
be built on a site owned by the Department of Education and Skills at Blackion,
Greystones, Co. Wicklow. The building of the new school will commence in
September 2013 and open in September 2014 with capacity for 750 students
when fully operational.
The SEC exists to increase access for children from Protestant traditions to
attend second level schools from of a Protestant tradition. In this regard, the
SEC again notes with concern the continuing trend of low levels of Protestant
children transferring to Protestant second level schools from primary level.
Administration
The Committee maintains a review and appeal procedure, in the form of an
appeals sub-committee, for applicants who are dissatisfied with a decision by
the grants office. The Appeals Committee considers a number of appeals
annually. Each case was reconsidered on agreed criteria and is determined by
the level of need and the amount of funds available after the current years grant
payments have been made. A number of applicants had their grants increased.
The Committee appreciates the work of the Administrator, Mr David Wynne and
the Administrative Assistant Ms Bridie McCauley. A number of administrative
support staff are engaged during the busy processing period. The office is under
the management of the Secretary Dr Ken Fennelly. The Committee is also
grateful for the advice and assistance it receives throughout the year from its
auditors Deloitte and in particular Mr. Tom Cassin, Partner, Deloitte.
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference re-appoints the General Secretary and Convenor of the
Southern Executive: Dr John W. Harris.
3.
The Conference appoints the Ministerial Treasurer and Convenor of the
Northern Executive: Rev. .
4
The Conference re-appoints the Lay Treasurer: Mr Kenneth Twyble.
5
Ulster Royal Schools: The Conference appoints the following representatives of the Methodist Church on the Protestant Local Boards for the coming year: Local Board of Armagh: Mr Henry McMullan; Local Board of
Tyrone: Mrs Susan McQueen; Local Board of Fermanagh: Mr Peter M.C.
Little.
6
The Conference endorses the following appointments as representatives
on the Transferor Representatives’ Council: Rev ______ , Miss Rosemary
Rainey and Mr Kenneth Twyble.
7
The Conference nominates Miss Rosemary Rainey to the Board of the
Education and Skills Authority.
Reasoned Statement: Miss Rosemary Rainey has been a member of the
Board of Education for over 25 years and has represented the Methodist
Church on the Transferor Representatives' Council for almost 12 years.
She is presently its Vice-Chair. She is also currently Chair of the Belfast
Education and Library Board, having joined the Board as a member in
January 2002. In addition, she serves as a representative on the General
Teaching Council for Northern Ireland and chairs a TRC liaison committee
of RE advisors. She was awarded the OBE for services to education in
2012.
8
Nominations: The Conference directs the Board of Education to nominate
representatives of the Methodist Church in Ireland on the Boards of Governors/Management of schools. Area Boards or any succeeding body. The
appointment of Transferor Representatives shall continue to be made as
heretofore.
9
The Conference re-appoints Ms Daphne Wood as Methodist observer on
the Church of Ireland Board of Education.
10
The Conference re-appoints Rev Nigel Mackey and Dr John W. Harris as
the Methodist Representatives on the Secondary Education Committee
for Protestant Schools in the Republic of Ireland.
11
The Conference expresses its thanks to Rev J. Trevor Jamieson. It is with
regret that the Board has received the resignation, due to health reasons,
of Mr Jamieson as Ministerial Treasurer and Convener of its Northern
Executive. He has sought to serve the Church faithfully in the realm of
education, having served not only on the Connexion’s own Board but also
on the Transferor’s Representative Council and the North Eastern
Education and Library Board. His commitment to the welfare of all,
whether children, staff or parents, has been exemplary. He carries our
good wishes for the future.
The Faith and Order Committee has kept the following issues under
consideration:
(i) Interchangeability of ministry with the Church of Ireland
(ii) The establishment of a ‘rolling worship resource’ to help congregations in
the development of worship; a means of feeding into the analogous group
of
the
British
Conference
which
is
available
at
www.singingthefaithplus.org.uk is under review
(iii)Drafting Guidelines regarding the Sacrament of Baptism as attached in
Appendix 1 to this Report; it is intended to publish the approved Guidelines
on the Church website
(iv) Resources concerning Christian giving were prepared and circulated as
directed by Conference
The Faith and Order Committee prepared as a Discussion Paper to assist in
the deliberations of the Special Conference ‘A Fresh Expression of Our Mission’
to provide a Wesleyan theological framework and to suggest questions that arise
for the Special Conference. This Discussion Paper is in the Handbook prepared
for those attending the Special Conference. It is envisaged that, as the next step,
following the Special Conference, the Faith & Order will prepare a Statement on
the Mission of the Methodist Church in Ireland for Conference 2014 to consider.
The Archives of the Faith and Order Committee were placed in the Archives of
the Methodist Historical Society of Ireland in Edgehill College in January, 2013.
AGENDA
1.
That Conference receives the Report.
2.
The Conference approves the Guidelines on the Sacrament on Baptism
set out in Appendix 1 of the Faith & Order Report and directs that they be
published on the Church website.
3.
The Conference directs the Faith & Order Committee to prepare a new
Statement on the Mission of the Methodist Church in Ireland for
Conference 2014 to consider.
4.
The Conference re- appoints Dr. Fergus O’Ferrall as Convener.
5.
Dates of Meetings:
Sat 12th October 2013 (Dublin)
Sat 25th January 2014 ( Belfast)
Appendix 1
Baptism in the Local Church
This material is intended to assist local churches as they develop a policy for
baptisms within their congregation.
Why do we need to develop a policy?
A generation or so ago most children in Ireland would be baptised within the
church to which their family had traditional allegiance. That situation has
changed quite radically.
• Firstly, ties between church and society have loosened and baptism is no
longer an automatic rite of passage.
•
Secondly, many committed Christians have a preference for allowing their
children to reach a stage where they can answer for themselves rather
than baptise them as infants.
•
Thirdly, ministers and churches are often exercised about how they
balance their desire to maintain a strong link between baptism and the life
of faith with an equal desire to respond to the pastoral needs of those who
enquire about the baptism of their children.
Rather than leave everything to the local minister to make decisions on baptism
on a case by case basis, it is helpful for the church itself to think about how it
offers baptism.
What does the Methodist Church Teach about Baptism?
The booklet Methodist Belief has a brief statement about the sacrament of
Baptism:
“Baptism with water has been practiced from the earliest days of the Church
as an act of initiation, and represents the cleansing or forgiveness of sins.
Both adult baptism and infant baptism are practised within Methodism.
However, since scripture emphasizes that there is only one baptism, just as
there is one Lord and one faith, Methodism holds that baptism is
unrepeatable, whether administered to a child or an adult.
“Baptism is symbolic of the undeserved grace of God reaching out to us all
through Christ. This is the key element in infant baptism, where we look
forward in faith and hope to the time when children will accept what is offered
to them in Christ, becoming his followers, committed members of the church.
Parents and congregation promise to do all they can to facilitate and
encourage this. Adult baptism, of people not baptised as children, should
include a clear declaration of their personal faith in Christ, and as such is a
powerful symbol of personal commitment.”
There is more detailed work on the doctrine of Baptism in various statements by
the Conference. What is important is:
•
Baptism is a sacrament, given to us by Jesus Christ himself. It is an active
sign of our belonging to Christ, our sharing in his death and resurrection
and our becoming part of his body, the Church. In Baptism we celebrate
the love of God that reaches out to us in Christ even before we have
begun to be aware of or respond to that love.
•
Baptism is linked to our journey of faith as Christian disciples. Those who
are baptised are called by Christ to live out their lives in a Christ-like way,
allowing the Holy Spirit to challenge and transform them.
•
We recognise as valid Baptism administered in the name of the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit, whether it is to an infant or a person of mature years.
It is part of the discipline of a Methodist minister, and of a Methodist
Church, that the Baptism of infants be offered in appropriate
circumstances.
•
Baptism is a once-for-all action, so we do not re-baptise those who have
been baptised as infants.
•
Baptism welcomes us into the universal Church of Jesus Christ, not into
a particular denomination.
Are there Alternatives to Baptism?
Yes. The Methodist Worship Book contains a service for ‘An Act of Thanksgiving
after the Birth or Adoption of a Child’. This service can be adapted either for
those committed Christian families who would prefer their children to have a later
opportunity for baptism on profession of faith or for those who want to give
thanks to God but do not presently feel able to affirm the Christian commitment
that the Baptism service includes.
Developing a Baptism Policy
A church should do this prayerfully, and after some careful thought. Resources
to use might include:
• All This for You. Produced by the Methodist Church in Britain, it is intended
for those who are enquiring about Baptism.
•
The Methodist Worship Book . The services of Baptism and Thanksgiving
are a rich source for thinking through the meaning of Baptism.
Questions to Ask:
Who will we Baptise?
One of the distinctive teachings of the Methodist Church has been God’s
prevenient grace. This means that God is at work in us even before we are
aware of it. For this reason, some churches would want to emphasise God’s
unconditional love and not place any preconditions on those wanting their
children baptised. Other churches may believe that only the children of
committed church members, or persons who can make a commitment of faith
on their own behalf, should be baptised. Churches might also want to find
variations on these positions. Most would want some indication of the
seriousness of the parents’ intent, and some assurance that they were
making their promises in an informed way. So a church might say to couples
that they should:
•
Attend services for a period
•
Attend a preparation course or a series of meetings.
•
Read some literature (e.g. All this for you.)
What Kind of Preparation will we Offer?
We would expect to provide preparation for older candidates for Baptism; it
is just as vital to provide preparation for those parents who bring their children
for Baptism. A church with a number of Baptisms may gather parents together
for a series of meetings, or for a morning. In other situations there may be
meetings with just one set of parents. We want people to have some
understanding both of the meaning of Baptism itself and of the Christian faith
it expresses. It is worth thinking who might be involved in this preparation:
•
The minister
•
The cradle-roll secretary (or equivalent)
•
Church members who have already had their children baptised.
The Local Church as a Community of Welcome, Hospitality and Nurture.
It is important to think not only of the church’s policy, but also its practice.
A Welcoming Church
What about the service itself? How, for example, will it express the church’s
welcome to all, especially to children? How will it combine solemnity with
dramatic joy? What symbols can be used? In many churches a lighted candle
is presented to the parents. The Baptism is normally within the main service
on a Sunday and members of the congregation can be involved as well as
the minister.
A Hospitable Church
The baptism service is but one expression of a local church’s hospitality. A
church should be a community and a space in which children and their
parents are safe, valued and encouraged. How does your church express
this? One way is by welcoming children to receive communion.
A Nurturing Church
It is our fervent prayer that all those who are baptised grow up into an active
and mature Christian life. This does not happen automatically and so it is
important that the local church puts thought and energy into the nurture of
children and young people.
Some examples of Baptism policies from local church websites:
An Irish Methodist Church
http://jennymountchurch.co.uk/what-we-do/baptism
A British Methodist Church
http://www.northallertonmethodistchurch.org.uk/baptism.html
An evangelical Anglican church in Lancashire
http://www.stmatthewssalfordpriors.org.uk/baptism-or-christening/baptism-policy.php
Conference Statements on Baptism
The Theology of Baptism
1978.
In 1994, Conference approved a discussion document. This led to a brief report
in 1995, showing that while the practice of infant thanksgiving services was
growing, there was still strong support for infant baptism.
Children and the Sacrament of Holy Communion
1981
Council for Social Responsibility
Introduction
“We desperately want people to achieve their God-given potential, but that can’t
happen when the most vulnerable are being made even poorer.” So says Paul
Morrison, Public Issues Policy Adviser with The Joint Public Issues Team a
venture of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the
United Reformed Church in Great Britain. He continues by saying, “The
churches are serving their local communities day in and day out. They reflect
the breadth of society and are in touch with the needs of the people they serve.”
This year members of CSR met with Paul and co-worker Rachel Lampard in the
Skainos Project, East Belfast where greater co-operation and sharing of
resources was agreed.
Achieving the riches of our and the planet’s God-given potential while the most
vulnerable and the weakest are protected and built up rather than exploited is
at the heart of most of this year’s work, from Poverty to Lottery, from
Physician-Assisted Suicide to Pornography.
The Council increasingly seeks to do this on an all-Ireland basis, within specialist
working parties, and is appreciative of the expertise that exists already on the
Council while conscious that further wisdom is always necessary.
Work Agenda
Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) is still a concern, as are the issues of wind
power, carbon emissions, energy and drinking water security and the growth of
fuel poverty.
Social Responsibility Sunday, and associated worship resources to enable
prayerful reflection at congregational level.
Welfare Reform
In conjunction with our sister Churches the Council has been greatly exercised
by some aspects of welfare Reform. A delegation from the churches met with
Lord Freud, Minister responsible. The joint submission made by the Churches
may be accessed via the CSR website.
Pornography
An additional paper on pornography has been posted on the church web-site
and discussion has begun with ministers regarding the type of resources that
would be most helpful in their circuits. The work on pornography will continue
into 2013-14
Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS).
1 Definitions of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide
Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide are similar in that the goal is
premature death. The mechanisms may also be similar but in euthanasia the
death is brought about by the specific action of another person, usually a doctor,
whereas in PAS the doctor assists in setting up the process, but the patient
actually triggers the injection or swallows the lethal agent which has been
provided.
PAS carries the protection that the patient is the one who initiates the final event,
whereas euthanasia does not carry that safeguard. (See Appendix 1)
2 Sanctity of life
In view of the fact that the most Methodists are likely to be broadly in agreement
about the theological issues, the details of the reasoning have been placed in
Appendix 2. This is not to suggest that the theology is unimportant. For us as
Methodists it is very important. However, our argument is more broadly based
so that it does not depend solely on our theological convictions. (See Appendix 2)
3 Changing attitudes of doctors.
The medical graduates of Great Britain and Ireland in the 1950s were mostly
asked to swear the Hippocratic Oath. In this they promised neither to suggest
euthanasia nor assist in it. They also promised not to carry out an abortion.
Hastening death was rarely discussed in the past although it was practised
discreetly, essentially as a by-product of symptom relief, but only in the terminally
ill who would, in any event, be dead within hours. Euthanasia, and its close
cousin PAS, are still illegal and the majority of surveys of medical opinion indicate
that most doctors do not want either to be legalised. The British Medical
Association and all the Medical Royal Colleges have expressed opposition to
PAS. (See Appendix 3)
4 The Legal Position
a) Republic of Ireland
The current legal position in the Republic of Ireland is that in 1993 the law against
suicide was rescinded (and had not been used for many years previously).
Assisting someone to commit suicide remains illegal. Article 40 of the
Constitution guarantees the right to life, and by extension the right to die a natural
death. Currently there is little public debate on the issue of PAS but a High Court
ruling was given on 10 January 2013 refusing to allow assisted suicide in a
woman terminally ill with Multiple Sclerosis. This decision has gone to Appeal
in the Supreme Court and the judgement is pending.
b) United Kingdom
The Suicide Act (England and Wales) of 1961 and the Criminal Justice Act
(Northern Ireland) of 1966 stated that it was no longer an offence for a person
to commit suicide. This meant that in the event of an unsuccessful suicide
attempt, the person in question would not be charged with a criminal offence.
Importantly however, both Acts state that “a person who aids, abets, counsels
or procures the suicide of another, or an attempt by another to commit suicide,
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for
a term not exceeding fourteen years.”In 2010 Keir Starmer Q.C., Director of
Public Prosecutions (UK) issued guidelines outlining factors that would be taken
into account when deciding whether or not to prosecute a suspect for assisting
a suicide. This did not constitute a change in the law. Rather it acknowledged
that in some circumstances of assisted suicide, it may not be in the public interest
to bring about a prosecution for the offence e.g. the victim had a clear, settled
intention to commit suicide, the suspect was wholly motivated by compassion
and the assistance in the suicide was only minor.
There have been numerous bills brought to the UK Parliament regarding this
matter in the last decade, every one of which has been rejected.
UK law has made provision for Advance Directives, or Living Wills, whereby one
can nominate someone with an enduring Power of Attorney who will have the
legal authority to make decisions on behalf of someone who has lost mental
capacity. The person with Power of Attorney should be familiar with the
predetermined views of the now incompetent patient and may make such
decisions as discontinuing feeding in apparently medically hopeless situations.
5 Implications of Physician assisted suicide (PAS)
a) Implications for the terminally ill
Changing the law on PAS is likely to cause major changes in attitude and
behaviour and we need to consider the implications for the terminally ill.
The right to die has been present since attempted suicide ceased to be a crime
in England and Wales in 1961 and Northern Ireland in 1966. What is now being
requested is the right to be assisted in committing suicide, which, at present, is
illegal. The recent proposals contained the supposed safeguards that the illness
is terminal, that death is expected to occur within 6 months, that the present
suffering is intolerable, and that the request has been thoroughly considered
and is not impulsive.
The immediate responses to these safeguards are first, that the diagnosis may
not be correct. Secondly, the accuracy of the prediction of when death will occur
is even worse. Thirdly, with proper terminal care, intolerable suffering should be
very rare. Certainly control of pain, nausea and anxious restlessness ought to
be possible in almost everyone who is terminally ill, given the resources and
motivation by the carers. Finally, many people who express the desire to die,
change their minds on further reflection. It is generally accepted that there is an
association between malignant disease and depression and, untreated, the
depression may be a contributing factor in the request.
However, as the Law stands, although there is a right to die, there is no right to
be killed, or assisted in bringing about one’s own death. Nonetheless, to correct
a misunderstanding, it is important to remember that even the totally dependant
do have the right and the option of unassisted suicide, by refusing food and
fluids.
If the law were to be changed to allow PAS, the management of every patient
with advanced malignancy would have to be altered to include informing the
patient that PAS is one of the treatment options. Failure to do so would amount
to a failure to obtain fully informed consent to treatment.
The effect on the feeling of worth in those where one of the options is PAS would
be considerable. The fact that there is a right to die could easily be interpreted
as a duty to die and as pointed out elsewhere, to allow choice is effectively to
impose choice.
There are few, if any, more vulnerable people than the terminally ill and it is
essential that those who make our laws bear in mind that what is made a right
for some could well, under pressure, become a duty for others.
If PAS were to be legalised, it would be administered by a doctor so that the
person whose illness is becoming demanding and time consuming may well live
in the fear that the doctor will bypass the requirement that PAS must be
requested. The experience in the Netherlands has shown that a considerable
number of those whose lives are terminated have neither requested this nor
consented to it. This would not be good for the trust which is required at the end
of life. The generally accepted role of doctors is to treat illness where they can,
and to deal energetically with the symptoms where they cannot, not to dispose
of the lives of the sufferers.
b) Implications for the mentally ill.
Society as a whole makes fervent attempts to reduce suicides. This can be seen
in the large expense in mental health services and mental health legislation
which occasionally allows for people who are notably depressed and at risk of
suicide, to be detained in hospital for their own safety. We can therefore say
that legislating to legalise suicides would, to some extent, go-against-the-grain
of our society’s ethics.
Implementing and legislating for assisted suicide is fraught with difficulties and
this is pertinent in the case of mental disorder as shown in the following
hypothetical example.
A middle aged man presents requesting assisted suicide after many years of
suffering with a depressive disorder, living with inner despair. Turmoil has
become routine for him despite the best efforts of local mental health services.
Let us suppose that assisted suicide had been legalised for terminally ill
individuals with physical health problems. Would we not be obliged to
acknowledge that mental suffering can be at times as intense as physical
suffering? Even though this man with severe depression is not terminally ill, he
could reasonably argue that he faces many years of suffering and therefore his
wish for assisted suicide is more pressing than the terminally ill individual who
faces a somewhat shorter amount of suffering.
Thus we can see that if assisted suicide is legalised for the terminally ill, it would
be difficult to refuse assisted suicide to the severely mentally unwell individual
of any age who is not terminally ill.
So far there has been no attempt to pass legislation that would enable PAS on
those with dementia but past experience of slippery slopes suggests that such
demands would eventually be made, once the principle has been agreed.
c) Implications for people with disabilities
Society gives equal rights to people with disabilities in both the United Kingdom
and the Republic of Ireland. Yet disabled people regularly report that their lives
are regarded as of less value than those of their fellow citizens. This is furthered
because the cost of treatment may be high in financial and emotional terms.
There is a particular fear with regard to end-of-life issues, that subtle pressure
will be exerted to encourage this attitude; and in the case of serious and
life-threatening illness needing costly medical care, to allow PAS.
Where a disability prevents the expression of such fears, there is a duty of
society to ensure that decisions are not imposed. These can cut to the very
nature of understanding the value of life, regardless of the apparent contribution,
or non-contribution, of the disabled person. There is, for example, a tendency
to regard people with severe learning difficulties as less than fully human and
their lives less valuable than those of others. There is, further, from a Christian
perspective, the requirement to support those in need, ‘the widow and the
orphan’.
There is, conversely, a social requirement to respect the expressed views of
individuals with disabilities, who may not be able physically to carry out their
wishes.
d) Implications for relatives
At the present time, if a patient feels that the suffering is intolerable, the relatives
know that it is illegal for a relative to terminate their life, and most do not ask.
However, legally the answer must be no. If PAS were to be made legal, this
then would place a huge burden upon such a relative, especially if that relative
had moral objections. In effect, providing a choice is imposing the duty to make
a choice.
If the relative is asked to be part of the decision making process on PAS, there
could well be indefinite mental consequences for that person, regardless of what
decision is taken.
Relatives will be consulted for their opinion on whether a patient is in a state of
great pain and is fully aware of what their request to end life implies, both for
themselves, and for their relatives. Even where there is a Living Will, relatives
may be asked to judge when this affects the process. A temporary recovery and
possible change of view by the patient is a further factor, with its implications for
future trust.
There is, further, not always clarity on who is next of kin and the best advocate
for someone unable to make their wishes known, or confirmed. Finally, as the
actual ending of life will be undertaken under medical supervision, this has
implications regarding the degree of trust between the relatives and the medical
staff. In brief, actions which end, or consent to the ending of the life of a fellow
human being, are not autonomous decisions by the patient but have an impact
on all concerned.
There have been well-publicised cases where a relative has responded to the
repeated requests of a loved one and has terminated their life. These situations
are usually treated reverently by society and mercifully by the judiciary.
Changes in law may make a substantial impact upon relatives. There is a fine
line between allowing choice and imposing it.
e) Implications for palliative and terminal care.
When one hears of intolerable suffering the symptom which springs immediately
to mind is pain. However, nausea, sometimes associated with vomiting,
coughing or hiccupping, anxiety, restlessness and extreme lethargy can singly,
or in combination, cause intolerable suffering. Happily it is rare that any of these
symptoms cannot be controlled, provided there are sufficient resources and
motivation. In the light of the general costs of medical care, the expense need
not be great. In addition provided that sufficient support is available, many can
be treated at home. Where this is not possible, most of the remainder can be
treated in hospices, which are much less expensive to run than hospitals, as the
costly infrastructure of hospitals is not required.
If PAS were available, the motivation to provide good terminal care could be
undermined. It is generally reported that this has not happened in the
Netherlands but there are many who disagree with this view. The corollary
applies. If better palliative care were readily available, there would be less
demand for PAS.
6 What is happening in other countries
Euthanasia, or more commonly PAS, is legal in several countries, namely the
Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Oregon State in the USA.
The Northern Territory in Australia legalised PAS but was over ruled by the
Commonwealth Government. In recent years it also has been rejected in
Canada, France, Israel, some US states, Scotland and the UK. The people of
Massachusetts voted narrowly against PAS at the beginning of November 2012.
It is difficult to establish the consequences in those countries where it has
become legal because of the emotional issues surrounding it. Sensational
anecdotes abound from both those in favour and those against. However, there
are documented accounts of the safeguards being flouted and the rules being
broken without any investigation or prosecution. In other words, the safeguards
are not working. (See appendix 4 for a detailed study from the Netherlands.)
7 Conclusions.
Although not everyone believes in the sanctity of human life, the overwhelming
view in society is that human life is special, and quite distinct from all other forms
of animal life. This is clearly seen in all the efforts to preserve human life, the
risks people are prepared to accept to rescue those in danger and even the
lengths to which Governments have gone in legislating to reduce the risks of
suicide. Police in both jurisdictions have the initial power to intervene when
anyone is suspected of being about to commit suicide
It is acknowledged that there can be considerable suffering at the end of life but
we believe that the answer to this is to improve terminal care, not to assist in
suicide. It is our belief that we do not need a change in the law to permit
Physician Assisted Suicide but we do need a major improvement in both nations,
in the care of the terminally ill. At the present time the care offered to people in
these situations is very much hit or miss, depending on where they live, the
availability of resources and the energy and care of their GPs. It seems
unfortunate that so much terminal care is dependant on charities which, in turn,
are dependant on the generosity of the public, to fund their work.
We are pleased that the attitude of the courts has largely been merciful in dealing
with those who have broken the law in assisting those in distress to end their
lives, but we also are conscious of the need to protect the vulnerable, many of
whom would feel insecure if the law were changed. It is an old legal maxim that
hard cases make bad law and the vulnerable must be protected from the
pressures which would almost certainly occur if the law were changed.
A final important point is the change in the doctor/patient relationship which
would occur if doctors were to be given the responsibility of working under a
system where they would be responsible, not only for the maintenance of health
in good times but also, in other circumstances, for recommending, and then
facilitating, suicide.
Appendix 1 Definitions
Euthanasia, literally a good or easy death, and physician assisted suicide (PAS)
are similar in that the goal is premature death. The mechanisms may also be
similar but in euthanasia, the death is brought about by the specific action of
another person, usually a doctor, whereas in PAS the doctor assists in setting
up the process, but the patient actually triggers the injection or swallows the
lethal agent.
PAS carries the safeguard that the patient is the one who initiates the final event.
Euthanasia does not carry that safeguard and, in those countries where it is
legal, there is said often to be a fear among patients, that the final injection, or
whatever, may be given without their consent.
There is a variety of forms of euthanasia. In active euthanasia, a specific action
by the doctor results in the death of the patient. In passive euthanasia,
withholding or withdrawing treatment results in death, for example withholding
drugs or turning off a life support system. It is acknowledged that decisions
about withdrawing non-palliative medical treatment at the end of life can be
ethically and emotionally very difficult e.g. a decision on treating or leaving
untreated an infection in someone who is already at the end of life or on whether
to withdraw life support in someone in an Intensive Care Unit with ‘brain death’
and no chance of recovery.
Voluntary euthanasia is where a patient, with full mental competence has
requested an end to life, and non-voluntary is where the patient isn’t competent
to decide, and the decision is taken on his or her behalf.
Involuntary euthanasia occurs where the patient is mentally competent but is
not consulted for one of many possible reasons, including medical paternalism,
which is sometimes a fear among patients in those countries where euthanasia
or PAS are legal.
Suicide is the deliberate taking of one’s own life. In assisted suicide, one is
assisted in taking one’s life and in PAS the assistance is provided by a doctor.
Suicide attempts may fail, for a variety of reasons, even with PAS, and there
have been reports from the Netherlands of failure of the initial PAS, having to be
‘completed’ by the doctor by the use of an unplanned lethal injection.
This paper has focussed on PAS.
Appendix 2. Sanctity of life. Some theological reflections
Doctors come from all faiths and none. The main thrust of this paper has been
to raise questions about PAS which broadly impact on everyone regardless of
their faith perspective. However, this paper is produced by the CSR for the
Methodist people in Ireland and is therefore also informed by reason,
experience, tradition and scripture – with scripture as the final authority. So
here are some brief reflections on two important theological issues.
(a) Sanctity of human life.
Presumably everyone in the medical profession, along with the overwhelming
majority of the population regard human life as special, though they may not use
the term ‘sanctity’. As Methodists we draw our understanding of this not just
from some kind of innate instinct but from the teaching of Scripture. Only two
areas will be briefly cited.
Creation.
Most religions have a concept of God as creator and that God’s creation gives
value to human life. The Judeo/Christian scriptures have a particular insight,
namely that God created humanity in His image. Gen 1: 26-27
Being created in the image of God brings with it a number of very important
implications:
• Humanity has a unique place in creation. We may share many
biochemical processes with the rest of creation but we are made in the
image of God, and are thus in a different category. Adam was made from
the dust, but God breathed life into his nostrils and he became a living
soul. Gen 2:7
• God’s image implies dependence.
Human beings are not
self-explanatory. We derive our meaning from outside ourselves, from
God, in whose image we are made.
• God’s image implies communion. ‘Let US make humanity in OUR image.’
Our understanding of God as Trinity has important and relevant things to say
about our relationships.
• God’s image implies the dignity of each human life
• God’s image implies the equality of human beings
As we recognise the image of God in everyone around us, it will surely cause
us to think deeply about how we treat others, especially when the other is sick
and most vulnerable.
You shall not kill.
Again, this is a concept common to many religions. Interestingly, in Genesis the
seriousness of murder (even to the point of capital punishment) is linked to the
image of God. Gen 9:6 This commandment seems quite straightforward and
there will be few, if any, who doubt the iniquity of ‘cold-blooded murder’, but when
considering the extremes at the beginning and the end of life there are some
who see a variety of shades of grey. Nevertheless, this commandment given
to Moses and reinforced by Jesus must speak clearly to the question of PAS.
The role of the doctor is to cure, if possible, to relieve suffering but not to kill.
(b) Love your neighbour as yourself.
The whole of the law is well summed up in the two great commandments; to
love God with your whole heart, and to love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no doubt that in this debate the command to love your neighbour will
be quickly cited. Here is my neighbour who is suffering terribly, perhaps even
intolerably, so surely the loving thing for the doctor to do is to administer an
injection that will bring the suffering (and life itself) quickly to an end. This
emotive argument seems to be a very powerful one.
However, there is another question that should be asked, one that has famously
been asked before. And who is my neighbour? The fact is that I have very many
neighbours. In considering the question of PAS I must think about the impact
on all my neighbours. This we have attempted to do in this paper as we have
considered the implications of PAS for other groups such as the disabled, those
suffering from mental illness, family and friends of those with terminal illness and
the medical profession. All of these are our neighbours and we must love them.
Thus in the face of human suffering the theological issues are not as simple as
in the case of asking the vet to put our very sick dog ‘to sleep’.
Appendix 3 Changing attitudes of doctors.
The medical graduates in the British Isles in the 1950s were mostly asked to
swear the Hippocratic Oath. In this they promised neither to suggest euthanasia
nor assist in it. (They also promised not to carry out an abortion.)
Hastening death was rarely discussed although it was practised discreetly, but
usually only in the terminally ill who would, in any event, be dead within hours,
as happened to King George V. Abortion of an unwanted pregnancy is now
generally seen as a right for all pregnant women.
Doctors no longer work in isolation. This is especially the case with hospital
doctors. Hospitals are expensive and if the bills are not paid the hospital will
close down. Doctors may waive their own fees but cannot overrule the hospital
management and waive the fees for accommodation, nursing care and
investigation, and euthanasia is less expensive than these. A recent article in
the British Medical Journal pointed out that if the government really wants to
reduce health care costs, euthanasia should be considered, as it would be very
effective.
The treatment of advanced malignancy can be expensive and there have been
some disturbing cases reported from Oregon, USA, where Physician Assisted
Suicide (PAS) is legal. In some cases where expensive surgical treatment has
been recommended, the patients’ Medical Insurance Company has informed the
patients with such conditions that their insurance policy doesn’t cover the
proposed treatment but that it does cover PAS. How terrible to get a letter
effectively saying, ‘we can’t pay to keep you alive but we are prepared to pay to
have you killed’!
Appendix 4 The Netherlands
It is almost impossible to find the truth about the outworking of the law in those
countries where it is legal. There are innumerable anecdotes, usually heavily
biased one way or the other. One of the most serious was by the American
Republican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum who was reported to have
said that euthanasia makes up ‘ten percent of all deaths, and half of those people
are euthanized involuntarily, because they are old or sick. And so elderly people
in the Netherlands don’t go into a hospital.’ This is far from the truth.
Euthanasia became legal in The Netherlands only in 2002, but between 1984
and 2002 there had been an agreement that doctors would not be prosecuted if
they carried out either euthanasia or PAS, so long as they observed certain
safeguards, including a spontaneous request for this by the patient, the
involvement of a second doctor and the routine reporting of every case.
The publication in July 2012, in the online section of the highly esteemed British
medical journal, The Lancet, on the trends in The Netherlands, seemed an
opportunity to settle for us, the issues of what is happening in at least one
country. This detailed paper is freely available on line on The Lancet website.
However, although it is an excellent piece of research, it not only left many
questions unanswered but it also suffered from the biased reporting in the media,
which has become the norm in this emotive area.
The authors, two respected medical academics and a statistician from The
Netherlands, did a stratified sampling of all the deaths in that country in 2010.
They contacted by post the attending physicians in 8,496 sampled deaths,
asking for details of the final illness, and analysed the findings. The sampling
was carried out in an acceptable statistical way. The findings were compared
with similar surveys in 1990, 1995, 2001 and 2005.
The study showed a small increase in the numbers having either euthanasia or
PAS, going from approximately 3,800 in 2001 (2.8% of all deaths) to
approximately 4,050 in 2010 (2.8% of all deaths). Understandably the
contribution to these figures of PAS is quite small, being in the region of 0.1 to
0.2% of all deaths.
On the face of it this increase in these deaths is so small as to be ignored.
However, what has not been included in these figures is a category which was
included in the 2001 and 2005 surveys but not in the earlier reviews. This is an
ill defined category called Continuous Deep Sedation. This is a grey area and
included in it are what have also been termed Intensified Alleviation of
Symptoms, and Palliative Sedation. There are other terms such as Early
Terminal Sedation. Effectively what is happening with many, if not all, of these
patients is that they are made comatose by medication and then left unfed and
dehydrated so that early death is inevitable. This grey area merges into other
fields of medicine where, for example, without surgical intervention death would
be inevitable in someone who had previously been diagnosed with an inoperable
malignancy elsewhere in the body, but where surgical management of, for
example, severe bleeding is deemed meddlesome. They may be unconscious
and bound to die in the very near future so that there is no point in keeping then
alive by feeding and hydrating them, and general medical practice dictates that
nutrition be withheld but that they be kept sedated while awaiting death.
The disturbing thing about this group is its size. In 2001 this figure was 5.6% of
all deaths. In 2005, it was 8.2% and in 2010 it had reached 11.6% of all deaths.
Many of these people would have been dead in a matter of hours but the
problem is that there are no breakdown figures and, very significantly, they have
not been included as euthanasia cases. Consequently we have no idea of how
many of them were really cases of slow euthanasia. This is important as by
2010, this group had become four times the size of the euthanasia group.
The presence of this large group of sedated patients in this study means that
we cannot be sure of the true euthanasia figures and this must lead us to
question the conclusion that the euthanasia numbers had not increased.
Three other matters of concern emerge from this paper. First, 20% of the
euthanasia group were not reported in the manner prescribed by the law.
Secondly, about 50% of the sedated group in the grey area, were so managed
without consent from the patient or discussion with the families. Thirdly, the
reporting by the media generally ignored the huge grey area group and simply
stated that euthanasia had not increased significantly over 10 years, whereas it
almost certainly had.
So the truth of the matter is that we don’t really know the trends in the
Netherlands, despite this recent comprehensive report. Probably there has been
an increase in euthanasia of one hundred percent or more in the last 10 years
but this is hidden in this grey area where doctors appear to be free to end the
lives of their patients, often without consent from the patients or their families,
without the safeguard of the agreement of a second doctor and without being
required to register the death as euthanasia.
1. Introduction
Poverty and Deprivation
1.1 In his first major public appearance, Jesus read from the words of the
prophet Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to
preach good news to the poor ... to proclaim freedom for the prisoners ... to
release the oppressed ... to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:16ff).
Tellingly Jesus continued “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing”. John
Wesley in his sermons often took up this theme. For example “A poor wretch
cries to me for an alm: I look, and see him covered with dirt and rags. But
through these I see one that has an immortal spirit made to know, and love, and
dwell with God to eternity. I honour him for his Creator’s sake.” (From John
Wesley’s sermon “On Pleasing All Men.”).
1.2 It is the duty of the Council, as laid down in the Manual of Laws, to,
“undertake informed study and analysis of social, economic, political and
international issues”. Health and well-being and social justice and equality are
included in the areas of special interest for the Council’s attention. The purpose
of such study is to inform and resource the Church to be an effective Christian
voice in society. In considering any aspect of our witness, Methodists need to
understand the nature of the society in which we live. Effective witness can only
occur when it is prompted by God and relevant to the context of the immediate
community.
1.3 In 1991 the Council brought a paper to the Conference “Poverty and
Deprivation – The nature of Northern Ireland Society”. Over twenty years have
passed since that paper was adopted by Conference and N. Ireland society has
changed dramatically through peace agreements and the creation of a devolved
administration. The population of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
are currently experiencing the effects of a significant economic down-turn in both
countries so it is timely to re-visit the area of poverty and deprivation in the
context of Ireland as a whole.
Sadly it seems that poverty and deprivation have become even more entrenched
in our society since the 1991 report. In presenting this paper to Conference the
Council does so with the firm conviction that the Bible points towards a radically
different picture of society. If we are to be true followers of Jesus we must strive
to create that different society.
The purpose of this paper is:to raise awareness about the extent of poverty and deprivation in our
midst;
to challenge our attitudes of complacency and indifference; and,
to offer some constructive recommendations for action.
2. Poverty Defined
2.1 One of the most important things to do as we begin to bring together a paper
on poverty is to clarify what ‘poverty’ means and how it can be defined.
When asked to think about poverty many people will recall TV images from the
developing world: of famine, of shanty towns, or of children dying from
preventable diseases. These are examples of absolute poverty. Absolute or
extreme poverty is when people lack the basic necessities for survival. The
United Nations tends to focus its efforts on eliminating absolute or extreme
poverty. The first goal of The United Nations Millennium Development Goals is
to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. Eradicating extreme poverty is
translated into an objective to reduce by half the proportion of people living on
less than a dollar a day. Absolute Poverty is thus definitely not what we observe
in modern day Ireland, north or south other than in exceptional cases of
homelessness, extreme child neglect or instances of elderly isolation and poverty
after a lifetime of poverty.
2.2 The British Methodist Conference 2011, defined poverty as follows; “Poverty
is when lack of material resources becomes a significant barrier for a family
fulfilling the potential that God has placed within them”.
2.3 Peter Townsend the sociologist has done much to advance our
understanding of relative poverty and its relationship to wider society. In 1979
Townsend defined poverty as follows:
“Individuals, families and groups in the population can be said to be in poverty
when they lack resources to obtain the type of diet, participate in the activities
and have the living conditions and amenities which are customary, or at least
widely encouraged and approved, in the societies in which they belong.”
This type of poverty often results in social exclusion, hence the two terms are
frequently used together.
As the above definitions make clear, in wealthy societies, such as the UK and
Ireland, poverty can only properly be understood in relation to the typical living
standards of wider society. This is known as relative poverty and its true
meaning will vary from country to country throughout the world, depending on
the standard of living enjoyed by the majority. While not as extreme as absolute
poverty, relative poverty is still very serious and harmful. Townsend’s definition
also highlights that poverty is about a lack of resources. People in poverty lack
capital (both income and wealth). But they can also experience poverty in other
ways: they may lack human capital (such as education or good health), or social
capital (such as positive and trustful communities). This is a point which is
emphasized in the 2004 European Commission Joint Report on Social
Exclusion:
“People are said to be living in poverty if their income and resources are so
inadequate as to preclude them from having a standard of living considered
acceptable in the society in which they live.
Because of their poverty they may experience multiple disadvantages through
unemployment, low income, poor housing, inadequate health care and barriers
to lifelong learning, culture, sport and recreation. They are often excluded and
marginalised from participating in activities (economic, social and cultural) that
are the norm for other people and their access to fundamental rights may be
restricted.”
Therefore, a generic understanding of poverty as something which only affects
the developing world is an insufficient understanding.
2.4 So is there any poverty here on the island of Ireland? Relative poverty does
exist on the island of Ireland and has been highlighted by both governments.
For example, the Central Anti-Poverty Unit of the Office of the First Minister and
Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland states:
“People are considered to be living in poverty if their income and resources are
so inadequate as to prevent them from enjoying a standard of living, which would
be regarded as acceptable by society generally.”
(Around 341,000 people live in relative income poverty in Northern Ireland; the
most likely group to live in poverty are children, and contrary to common belief
the least likely are pensioners)
Using a slightly different measure, the Irish Department of Social Protection
(Office of Social Inclusion) reports that in 2010 just over 32% (1,435,000 people)
of the population of Ireland were at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
2.5 “Official” definitions and faceless statistics, however, often do little to capture
the reality of the day-to-day struggle of living in poverty. To understand this
better, it is vital to ask people who are themselves experiencing poverty what
this means. The following are just a few direct quotations from people living in
relative poverty regarding what it is like to live their lives day by day:
“I can afford only cheap food; fruit and vegetables to feed children is too
expensive; fish is not affordable; “healthy food” is too expensive for me”
“The way people look at you is humiliating. You are not considered a
human being”
“My children will inherit my poverty.”
2.6 So poverty does exist in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
and, as we have seen above, can be and is experienced in a multitude of ways.
Overall, the reality of poverty is that it affects many aspects of people’s lives and
limits peoples’ access to their fundamental rights. People affected often
experience a range of different disadvantages, which combine to reinforce each
other and trap them in poverty. Poverty limits the opportunity for people to reach
their full potential. For instance, children growing up in poverty are more likely
to suffer poor health, do less well at school and become the next generation of
adults at risk of unemployment and long-term poverty.
In light of all this, and as members of the Body of Christ, it is of utmost
importance that we continually ask what our response to poverty must be.
3.Considering the causes of Poverty
3.1 The appendices of this report outline the extent of poverty at present, along
with some specific examples to illustrate some of the real world ramifications
arising from that.
However, before we can realistically look at what actions the church can take, it
is necessary to also consider some of the causes of poverty. Why does it exist?
Can anything we done about it? These are questions to which there are no
simple answers, but we can however point to some of the major elements of the
causes of poverty.
It is our contention that there are several reasons, arising from aspects of social
and political policy (both explicit and implicit) which contribute significantly to
poverty or which exacerbate already difficult situations thereby pushing people
into poverty.
3.2 Firstly, of course, at its simplest poverty is the consequence of having
inadequate income to survive with any sense of decency. This can arise from
unforeseen events, such as the loss of employment due to redundancy or illness.
However this report is more specifically focussed on systemic poverty in our
society.
In any society, the cost of living will tend (in accordance with basic principles of
supply and demand economics) to be based around average incomes/ability to
pay. Thus if an individual or family have significantly less than that, they will
experience at least relative poverty, and possibly absolute poverty – with all the
undesirable consequences of that. Thus, in simple terms, the way to reduce or
eliminate poverty is to bridge that income gap. This in turn points to the necessity
of creating a more equal society, and reducing the gap between the top and
bottom of the socio-economic scale.
As the European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland has recently pointed out,
“Countries with a high ‘at risk of poverty’ rate, are also the countries with high
levels of inequality. Not only are poverty and inequality interconnected, but
anyone who wishes to eliminate poverty should bring their attention towards
reducing inequality. Measures focusing on poverty reduction sometimes tend
to be discussed within a discourse of growth whereby ‘the rising tide lifts all
boats’. This discourse overshadows the problem of inequality and the idea that,
while the rising tide will lift some boats, others will run aground or stay on the
bottom as the water rises around them. There needs to be a shift in thinking,
away from a focus on growth and towards an emphasis on wealth redistribution
which brings the attention towards the society as a whole.”
The following is an example which was not obviously planned. During the boom
years the state old-age pension in the Republic was increased year on year at
a level greater than inflation, but has been held steady during the more recent
recession. Thus pensioners have become relatively less financially unequal in
society and the incidence of extreme poverty by old people dependent on state
benefits at present is somewhat less.
3.3 Looking at this issue more widely, one suggestion for seeking to address
income inequality directly would be to implement a significantly higher level of
income tax on income over what is deemed to be an acceptable level. for
example, income in excess of 10 times the minimum wage. This would have a
major equalising effect. When issues such as this are being considered, it is
clear that the church must go beyond our current valuable focus on ethical
investment and in addition address wider issues of economic and governmental
financial policy.
The majority of working age people living in poverty do so despite the fact that
they work. Low pay and irregular hours often mean that work does not bring in
enough to allow a family to live outside of poverty. Northern Ireland has the
highest rate in the UK of workers that are paid below the Living Wage (24%) –
the hourly rate necessary for a person to work full time and have a basic
acceptable standard of living. Another major factor hindering equality, and thus
exacerbating poverty levels, is low levels of education and training in certain
sections of society, which in turn leads to high levels of unemployment (the
so-called NEETs) or only low wage opportunities. It is time for us as a church to
reflect on whether our current approach to education, while important for an
earlier era, is no longer the correct primary focus for us at this time. We ought
to be re-directing our energy in relation to education to supporting literacy,
numeracy, and general life skills training so that we work towards more equal
outcomes for those who start off from a position of disadvantage.
In the current economic downturn, a new phenomenon is a high rate of youth
unemployment in those who have had education up to graduate level.
4. Attitudes to Poverty
4.1 A recent churches’ report (published by the Baptist Union of Great Britain,
the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church,
through their Joint Public Issues Team), shows how evidence and statistics have
been misused, misrepresented and manipulated to create untruths that
stigmatise poor people, welfare recipients and those in receipt of benefits. The
report is titled, “The lies we tell ourselves: ending comfortable myths about
poverty”.
4.2 The study begins with a case study, ‘Troubled Families and Troubled
Statistics’, showing how facts and evidence were bent to meet the needs of
policymakers. The reputations of society’s most disadvantaged families became
collateral damage in the rush to defend a new policy. “Perhaps we are not
surprised by this but we should be appalled,” the report says.
The selective untruths exposed in the report are:
‘They’ are lazy and don’t want to work.
‘They’ are addicted to drink and drugs.
‘They’ are not really poor – they just don’t manage their money properly.
‘They’ are on the fiddle.
‘They’ have an easy life
‘They’ caused the deficit.
4.3 The author of the report, Paul Morrison writes “As a coalition of major British
Churches, we want to create a new story; one grounded in truth, compassion
and hope. Part of our calling as Christians is to seek after truth, and that means
facing up to our own blindness as well as calling others to account. Collectively
we have come to believe things about poverty in the UK which are not grounded
in fact. We need to develop an understanding of the depth and breadth of UK
poverty that is compatible with the evidence available. Just as importantly we
need to match the language of public debate with the reality of people’s lives. It
is a task we must approach with humility; one which puts the lived experience
of poverty at its heart, and one which is committed to truthfulness – no matter
how uncomfortable we find those truths to be.
4.4 Popular fallacies
To free us to work for real change we must resist two current popular fallacies.
The first is to do with the so-called “Protestant work-ethic” which infers that those
who do not take responsibility for themselves, are unproductive and therefore
undeserving of our sympathy. This simplistic value-judgement has much more
to do with Stoicism than Christian faith and practice. It takes no account of the
fact that for a very significant percentage of the population of Ireland there is
little or no choice with regard to gainful employment. The majority of families in
poverty are actually in work. The majority of workless families in poverty have a
long standing illness. The minority of people who are workless and are
unemployed generally do not stay unemployed for long (13 weeks is the NI
average duration of unemployment. The evidence paints a story of poverty being
visited upon families because of illness or despite of a determination to work.
The second fallacy to be resisted has to do with contemporary “Prosperity
Theology”. This suggests that affluence is confirmation of God’s approval, a
reward for personal piety and obedience. For devout folk who are poor and for
whom there will be no opportunity to “prosper” this is as degrading as it is
heretical.
5. Theological Perspectives on Poverty
5.1 In developing a Christian response to poverty, we must begin with the
doctrine of creation. In the Judeo-Christian tradition human beings are created
in the image of God and have therefore, in consequence, a unique dignity, which
is expressed in a variety of ways not least in terms of human rights and reciprocal
responsibilities. From the analysis presented in Appendices 1 and 2 it is clear
that in Ireland people are not perceived to have equal dignity. If we are to build
a truly equitable society it is essential to re-discover and afford in word and action
an equal dignity to all in our society. How appropriate the words are that “we
should call no one worthless for whom Christ died”.
5.2 Jimmy Reid, former shipyard union leader and later Rector of Glasgow
University, famously provided an assessment of British society in his inaugural
speech, which 40 years later continues to resonate; he wrote “profit is the sole
criterion used by the establishment to evaluate economic activity … from rat race
to lame ducks … the vocabulary is more reminiscent of a human menagerie than
human society.” By way of advice to students Reid said, “... reject the insidious
pressures in society that … would caution silence in the face of injustice.” In
light of Reid’s analysis one of the many challenges facing the church is charting
an effective response to the issue of poverty, which will challenge both Church
and society.
5.3 Recognizing that we live in a globalized world we are increasingly and
necessarily inter-dependent. This is so because there is an essential bond
between all people since all people are afforded equal dignity by virtue of their
creation by the one God. Because of this bond, we hold that those who are
more influential or stronger, because they have a greater share, should feel
responsibility for those who are weaker and be prepared to share with them all
that they possess. This insight is profoundly biblical in that the clear response
to the question “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is a resounding “Yes!”
5.4 Creation and Community
Given the above context, the Bible is clear that care and concern for those who
are poor is not an “optional extra” for those who would wish to take the Gospel
seriously, rather it is a “gospel imperative”. From the biblical account of Creation,
it is clear that in creative love and purpose God has provided enough for all
members of his human family. Within the Deuteronomic laws we are reminded
of the responsibility of the community for those who, for whatever reason, are
less able to provide for themselves. Clear instruction is given to the landowner
and to the gleaner as to what must be left aside for the poor (Deut 24: 19-22).
A portion of the Temple tithe was for the care of those who needed to be
supported by the community.
5.5 The Prophets
Within the prophetic tradition there is a clear connection between the failure of
society to care for “the poor” and the judgement of God. While he was by no
means alone in his condemnation, no prophet was more outspoken than Amos
who declared God’s great displeasure when the poor were neglected. (Amos 5:
21-24).
In the Old Testament, “the poor” are seen as those who not only are
dispossessed in terms of money but also in terms of power. They are the
oppressed; they are the “marginalised”. Having neither money nor power they
put their trust in God who is seen as the champion of the poor.
5.6 Jesus and “the poor”
If a reading of the Old Testament demonstrates our obligations towards the
dispossessed in our society; a reading of the New Testament confirms that for
the Christian community such obligations are unavoidable.
Central to our understanding of incarnation is the very powerful sense of
identification. When the Son of God came to proclaim His Kingdom, he came
as the “Word made flesh.” He came as a poor Jewish baby, to share the simple
lifestyle of a poor family in a forgotten village. But there is much more to
incarnation than identification.
There is also engagement. As he went about “doing good” Jesus was engaged
with the poor, the lost, the lonely and the outcast. He was with them in the dirt,
squalor, rejection and pain of their existence. His engagement did not begin or
end with his physical presence and his healing touch. Jesus also was constantly
challenging the institutions of church and state with regard to their lack of care
and concern for those in need. If we are to be true followers of Jesus we,
individually and collectively, must do exactly the same, however costly.
There is no evidence to suggest that Jesus rebuked anyone for their possession
of wealth. He was, however, deeply concerned about what people did with
power and privilege to relieve the plight of the poor and dispossessed. This
would have been quite a shock to the religious systems of the day. Clear
examples of this are to be found in the parables of the “Good Samaritan”, “Death
of the beggar, Lazarus” (Luke 16) and in the “Final Judgement” (Matthew 25).
Jesus gives a new definition to the term “neighbour”. The concept becomes the
basis for the new community which is to be based on love rather than law.
Clearly, “neighbour” is the person in need - irrespective of any other
consideration.
5.7 The Early Church and Community
For the first generation of the Church and first century Christians, the sharing of
possessions with those of their number who were in need became one of the
characteristics by which Christians were known. In the second chapter of Acts
we read: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling
their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” (Acts 2:
44-45). Initially, this approach was effective: “there was not a needy person
among them, for as many as were possessors of lands and houses sold them
... and distribution was made to each as they had need.” (Acts 4: 34-35) Of the
early church writers, James was not alone in his insistence upon the relationship
between personal piety and responsibility for others: “Suppose a brother or sister
is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well;
keep warm and well fed’, but does nothing about his physical needs, what good
is that?” (James 2: 15-16) However we might wish to rationalise these and other
passages, it is quite clear that all of this was part of a genuine attempt by the
early Christians to make practical their understanding of the mind of Christ in
relation to their responsibilities for one another.
5.8 The Methodist Tradition
As Methodists, we have inherited a good reputation for practical social concern.
Whether it is always deserved is for others to judge. We would do well, however,
to remember the enormous impact John Wesley and the early Methodists made
upon 18th Century society. Wesley saw poverty on every side; like Jesus he
wept over the poor and spent a great deal of time and money on relieving their
physical needs. But at the heart of his caring was his conviction that a new
experience of God would result in a new found peace, dignity and self-worth.
Society would then be changed and, as such, would begin to reflect God’s
Kingdom on earth.
Concern for the poor and social injustice often prompted the early Methodists to
social action; often the consequence of such action was personal sacrifice.
Unfortunately Methodism, like her sister churches, has, in the main, moved away
from her roots and become largely middle-class and privileged and much less
identified with the poorest and most vulnerable members of our society. From
our understanding of the Gospel, however, this must change. The biblical
message is abundantly clear: privilege cannot be divorced from responsibility.
More is required of us in our day if we are to respond realistically to the plight of
the poor in our own community as well as in the wider world. We must move
forward aggressively to address the difficult political issues which trap an
unacceptably high proportion of our neighbours in poverty as well as engaging
at local level with those who live in poverty.
6. Church Initiatives to tackle poverty and deprivation
This paper seeks to promote a discussion in congregations on how the local
church recognises and responds to the growing issue of poverty within the
church family and within local communities as the economy continues in decline.
However, it is important to acknowledge the initiatives already established in
many churches to respond to those who find themselves in difficult financial
circumstances and in need of help. Many Church members are involved in
volunteering in their local communities, giving to charities not associated with
the church and supporting needy families known to them. The examples of
church initiatives that follow cannot take account of individual responses to need
nor is this list exhaustive. Rather the following represents but typical examples.
Some Methodist congregations support the poor by partnering other charitable
organisations. An example of this is Storehouse Belfast, a Christian charity
which aims to eliminate food poverty in the city. Six of our churches are affiliated
to the charity and members of the congregations collect tinned and dried foods
and leave them at drop off points for collection and distribution. Since 2008,
Storehouse has helped over 5000 families in need.
Some churches partner with organisations such as Christians Against Poverty
(CAP) to become a CAP Debt Centre and new opportunities are developing for
churches to facilitate CAP Job Clubs.
People can be homeless for a variety of reasons; all however are exposed to
the elements, lack warm food and often have inadequate clothing. Dublin City
Mission does a soup run four nights per week for the homeless. On these runs
the volunteers provide hats and gloves for those who have none.
Many of the mission churches are involved in food and clothing distribution all
year round but need is often felt most acutely at Christmas time. The mission
churches are involved in providing food hampers and toys at Christmas time.
Many local congregations on the districts support the mission churches in their
efforts to provide for the most needy. The missions provided help to between
500 and 2,500 families in their Christmas outreach in 2012.
Factors that contribute to inability to find work or hold down a job are addressed
through a number of church mission based programmes. Approximately 150
people who do not speak English confidently, currently attend conversation
groups in Dublin Central Mission each week. They can also get help to complete
job application forms. Vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness are
supported through programmes run by Belfast Central Mission and Dublin
Central Mission; others are helped through supported housing projects for young
people.
7. Practical Action
7.1 Whilst acknowledging the work described in paragraph six, it is important
that our churches review their activity in light of the facts about our society and
a consideration of all the implications of what the Gospel has to say in terms of
community, identification and engagement. Such a review will inevitably
challenge any personal complacency and under God’s leading, stimulate
individual and collective action. The recommendations are primarily addressed
to the Church but it is also incumbent to make suggestions and
recommendations for action to other groups with whom the church interacts.
7.2 The Church
7.2.1 A programme of education.
There is a clear need for a programme of education to raise awareness about
the nature of our society and its implications amongst our members. A number
of resources are recommended for use in the following paragraphs.
7.2.2 Advocacy.
There is a requirement to speak and act for and with the poor of our community.
This includes critiquing and challenging the status quo in relation to matters of
social justice. The Church should be a voice for the voiceless.
7.2.3 Connexional support and co-ordination.
Practical action should be encouraged and supported in every circuit. The work
of the City Missions must be applauded but the scale of poverty and deprivation
is so widespread that all of our Societies and Circuits ought to be involved, as
indeed some already are. Despite the move towards membership of the middle
class of many/most Methodists in Ireland, there are many inside our churches
actually living in poverty. It is not only a case of us and them, but also “us” and
“us”. It may be worthwhile to consider how to co-ordinate the social outreach of
the Church, enable a sharing of expertise and assist with advice and training to
those wishing to start a project/underpin work already happening. It would also
be worthwhile to share with sister churches about these issues – there is much
to learn as well as much to give!
7.2.4 Funding.
The Connexion should consider the use of its resources to support social
outreach projects. Local churches should be at least, in a state of readiness to
take up opportunities and funding already available to engage in such work. This
is particularly relevant in inner-city areas. Further information re funding may
be found in the Appendix dealing with sources of funding.
7.2.5 Church Twinning.
Churches from radically different geographic and socio-economic backgrounds
and locations should consider twinning so as to share in Christian worship and
witness as well as in providing each other with insights and, where possible, a
pooling of expertise and talents.
7.3 Government.
The pioneering Victorian Methodist minister, Hugh Price-Hughes advised;”to
view public policy from the vantage point of the poorest” The Methodist Church
in Ireland encourages both Governments to;
• address the level of deprivation and poverty as a priority, and seek to
eliminate poverty:
• “poverty proof” all relevant Government policy prior to approval:
• work with industry to target job stimulation measures to areas with current
low employment possibilities:
7.4 Voluntary Sector
(a) To recognise the potential assistance of churches in supporting and enabling
the work already undertaken by the Voluntary sector – not least with the
contribution of premises and personnel.
(b) To co-ordinate efforts in order to avoid duplication and unnecessary wastage
of resources.
8.Resources
Below are listed a number of organisations and resources which might be of use to
any church group or individual who is seeking to learn more about the causes and
impact of poverty and injustice or become more involved in the battle against them.
The Jesus Agenda is a 9 week study which raises issues of poverty throughout
the world and the importance of Christian advocacy in combating the causes
and impact of extreme poverty in communities around the world. It gives
accurate, up to date information on organisations that are working hard in the
fight against poverty and it points the participant in the direction of how they
might be involved with such groups by providing links to websites and pointers
to social networking pages for each group. More information can be found at
www.thejesusagenda.org.
Tearfund has a long and well established reputation as an organisation which
is working hard to bring relief to the places it is most needed and to raise
awareness of the causes of poverty and injustice in the world. They have a
collection of 101 studies which look at many issues of relief and development,
some of which could be directly linked with more specific issues of poverty in
the context of a church bible study or small group meeting. www.tearfund.org
Christian Aid is another well established organisation. They have developed a
series of papers which outline the theological thinking behind the work of
Christian Aid. These might not suit group study so well but they certainly could
act as a resource in preparing material for working within such study/fellowship
groups in churches. www.christianaid.org.uk
World Vision has also prepared a number of Bible Studies on themes around
poverty and the Christian response to it. www.worldvision.org.uk
Action Aid is an organisation which seeks to mobilize groups and individuals
into advocacy for those who suffer as a result of poverty and injustice. Their
website offers suggestions on how groups and individuals can become involved
in speaking out and acting on issues of poverty and injustice.
www.actionaid.org.uk
“Economic Justice” Bible studies for Lent 2012 by the Bible Association for
the Church of Ireland. www.bibliahibernica.wordpress.com/
8.1 Prompts for small group discussion
To earth some of the points raised in the paper the following questions have
been drafted for discussion in small groups within the church:
a. “Alone”, a group working with elderly people is currently running a billboard
campaign: “Old age isn’t a problem, poverty is”.
What do you think they mean by this?
b. What is important to you, to feel that you are participating fully in your society’s
life, that you are prevented from doing so because of inadequate income or that
you fear you might have to give up if your income dropped below an adequate
level?
What makes you/what would make you feel excluded?
c. Part of the wealth we have is not in the form of money, but in other forms of
capital.
Using the critical thinking aspect of our “social capital”, consider how the
injunction to “love our neighbour as ourselves” might impact on our attitudes to
e.g.
increasing differentials in pay rates:
sharing finite resources for healthcare:
deciding where to live:
allocation of secondary school places:
d. How might we live out our attitudes? Do we, for example, vote to preserve
our own self interests as politicians often expect us to or do we vote for those
whom we believe will best work to build a society based on principles of biblical
or social justice?
e. Many Methodists were active this time last century in the building of a society
incorporating social justice e.g. in the unions and in promoting values that found
expression in the welfare state. Why are we now allowing it to be dismantled
piece by piece? Are there ways in which Methodists can work not only to protect
but also improve structures such as the Welfare State?
f. Is private philanthropy enough?
Who might be left out if we do not take responsibility as a society, but rely on the
altruism of people with money to decide who to support?
Bibliography
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/files/truth_and_lies_report_final.pdf
http://www.eapn.eu/en/what-is-poverty/poverty-what-is-it
http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/soc-prot/soc-incl/joint_rep_en.htm
http://www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/central-anti-poverty-unit
http://www.socialinclusion.ie/StatisticalInformationonPoverty.html
http://www.eapn.eu/en/what-is-poverty/poverty-what-is-it
European Commission, Joint Report on Social Inclusion, 2004,
Townsend, P., Poverty in the United Kingdom, Allen Lane, 1979
Reid J, Alienation, University of Glasgow, 1971
Kittel, G., ed, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament Vols 1-10, Eerdman,
1964ff
Brown, C., ed, New International Dictionary of the New Testament, Paternoster,
1971ff
Marshall, IH., New International Dictionary of the New Testament, Luke,
Paternoster, 1978
Plummer, A., International Critical Commentary on the New Testament, Luke,
Clark, 1910
Nolland, J., Word Biblical Commentary, Vol35a, Nelson, 2000
Dept. Of Social Inclusion, Survey on Income and Living Conditions, October
2012
Social Justice Ireland (SJI), ‘Shaping Ireland’s future’, Dublin,2012
Appendix 1
The Nature of N Ireland Society
Northern Ireland has a population 1.81 million (2011 census). The population is
ageing with a 35% increase in the number of people aged over 85 years in the
ten year period from the last census. The number of children under the age of 3
years is increasing and the number of children aged 0-15yrs is slowly
decreasing.
Monitoring poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland 2012 (Joseph
Rowntree Foundation and The New Policy Institute) is an accessible report
which examines low income, work, benefits and education, providing a
comprehensive analysis and commentary. What emerges in this report is a
complex picture. There has been continued long-term improvement in some
areas and persistent problems in others. There are also variations both between
and within geographical areas and population groups. In all of this, there is the
sense that while the position is no worse than the report published three years
ago, it is also no better, and Northern Ireland is now faced by the uncertainties
of public sector cuts and welfare reform.
Northern Ireland no longer stands out alone in having high rates of DLA claims
and levels of worklessness, it is now comparable to Wales and the North of
England. However, around 23 per cent of working-age people in Northern
Ireland claim a key benefit, compared with 16 per cent in Great Britain. Another
area of divergence is pensioner poverty, which is higher in Northern Ireland than
Great Britain (21 per cent compared with 16 per cent).
One aspect of poverty in Northern Ireland that is common to all parts of the UK
is the increase in in-work poverty. By 2009/10 half of children in poverty in
Northern Ireland lived with a working parent.
As a consequence of the very significant downturn in the global economy and
the UK recession, the economic landscape in N Ireland has changed
dramatically in the last five years. This has resulted in a gradual downsizing of
the public sector, a virtual collapse of the construction industry and a reduction
in manufacturing and retail activity. Overall unemployment has now increased
to 8.2% but youth unemployment sits at an alarming 23.5% in 18 to 25 year olds.
Property prices have plunged whilst the cost of living has increased. This has
adversely affected people across the social spectrum of Northern Ireland
society.
Many home owners find themselves in negative equity and house repossessions
are at an all time high. A local charity, Housing Rights Services, reports that it is
now dealing with 150 new cases per month, this represents a 35% increase from
the previous year. At the time of writing, the East Belfast Mission’s homeless
hostel has seven residents who had owned their own homes and lost them due
to repossession for inability to maintain mortgage repayments.
Northern Ireland society is divided and there are very significant differences in
the most affluent and least affluent electoral wards. The areas of deprivation
most affected by years of sectarian conflict are still struggling to escape their
past.
Poverty stories are many and varied;
Mary is in her late 30’s; she is struggling to make ends meet after being
diagnosed with cancer in early 2013. Although she has experienced
homelessness in the past, she and her partner have been living independently
since 2006. Since being homeless, she has been reliant on the benefit system,
but is unable to maintain financial stability.
Her recent diagnosis necessitated a change from Job Seekers Allowance to
Employment and Support Allowance. Despite the fact that her transfer was
prioritized due to the severity of her diagnosis, she was left without benefits for
over a month. That gap in services has made it difficult for Mary and her partner
to stay on top of housing and food costs in recent months. Though they have
been able to maintain their current residency, she said of her experience that “It
doesn’t matter who you are. Even if you’re on benefits, you are extremely
vulnerable to becoming homeless.”
She has received emotional support from her church, but feels that she hasn’t
fully utilized the available financial, practical, or emotional support, “Because I
haven’t asked, and I don’t like to ask.”
Appendix 2
The Nature of Society in the Republic of Ireland
The nature of the ‘Boom to bust’ economy in the Republic has thrown a variety
of people into different levels of poverty. The Celtic Tiger had passed by many
and for others the practical impact of its demise was devastating. Further
budgetary cuts to deal with the country’s debt highlight that poverty is likely to
remain at high levels for years to come.
Unemployment tripled from 2008 to almost 15% (2012). A high number are
regarded as long-term unemployed. Among young people, the rate is nearly
double the average. While there has been a levelling off, there are no signs to
suggest that unemployment will decrease significantly soon.
In 2012 Social Justice Ireland (SJI) issued a report called ‘Shaping Ireland’s
future’. It is probably the most useful and up-to-date background document on
poverty in the Irish Republic. According to the report 15% of the population are
in poverty. Of that 700,000, children make up 200,000, and 120,000 have jobs.
The report reflects on the impact of government policy upon society. In doing
so, it highlights high levels of poverty and questions how current trends in
addressing the economic situation in the country can benefit the Irish people.
From urban communities that suffer high unemployment and anti-social
behaviour to rural areas where the results of migration are most felt, poverty
takes various forms. For example, those under strain often have to make hard
choices about what they can afford, including what they eat. The Department
of Social Protection reported that in 2010, 10% of the population experienced
food poverty. (The inability to have an adequate and nutritious diet due to issues
of affordability or accessibility.) Of those in their survey who said that they found
it difficult to make ends meet, this was 24%. (Dept. Of Social Inclusion - Survey
on Income and Living Conditions, October 2012)
Almost 2% of the population left the country in 2011, with many being young and
educated. While this is a symptom of the country’s challenges, it impacts on
families and future economic prospects. The SJI report says that a quarter of
male students, aged 15+ do not have the level of literacy needed to fully
participate in society and further training.
In the SJI report, its director, Fr Sean Healy states that Ireland has around
100,000 households on waiting lists for social housing with no prospect for
change. Nearly a quarter of them have been waiting for more than four years.
However there are also those like ‘Colm’, a Garda sergeant, who along with his
wife, bought a fairly average four bedroom semi-detached house in a good area
not long before property prices slumped. Saddled with a mortgage of €1400 per
month, Colm and his family have been struggling and are in trouble. While
families like this often appear on the outside to be OK, the constraints on their
finances are then exacerbated with other cuts, such as in this case, cuts in public
service pay. Many like Colm have consulted with MABS (Money Advice and
Budgeting Service). “We are the silent poverty class. We’re not the kind to ring
Joe Duffy or give our names but I’m sure there are thousands like us. There is
absolutely no help and no one listening . . .” (Irish Times, 17/10/2012)
The SJI report refers to a ‘two-tier society’ in Ireland. In its conclusion it says, ‘it
is obvious that we are becoming an ever more unequal society. Scarce
resources are being taken from poorer people to offset the debts of bankers and
speculators. This shift of resources is made possible by the support of our
national value system.’ In calling for a ‘fundamental change in values’, it says,
’this dualism in our values allows us to continue with the status quo. It allows us
to implicitly find acceptable the exclusion of almost one sixth of the population
from the mainstream of our society while substantial resources and opportunities
are channelled towards other groups in society. This dualism operates at the
levels of the individual, communities and sectors.’
Ireland has a strong tradition and ethic of charity. However, writing in the Irish
Times (24/11/12), Kathleen Lynch TD, minister for equality, says that ‘by relying
on charity to guide public policy, Ireland has never developed a deep political
and moral commitment to developing a truly welfare-led caring state, a state
whose primary concern is the welfare of all the people.’ In a country that has
changed greatly in recent decades, this means that many in society fall foul of
the resulting inequality.
Theological reflections on Gambling and the National Lottery.
Preamble
Conference 2012 passed the following resolution:
The Conference affirms its opposition to all forms of gambling. However,
in light of the increased move by government to meet its social
responsibility through lottery-sourced funding, Conference resolves to
permit Missions and other Church bodies to apply for lottery-sourced
funding under the following circumstances:
for specific projects that enhance work alongside those in need,
when all other potential sources of funding have been exhausted, and
where such projects help in addressing issues of injustice and deprivation
in our society.
In light of this resolution and the widespread concern expressed throughout the
Connexion regarding gambling in general and lottery in particular, the General
Committee sensed that two areas needed further reflection. CSR with others
was requested to;
• explore more fully the alternative sources of funding which churches and
community projects might access; and
•
explore more deeply the theological issues around gambling, lottery
funding and use of money; the issue of whether money is redeemable
should be addressed.
Introduction
Notwithstanding the increasing complexity and growth of the gambling industry,
the Methodist Church in Ireland has traditionally given a lead in opposing
gambling in all its forms. It is regarded as a sinful activity with harmful social
consequences and thus reflects neither love of God nor neighbour.
Our present legislation states:
10.67 Gambling of every kind is expressly forbidden in all Methodist Church
buildings; and further:-
(a) The raising of funds for Methodist Church purposes by means of
raffles, gaming or by any method which involves gambling is not permitted
under any circumstances.
(b) Raffles are not permitted in halls, schools, institutes or other premises
forming part of our Church buildings.
(c) Guessing and other competitions which involve the method or principle
of the raffle are also excluded.
It has been argued that para. 10.67 (a) refers only to raising of funds “for
Methodist Church purposes” and not to the expenditure of such funds. Is this a
valid distinction? Does it not follow, at least implicitly if not legally, that if funds
cannot be raised by gambling “for Methodist Church purposes” applying for and
accepting lottery funding is in fact a breach of this regulation? It has further been
argued that this particular paragraph does not (and by definition cannot) legislate
for monies generated outside the Methodist Church and that the question of the
use of such funds is a separate issue.
But consider then these extracts from United Methodist Church 2008 Book of
Resolutions, Gambling:
“The Church should promote standards and personal lifestyles that would make
unnecessary and undesirable the resort to commercial gambling - including
public lotteries - as a recreation, as an escape, or as a means of producing public
revenue or funds for support of charities or government.
“The Church’s prophetic call is to promote standards of justice and
advocacy which would make it unnecessary and undesirable to resort to
commercial gambling - including public lotteries, casinos, raffles, Internet
gambling, gambling with an emerging wireless technology and other games of
chance - as a recreation, as an escape, or as a means of producing public
revenue or funds for support of charities or government.”
In practice, this means that United Methodist churches should not raise funds
through methods such as raffles, lotteries, bingo or drawings for door prizes or
through games of chance such as bingo.
However, in any discussion regarding accepting Lottery Funding, the Methodist
Church in Ireland needs to bear in mind the view the Methodist Church in Britain
takes. In 1999, the British Methodist Conference voted in favour of accepting
National Lottery Funding. The motion was as follows:
“The Conference resolves that Church Courts may be permitted to apply for
lottery funding through Good Causes (subject to any approval required by
Standing Orders), and any such applications made by Church Courts or other
Methodist bodies should be particularly sensitive to the feelings of their natural
constituency and supporters.”
This decision was made on the basis of a number of factors including:
• The decision of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, in1998,
to permit its congregations to make such application for Lottery funds as
they saw fit.
• Little if any government funding is now Lottery-free
• An increasing number of British Christians now play the Lottery and it is
known that some Methodists are giving a portion of their winnings to the
church.
• Lottery funding must be matched by an equivalent amount from the
church.
The British Methodist Church, like ourselves, was frustrated to find that funds
once available from government sources could no longer be accessed unless
its position changed. It needs to be recognised that despite the decision to
accept Lottery funding, in 2005, along with other churches, it successfully lobbied
the government to bring significant amendments to the Gaming Act.
Also in 2005, the British Methodist Church along with the Salvation Army
produced a paper entitled ‘Against the odds...? Information about the Gambling
Act 2005 and problem gambling’
In its opening statement it states:
“Problem gambling impacts on the individual, their friends, family and colleagues,
and on society. Financial pressures can build on people who have problems
with their gambling so they are forced to borrow or steal more and more money.
The ‘normalisation’ of gambling through public acceptance of the National Lottery
and the increase in opportunities to gamble, especially through the internet,
means that more and more people are likely to come into contact with gambling
and problem gambling.”
While it acknowledges that ‘soft’ forms of gambling such as the lottery are less
likely to become addictive it does not say it is not addictive. Indeed, it cites in its
paper a table produced by the British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2007 which
shows the gambling habits of UK citizens. The top four are: Playing the National
Lottery 57%; buying scratch-cards 20%; Betting on horses 17%; and Playing on
fruit machines 14%. Towards the end of its paper we read;
“Let’s be clear – there is no commandment that reads ‘Thou shalt not gamble’.
However, it would be wrong to say that the Bible offers no insight into the issue.
There are over 2,000 verses in the Bible that make reference to poverty. These
verses implore followers of God to oppose injustice and to stand up for the poor
and oppressed. While there are so many people in need in the world, each of
us must consider our spending in every area of life very carefully. Spending
money and time on gambling, just like all other forms of expenditure, must be
considered in the light of the requirement of good stewardship of resources.
With few exceptions, gambling is built upon the premise that many must lose in
order for a few to win. It therefore appeals to two of humanity’s least appealing
characteristics – selfishness and greed. The gambler not only desires to win
but in doing so, knowingly or unknowingly, desires that others lose. This does
not sit well with Jesus’ words; ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.
(Luke 6:31)”
“Christians are sometimes called upon to sacrifice their own freedoms for the
sake of others who are more susceptible to harm from engagement in activities
which, to quote the Apostle Paul, may well be permissible but are not necessarily
beneficial or constructive.(1 Corinthians 10:23-33)”
In all our considerations on the issue for lottery funding for the Methodist Church
on this island we must ask ourselves is it credible for us, as the British Methodist
church has found itself able, to hold both to the views expressed in “Against the
odds.....?” and to accept lottery funding? Or is it more credible and indeed more
prophetic to take the stance of the United Methodist Church?
Some argue that the investment in the Stock Exchange is gambling and can
have harmful consequences for society. Is there a substantive difference
between gambling and investing?
Merriam-Webster defines “investing” as: “to commit (money) in order to earn a
financial return.” Secondly, it is defined as: “to make use of for future benefits
or advantages”. For “gamble”, the first meaning is “to play a game for money or
property” and the second is “to stake something on a contingency.” An investor
is buying a stake in a company with the hope that their money will make a return
over several years. A gambler plays a game hoping to double or triple their
money in a very short period of time, a day, a week at the loser’s expense.
Certainly, some investors turn it into a gamble by buying and selling on the basis
of “hot tips” and rumours with the hope of making a “fast buck”. A wise investor
is hoping that over time the company will be successful, profitable and give its
shareholders dividends thus the obligation on any Christian to invest ethically
and sensibly.
It is true that lots were cast in the Bible. The practice of casting lots (cleromancy)
is mentioned 70 times in the Old Testament and three times in the New
Testament. The exact method is unknown but they were most likely sticks of
various lengths, flat stones or some kind of dice. The closest modern day
equivalent would be that of flipping a coin.
Some examples from the Old Testament include God allowing the Israelites to
cast lots in order to determine His will for a given situation (Josh 18:6-10; 1 Chron
24:5,31), the sailors on Jonah’s ship (Jonah 1:7) and the determination of various
offices and functions in the temple (1 Chron 24:5, 31; 25:8-9; 26:13-14).
The three recordings of casting lots in the New Testament are: Luke 1:9
(choosing Zechariah to enter the temple to burn incense); Matt 27:35 (the Roman
soldiers deciding who would get Jesus’ garments) and Acts 1:26 (the apostles
deciding who would replace Judas).
Immediately following the choosing of Matthias in Acts 1:26, is the story of
Pentecost (Acts 2 ff). After that event there are no more records in scripture of
the use of casting lots. Rather, it seems, the very early church became
dependent on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to guide and lead, and not chance.
Although for the most part Christians have not used chance to make decisions,
over the years some have. For example, in the Eastern Orthodox Church this
method of selection is still occasionally used. In 1917 Metropolitan Tikhon was
elected Patriarch of Moscow by the drawing of lots. German Pietist Christians in
the 18th Century often followed the New Testament precedent of drawing Lots
to determine the will of God. This was often done by selecting a random Bible
passage. While cleromancy is dependent on the laws of the universe such as
position and force, God’s ability to intervene with those laws, a miracle, can
never be ruled out. We have a record of his intervention in cleromancy in Acts
1:26.
Does this means that seeking out the voice of the Holy Spirit by chance, whether
it be throwing a dice or flipping open the Bible, is to be recommended for the
Church today?
Consider the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as the Methodist approach to theological
reflection. It involves Scripture, Reason, Tradition and Experience. The model
recognises the God-given gift of our intellect, the wisdom of those who went
before us, the heart-warming experience as well as Scripture as helpful and
important tools to seek out God’s will for us, the church and the whole of His
creation.
In Hebrews we hear the author say: “God, who at various times and in various
ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days
spoken to us by His Son.” (Heb 1:1-2) In Paul’s prayer for the Romans he says:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that
you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13) and
how he urges the church “to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the
pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and
perfect will.” (Rom12: 1-2)
These verses lead us into a relationship with God’s Son, and to hear His direction
through the gift of the Holy Spirit. God has now become more relational and
personal than anywhere else in Scripture so the Church no longer needs to look
at impersonal ways of hearing Him, such as through the cleromancy, but rather
through a relationship with Him bound by the ties of the Holy Spirit.
Some New Testament Guidelines for making decisions should include:
• Willingness to acknowledge one’s weaknesses and vulnerability and act
with humility as a reflection of Christ’s nature (Phil 2.2-8).
• Willingness, if necessary, to take risks and face the unpredictable.
• Expectation that the Spirit will speak through everyone regardless of
whether or not they agree with one‘s viewpoint.
• Willingness to respect and listen to the contributions of all.
• Belief that God grants gifts to all people and that we can only function
effectively within the Church with the help of fellow Christians (1 Cor
12.12-27).
• Confidence and trust that God has a vision for the Church (Eph 5.17).
• Dependence on the Holy Spirit’s guidance in seeking God’s vision for the
way forward (Acts 15.28).
There follow some reflections under three headings: historical, theological and
moral.
Historical
The early Methodists, including Rev John Wesley, influenced by the Puritans,
were opposed to “gaming”. Some Westminster divines argued that a person
participating in gambling was in breach of all Ten Commandments! In Sermon
XLIV on the use of money, Wesley sums up the implicit Christian view when he
counts gambling as a means of gain inconsistent with love of neighbour. In
Sermon LII he refers to gamblers “who made a trade of seizing on young and
inexperienced men, and tricking them out of all their money ... not a few of these
(were constrained) honestly to earn their bread by the sweat of their brow, and
the labour of their hands.”
In 1930, the Methodist Church in Ireland, with the Irish Council of Churches,
opposed the creation of the Hospital Sweepstakes in the Irish Free State,
rejecting the raising or use of the proceeds of gambling for Church work and
“philanthropic purposes.” The Methodist Church also campaigned against the
introduction of the National Lottery in the Republic of Ireland in 1986 and in the
United Kingdom in 1994.
It is known that the largest percentage of persons purchasing lottery tickets
comes from those on low incomes. The Lottery has been described as a “tax
on the poor” who grasp at the chance to escape the poverty trap. By denouncing
the Lottery our Church has expressed the biblical “option for the poor” and has
tried to set an example for the sake of the urban poor. In the 1931 Conference,
opposition to the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes was regarded as an “unmistakable
witness on the part of the Church.” James 2 v 17 reminds us that “Faith by itself,
if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Our Church made significant statements about gambling in 1931, 1951, 1958,
2003, 2007 and 2012 and is concerned about the spread of internet gambling.
Methodists are urged to abstain from gambling and to minister to those addicted
to or victimized by the practice. Our Church’s prophetic call is to promote
standards of justice and advocacy that make us question the need to resort to
gambling as a recreation or escape, or as a means of providing public revenue
or funds for the support of charities or Government.
Theological
Two key questions need to be addressed. Is money neutral? Can money be
redeemed?
Let us first be reminded why Christians are opposed to gambling. Archbishop
William Temple famously outlined four theological reasons why gambling is
wrong in itself.
(a) God leaves nothing to chance.
To make chance the arbiter is to subvert the God-given moral order and,
thus, the stability of life. According to the Bible, God is the God of order
who leaves nothing to good fortune. He provides all that his people need.
We are not to trust our luck. We are to rely fully on God’s providence.
(b) Gambling contradicts the biblical principle of stewardship.
Before God we are not proprietors and owners but caretakers and
stewards of all that we have. What we possess is not our own, it belongs
to God. We have it on trust. Gambling involves needlessly risking what
belongs to God. In due time, we will render an account to God for our
stewardship.
(c) Gambling promotes self-interest.
It is anti-social as it seeks to profit from someone else’s loss. The winner’s
pleasure is had at the expense of the misery of the losers. A spirit of
self-interest cannot cast out selfishness. It runs contrary to our calling
which is to deny ourselves and to love our neighbour. Jesus commanded
in Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
(d) Gambling appeals to covetousness.
The Bible promotes reason, responsibility, skill and justice. Gambling
undermines these. Covetousness is condemned in the Commandments
and by the teaching of Jesus.
We could add that gambling causes havoc to individuals and families. The
danger of addiction is strong. Christians are sometimes called upon to sacrifice
their own freedoms for the sake of others, especially children, who are
susceptible to harm from engagement in particular activities.
Paul said in 1 Cor 10 v 23, 24 “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say - but not
everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’ - but not everything is
constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
Is money neutral?
Scripture does not condemn money as sinful but the love of money is clearly
condemned; “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim 6:9,10.)
Whilst John Wesley condemned gaming – likening it to the activity of fraudulent
tradespeople, he also believed that “The fault does not lie in money, but in them
that use it.” Rather, says Wesley, money “is an excellent gift of God, answering
the noblest ends. In the hands of his children, it is food for the hungry, drink for
the thirsty, raiment for the naked … It is therefore of the highest concern that all
who fear God know how to employ this valuable talent.”
Can polluted money be redeemed?
If you were offered the gift of a used car which you knew to be stolen, would you
accept it? The answer is “No.” Much less would you ask for it! If, as gambling
impact studies suggest, the Lottery is an “unjust” and “regressive” tax then it is
stealing by another name.
To redeem something (in theological terms) means to bring back its freedom at
a cost. The Church should not be in the business of “laundering” dirty money
(as some would see it); but is it willing to bear the cost of transforming, restoring
and freeing those chained by poverty and injustice?
Is the cost to accept lottery funding, and to risk signalling the approval of such
gambling and the widespread misery it causes?
All funding and gifts are money that has passed through many hands and from
many origins, some of these may not be in keeping with our standards or
teaching, but it is used in the hope of extending God’s kingdom.
Our church needs to accept the clear Biblical principle of tithing and recognise
that giving is first and foremost not a financial issue but a spiritual issue. Our
giving reflects the true state of our spiritual lives.
As a society it also follows that we must be willing to pay increased taxes to do
good and promote social justice.
Moral
Can the end ever justify the means?
Philosophers have been reluctant to allow that “the end justifies the means”.
Methodists follow Wesley who said: “We are not allowed ‘to do evil that good
may come.” The opposition of the Conference to the raising or use of funds from
gambling, inside and outside our church buildings, was ably expressed in the
1931 Conference by Rev R Lee Cole: “It [i.e. The Conference] feels that it cannot
be right to seek an end, however useful, by means which are evil and that
permanent good will never be secured by immoral methods.” Hudson Taylor,
founder of the China Inland Mission, said: “God’s work done in God’s way will
never lack God’s supply.”
We are challenged by Jesus who seemed to break the accepted rules, and who
suggests that God’s work done in God’s way is sometimes supplied by rather
strange sources. Is it better to stand on our principles and walk past the man
lying beside the road, as a good priest or Levite or is it better to use all the
resources and means, whoever from, to care for that man, woman or child in
trouble?
Conclusion
The lottery as ‘a thinly disguised and unjust tax’ and it is argued that there is no
biblical basis for relying on chance for income, either through gambling or
applying to an unjust structure for monies.
Notwithstanding the current recession and austerity measures, as a Church,
theological integrity should not be sacrificed in favour of pragmatism or economic
expediency. St Paul said: “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before
God and man” (Acts 24 v 16.)
Prior to the National Lottery being introduced in the United Kingdom in 1994 firm
assurances were given that funding derived from the Lottery would be additional
to and not a replacement for statutory funding. These assurances have largely
been ignored or forgotten and increasingly funding for various projects is derived
solely from Lottery funding; hence the social outreach of the Missions and
Circuits of MCI has been severely limited. Government needs to be reminded
that assurances given when introducing the National Lottery in 1994 should be
honoured. A large proportion of the Social & Youth work of the nation is done by
the Churches and other faith based organisations. Why should they be excluded
from funding if a principled stand against gambling prevents access to National
Lottery sources?
Funding Sources for MCI Projects
Following Conference 2012, the General Committee asked CSR to explore more
fully, alternative sources of funding which churches and community projects
might access. This paper covers emerging funds, statutory funding and some
of the funding sources listed in the Directory of Grant making Trusts.
Emerging Funds
Dormant Account Scheme
This Scheme has been referred to on previous occasions. The legislation
necessary to enable the distribution of dormant account monies is in the latter
stages of its passage through the N.I. Assembly and presently the Scheme will
be announced.
The legislation will restrict the purpose for which, and the kinds of persons to
whom distribution of dormant account monies for meeting NI expenditure may
be made. The Department of Finance and Personnel (DfP) is minded to restrict
the entire distribution of such monies to the Ulster Community Investment Trust
(UCIT)
Under the proposal UCIT will operate as the body through which dormant
account funding will be channelled to other bodies, in the form of soft repayable
loans. This appears to DfP to be the way in which to guarantee best value for
money because UCIT have agreed that it will provide matched funding and
administer the fund on a not-for-profit basis. No other body will be used as a
channel through which money is to be distributed.
Section 75 of the N Ireland (1998) Act precludes dormant account money being
restricted to churches and faith based organisations with ethical difficulties
regarding lottery. There is reason to believe that UCIT matched funding can be
so restricted without breaching Section 75 provisions. The total is likely to be
£2million.
A watching brief will be exercised in this matter and when legislation is passed
the Connexion will be informed.
Social Investment Fund
In March 2011 the Northern Ireland Executive agreed the establishment of an
£80 million Social Investment Fund aimed at reducing poverty and
unemployment as announced by OFMDFM. The Fund will be an integrated
approach to enhance economic growth, employability and the sustainability of
communities.
The Social Investment Fund will redress this imbalance by building pathways to
employment, ending dereliction, increasing community services and tackling the
systemic issues linked to deprivation. Tackling these issues will require
interventions of significant scale to be delivered in partnership with communities
on a cross departmental basis. The Fund will reduce poverty, unemployment
and physical deterioration. Currently the Fund is at consultation stage.
Department for Social Development
In the past few years a number of Societies have provided either alone or in
concert with other agencies foodstuffs for those in particular need. The work of
Storehouse is particularly to be commended in this regard. Assurances have
been given that DSD can assist with this sort of project.
Statutory Sources of Funding
The Listed Places of worship Scheme
The Listed Places of worship Scheme makes grants towards VAT incurred in
making repairs and carrying out necessary alterations to listed building used for
pubic worship.
An earlier Scheme (HMRC Notice 708 Scheme) was established in 2001 to
provide grants towards VAT paid on repairs and maintenance to listed buildings.
As part of Budget 2012 HM Government announced the withdrawal of the zero
rate of VAT for approved alterations to listed buildings from 1 October 2012. It
was announced at that time that The Listed Places of worship Scheme would
be extended to offset the financial impact of VAT changes by virtue of the
rescinding the earlier scheme on undertaking alteration work. The extended
scheme became operational on 1 October 2012. The extended scheme is
designed to be as simple as possible. The funding for the scheme has
subsequently been increased for 2012/13 onwards for the length of this
Parliament.
As an example of the benefit accruing to a Society the case of Mountpottinger
may be cited. Mountpottinger Church upgraded kitchen facilities at the Church
together with ancillary work. Had VAT been levied the kitchen scheme would
have cost £110K - £115K. With VAT zero rating and a substantial grant from
The Joseph Rank Trust the net cost of the scheme to Mountpottinger was approx
£70K - £75K – a saving of some 35%
Further information regarding
www.lpwscheme.org.uk
this
scheme
may
be
found
at
Department of Education
In the years following the enactment of the Education & Libraries (NI) Order 1972
many churches benefited very considerably both in relation to capital expenditure
and recurring expenditure with a significant number of Youth Clubs (essentially
Church Youth Clubs) being built and funded by DENI.
The Recreation & Youth Service (NI) Order 1986 distinguished between “central
voluntary organisation” and “a voluntary organisation”, i.e. central/HQ
organisations and local youth provision.
With the passage of time it is important to note that the essential provision of
the 1972 Order has not been rescinded, indeed the Education Bill currently
before the Assembly (the so-called Education & Skills Authority (ESA) Bill) has
the following clause included (Clause 16(2))
“For that purpose ESA may, with the approval of the Department, either alone
or together with any other person -
(a) establish, maintain and manage any such facilities;
(b) organise any such activities;
(c) assist, by grants or otherwise, any person to establish, maintain and
manage any such facilities or to organise any such activities;
(d) provide, or assist by grants or otherwise in the provision of, leaders
for such activities; and
(e) defray or contribute towards the expenses of any persons taking part
in any such activities.”
There is thus a clear, unmistakeable and unbroken line regarding youth service
provision and the recognition of the crucial role that the voluntary/Church sector
has played and continues to play in youth service provision in N Ireland.
Conversations are ongoing with DENI regarding the full implementation of these
statutory provisions
The Directory of Grant Making Trusts
This book covers the largest 2,500 grant-making trusts in the UK that give grants
to organisations. The amounts given by individual funders range from £25,000
in total each year up to £551.5 million.
The Directory of Grant Making Trusts (DGMT) is a key resource for identifying
the most appropriate funders that have money available to invest, enabling
charities to focus on providing vital services and delivering on their charitable
aims. A copy of DGMT is available for reference purposes only from CSR.
Trusts and foundations also play an important role in making the task of
identifying available funding as simple as possible for charities. Being
transparent about what is and is not funded, ensuring application processes are
straightforward and being supportive can all make a significant difference to
charities when requesting investment and/or support.
A number of grant making trusts that have particular relevance to churches in
both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are listed below.
National Heritage Memorial Fund Grants (Northern Ireland)
Churches in Northern Ireland may make application to the National Heritage
Memorial Fund for a grant to assist in the preservation and maintenance of a
church.
The project must be seen as being of particular importance to the national
heritage.
Conditions applying to the terms of the grant include a requirement that the
church building must be open for 40 days a year, apart from Sundays.
Additionally, it should be ensured that the church will remain viable for a
considerable period as there is a ten year clawback period in respect of the
grant.
All Churches Trust Limited
All Churches Trust Limited supports appeals from churches for building and
restoration projects, repair of church fabric, church community initiatives,
religious charities, charities preserving UK heritage and other charitable causes.
Grants are made out of income derived from All Churches Trust Limited’s wholly
owned subsidiary, Ecclesiastical Insurance Office Plc. Full information and
application form may be obtained from the website www.allchurches.co.uk
Leader Funding (Republic of Ireland)
There are 36 individual companies administering Leader funding throughout rural
areas in the Republic of Ireland. These companies use different names based
on their location, and often are referred to as Integrated Local Development
Company, Leader Company, the Leader Partnership or the Local Action Group
(LAG). They all administer this particular rural development fund and must apply
consistent rules for administering the money. Each LAG will have different
priorities based on their local plan and the needs of the area. Contact your local
Leader Group for advice.
Civic Structures Conservation Grants Scheme (Republic of Ireland)
The Scheme, operated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and
Local Government, provides grants in relation to the restoration and conservation
of the architectural heritage of buildings which are in public ownership or open
to the public generally and which are seen as being of considerable architectural
merit. This includes places of worship. Details may be obtained from the
Department’s website at www.environ.ie
The Heritage Council Buildings at Risk Scheme
Operated by the Heritage Council for repairs to historic buildings. Details may
be obtained from the Heritage Council’s website at www.heritagecouncil.ie and
from the Heritage Council, Church Lane, Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny.
The Heritage Council Significant Places of Worship Grant Scheme
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government set up the
Grant Scheme in 2008, administered by the Heritage Council, to assist in
meeting the costs of major conservation works for Cathedrals, Churches and
other Places of Public Worship of national importance in the ownership of
religious bodies. Details may be obtained from the Heritage Council’s website
at www.heritagecouncil.ie and from the Heritage Council, Church Lane, Kilkenny,
Co Kilkenny.
Architectural Heritage Protection for Places of Public Worship (Republic
of Ireland) – Guidelines for Planning Authorities
The text of the Guidelines is available on the Department of the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government website at www.environ.ie.
The Joseph Rank Trust
MCI is greatly indebted to the Joseph Rank Trust. Over the course of the past
25 years or so a sum in excess of £7M has been invested in the Church. Further
information is available from Rev David Mullan to whom the Church is also
deeply indebted.
Mrs Diane Dodds MEP
Mrs Diane Dodds MEP has produced “Signposts for Funding for Churches”
which contains details of 53 funders offering money. Some give small grants of
hundreds but others give large grants of thousands. Further information is
available at; www.DianeDodds.co.uk
AGENDA
1.
The Conference receives the report of the council.
2.
The Conference receives the report on Physician Assisted Suicide - PAS
as a resource and encourages the further improvement in care of the
terminally ill.
3.
The Conference receives the report on Poverty and Deprivation as both
a resource document and more importantly an encouragement to practical
action.
4.
The Conference receives the report on Theological reflections on
Gambling and the National Lottery as a discussion enabler, and the paper
Funding Sources for MCI Projects as a resource to be made available to
enable circuits in their on-going fundraising and work.
5.
The Conference recommends that the attention of our people be drawn
to our Social Responsibility standards and the work of CSR on the first
Sunday in Lent, 9th March 2014 or on a Sunday as near to that date as
local circumstances permit. Material will be circulated to enable this to
happen across circuits.
6.
The Conference further recommends that if possible:
Creation-tide be observed in September and early October
Racial Justice Sunday be observed on 8th September 2013
Poverty and Homelessness Action Week be observed from Sunday 26th
January to Sunday 2nd February 2014.
7.
The Conference appoints Rev Steven Foster as Joint Chairperson, and
chair of the Southern Executive.
Reasoned Statement:
Rev Steven G. Foster has been a member of the Southern Executive of
the Council, and hence part of the joint Council on Social Responsibility
for the past two years. He has served on the Poverty working group, and
has a real concern for people and the circumstances they and their
families find themselves in. Steven has experience of ministry throughout
Ireland, and is familiar with both urban and rural pressures. His gentle
and affable manner is appreciated by many as he seeks to listen and then
guide people in the way of Christ. His use of technology and modern
communication and presentation of the gospel is a skill that is also needed
within the council.
Mr. Foster is not afraid to take a stand and speak out on issues when
needed, and has the full confidence of the Southern Executive to
co-ordinate their work and play his part within the officers of the joint
council as they continue this work for the Connexion.
8.
Thanks
The Conference expresses its gratitude to the Rev John Purdy who has
served as Chair of the Southern Executive for the past five years. John’s
passion for social issues, his deep care for the marginalised and his
concern for creation has shone throughout. His work on the Environment
sub-committee demonstrated his commitment to “theology in action”. As
Chair of the Southern Executive John brought insight, understanding and
focus to the many varied discussions and showed leadership through
listening, encouraging, nurturing and supporting all on the Council. We
ask that God’s blessing continue to flow upon him as he takes up new
challenges.
Nominations Committee
PRESIDENT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND
Rev Andrew N. Boucher
Rev Andrew N. Boucher has travelled for twenty six years. He is currently
stationed as Superintendent on the Finaghy and Seymour Hill Circuit, having
previously served on the following Circuits: Dunkineely & Ardara, Larne (Craigy
Hill), Charlemont & Cranagill, Newtownabbey Mission.
His previous service to the Connexion includes being appointed District
Superintendent of the North East District, Ministerial Treasurer of DYCW,
Secretary & Ministerial Treasurer of the Ministers’ Children’s Fund and a District
Stationer.
In addition to being an incoming District Stationer, he is Ministerial Secretary of
the Stipends and Allowances Board.
Rev Peter D. Murray
Rev Peter D. Murray has travelled for twenty six years. He is currently
Superintendent of the North West Methodist Mission, having previously served
on the following Circuits: North Connacht, Bangor (Carnalea), Newtownabbey
Mission (Glengormley), Bangor (Ballyholme and Primacy).
His previous service to the Connexion includes being Senior Secretary to the
Board of Examiners and Secretary of the Down District, as well as membership
of the Ministry of Healing Committee, the Council for Social Responsibility and
the Child Care Society.
He is Secretary of the North West District.
Rev Kenneth J. Robinson
Rev Kenneth J. Robinson has travelled for thirty six years. He is currently
stationed on the Portadown Circuit, having previously served on the following
Circuits: Larne (Craigy Hill), Londonderry City Mission (Strabane & New
Buildings), Donacloney, Ballyclare, Sydenham, Enniskillen.
His previous service to the Connexion includes being appointed District
Superintendent of the Lakelands District, Connexional Secretary for Local
Preachers, District Stationer and Convener of the Allocations Committee.
He is District Superintendent of the Portadown District and Superintendent of
the Aughnacloy & Monaghan Circuit. He continues to serve on the Council for
Social Responsibility.
To these names the Conference may, if it desires, add other names.
Further nominations shall have the prior approval of the nominee and
be supported by six members of the Conference (three ministers and
three laypersons). Those nominating additional candidates shall be
responsible for the preparation of a reasoned statement of a similar
nature to those produced by the Nominations Committee. All further
completed nominations must be received by the Secretary of
Conference by 12.00 noon on Thursday June 13th 2013.
World Development and Relief Committee
IF
IF Tax was paid honestly and fairly by big companies operating in poor countries IF Aid was given by rich countries at the UN recommended rate of 0.7% of
national income and targeted at the poorest communities IF Land was used to feed people and not grow fuel for cars IF Transparency was exercised in making decisions of world food prices –
Then, according to the IF campaign problems of global hunger and malnutrition
could be overcome. There is enough food to feed everyone in the world. To
tackle the issue of hunger the poorest people need access to land, small-scale
credit schemes and fairness in tax and international decision-making.
Immediately following the Methodist Conference (17th/18th June) the g8 group
of major world economies meet in Fermanagh and the Irish presidency of the
EU will have just concluded. These events place Ireland at the centre of
important decision making for the whole world.
(Christian Aid has material available on the IF campaign)
All Change
This past year John Parkin has acted as Convener of the World Development
and Relief Committee. This has given the Rev David Nixon time to settle back
into Ireland after ten years as a mission partner in Zambia and to get to know
contacts and partners in the work of the WDRC. He has visited project holders
in Ghana supported by our fund and has attended events arranged by Christian
Aid Ireland and the British Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF).
David will take over as Convener of the WDRC from June 2013 subject to
Conference approval.
Christian Aid Ireland and the British Methodist Relief and Development Fund
have both appointed new Chief Executive Officers this year. Rosamund Bennet
has taken over responsibility for Christian Aid Ireland. Previously she worked
with the Northern Bank and National Irish Bank. Maurice Adams the new CEO
of MRDF has worked for many years on large health and education programmes
in southern Africa.
Projects supported by the World Development Fund
2012-13
PARTNERSHIPS IN ASIA
SAFE, Afghanistan
Access to clean water
€7,900 / £6,600
Kopila, Nepal
Gender advocacy and empowerment
€14,400 / £12,000 pa (1st of 3)
Ebenezer Women Welfare Society, India
HIV/AIDS
€7,800 / £6,500 pa (2nd of 2)
India Peace Centre
Peace and reconciliation within development
€1,000 / £830
Church of Bangladesh
Christmas Star Project: education
€2,800 / £2,300
* Interdependent Society Surkhet, Nepal
Uterine prolapse reduction
€24,000 / £20,000
Society for Community Development Project, India
Alternative income for families of child labourers
€7,600 / £6,300 pa (2nd of 3)
PARTNERSHIPS IN AFRICA
Methodist Church in Ghana
Agroforestry and woodlot
€6,700 / £5,600
Open Schools Worldwide, Southern Africa
Education for children at risk
€14,400 / £12,000 pa (1st of 2)
Dabane Trust, Zimbabwe
Small scale, sustainable vegetable gardens
€15,000 / £12,500
Kituntu Women’s Association, Uganda
Clean water and sanitation
€6,600 / £5,500
Rural Health Care Foundation, Uganda
Rural healthcare
€9,000 / £7,500
Phakamisa, South Africa
Education and orphan caregiver support (HIV/AIDS)
€9,600 / £8,000 pa (1st of 3)
* Fambidzanai, Zimbabwe
Sustainable agriculture
€18,000 / £15,000
* RUHEPAI, Uganda
Rural healthcare
€15,000 / £12,500
PARTNERSHIPS IN AMERICAS
Paz y Esperanza, Peru
Civil rights and advocacy
€9,600 / £8,000
o ICEFI, Guatemala
Civil rights and advocacy
€21,000 / £17,500
o Bethania, Guatemala
Rural healthcare
€21,000 / £17,500
PARTNERSHIPS IN MIDDLE EAST
Father Andeweg Institute for the Deaf, Lebanon
Education for hearing impaired children
€3,000 / £2,500 pa (4th of 5)
RELIEF
East Africa - £40,000 (drought)
o shared project with Christian Aid Ireland
* shared project with Methodist Relief and Development Fund (Britain)
2013-14
PARTNERSHIPS IN ASIA
SAFE, Afghanistan
Medical clinic
€4,500 / £3,700
Kopila, Nepal
Gender advocacy and empowerment
€14,400 / £12,000 pa (2nd of 3)
International Justice Mission, India
Combatting human trafficking
€7,200 / £6,000
*Interdependent Society Surkhet, Nepal
Uterine prolapse reduction
€24,000 / £20,000
Society for Community Development Project, India
Alternative income for families of child labourers
€7,600 / £6,300 pa (3rd of 3)
* ERDCN, Nepal
Literacy
€12,000 / £10,000
PARTNERSHIPS IN AFRICA
Methodist Church in Ghana
Agroforestry and woodlot
€3,500 / £2,900
Methodist Hospital Wenchi, Ghana
Orthopaedic unit
€17,000 / £14,000
Open Schools Worldwide, Southern Africa
Education for children at risk
€14,400 / £12,000 pa (2nd of 2)
o Community Consortium, Democratic Republic of Congo
Human rights, gender based violence and agriculture
€24,000 / £20,000
Phakamisa, South Africa
Education and orphan caregiver support (HIV/AIDS)
€9,600 / £8,000 pa (2nd of 3)
o LEARN, Ghana
Advocacy and governance
€24,000 / £20,000
Bosomtwe Methodist Clinic, Ghana
Medical provision
€3,600 / £3,000 pa (1st of 3)
Uganda Samaritan’s Development Agency
Literacy and vocational training
€6,000 / £5,000
EMESCO, Uganda
Water and sanitation
€15,000 / £12,500
PARTNERSHIPS IN AMERICAS
o United Theological College of the West Indies, Jamaica
HIV/AIDS
€24,000 / £20,000
PARTNERSHIPS IN MIDDLE EAST
Father Andeweg Institute for the Deaf, Lebanon
Education for hearing impaired children
€3,000 / £2,500 pa (5th of 5)
East Jerusalem YMCA, Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territories
Rehabilitation for those with disability
€12,000 / £10,000 pa (1st of 3)
RELIEF
Syria - £5,000
DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION
Kmf Productions, Ireland
Production of Development series for RTE
€2,000 / £1,700
o shared project with Christian Aid Ireland
* shared project with Methodist Relief and Development Fund (Britain)
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference reminds all Methodists of the directive to share at least
1% of post-tax income for the work of World Development and Relief.
3.
The Conference encourages Methodists to use the Gift Aid scheme in NI
and the Charities Tax Relief scheme in the ROI.
4.
The Conference commends that special prayers be offered for the work
of World Development and Relief on one Sunday in the year.
5.
The Conference appoints the Rev David Nixon as Convener of the World
Development and Relief Committee.
6.
The Conference expresses thanks to Ian Taylor and to Diane Turkington
who have served two consecutive terms of three years on the World
Development Committee and who now stand down in line with
Conference recommendations to time of service on church committees.
Chairman: Mr. Kevin P Kingston
Secretary: Mr. Wilson Stewart
The Stipends and Allowances Board was established to co-ordinate the work of
the Funds which make financial provision for ministers and their families. These
include the Retirement Funds, Medical Fund and Children’s Fund.
In the period up until the beginning of the recent economic recession, the Board
had pursued a policy of delivering real growth in Stipends on an annual basis
and after consideration of three key indicators:
• the movement in average earnings;
• inflation rates; and
• relative exchange rates.
In 2009, the Board suspended the policy of delivering increases in Stipends at
rates above inflation in recognition of the need for financial prudence at a time
of such economic uncertainty.
It was subsequently agreed at the Conference of 2010 that the growth in
Stipends over the three years from 2011 to 2013 should not exceed the overall
level of RPI plus 0.25% per annum.
The actual growth in Stipends subsequently agreed by Conference for this three
year period has been well within this limit and below the overall rate of inflation.
The underlying real movement in Stipends for this period has therefore been
negative.
We continue to be mindful of the ongoing economic crisis and its impact on the
members of our congregations, the wider financial pressures on the Church and
our obligation to provide an acceptable standard of living for our Ministers.
For the coming year, we are recommending an increase in Stipends which is
once again below the current rate of inflation at the time of writing this report.
Our proposal is therefore an increase of 2.25% in Northern Ireland and 1.25%
in the Republic of Ireland.
We remain very grateful for the continuing assistance of Mrs Dorothy Cranston
and Mr David English, the two independent administrators who facilitate the
operation of the Methodist Ministers Retirement Income Augmentation Fund.
Memorial to Conference 2012
Conference 2012 referred the following Memorial to the Stipends and
Allowances Board - “The Lakelands District Synod requests the Conference to
direct the Stipends and Allowances Board to review the present practice of
charging Circuits for their own Circuit mileage. While the practice may seem
logical and fair, it should be noted that the largest geographical Circuits in the
Connexion are also Circuits with relatively small numbers. Circuit mileage
therefore takes a disproportionate percentage of income compared with many
city churches. The Synod further requests that a proposal is brought to
Conference 2013 to introduce a more equitable Connexional scheme for
remunerating Circuit mileage.”
In response to the above:
The Board has reviewed the Memorial from Lakelands requesting a more
equitable Connexional scheme for remunerating Circuit mileage. The Board,
while sympathetic to the pressures which have caused the Memorial, is
concerned that the issue is potentially much broader than the specific topic of
remunerating mileage costs and could, indeed, be extended to many other forms
of Circuit expenditure. Any redistribution of expenditure from rural Circuits to
urban Circuits may also be seen as inequitable.
The Board therefore recommends that the present system be retained. In doing
so, the Board has been guided by the principle as set out in the Manual of Laws,
Section 13.01 that every Circuit is expected to take upon itself the responsibility
of providing the funds necessary for the maintenance of its ministers, and the
expenses incidental to the work within its bounds; but Circuits may receive
assistance from the Home Mission Department, so long as the necessity for it is
proved to exist.
The Board urges all Circuits to continue their support for the Home Mission
Department as the best means of providing practical support for one another
throughout the Connexion.
MINISTERIAL STIPENDS AND ALLOWANCES
1.
Minimum Stipends
Conference directs that commencing on 1st January 2014, the following scale
of minimum stipends be paid:
Ministers, including Probationers
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Up to 10 years travelling
11 – 20 years travelling
21 – 30 years travelling
31 years onwards
€33,399
€34,436
€35,685
€36,691
£22,052
£22,862
£23,762
£24,650
Regulations for Ministers who will have travelled less than 40 years before
normal retirement date
Our present assumption is of a 40-year norm for service as a Methodist Minister,
with four incremental bands for stipends. In respect of Ministers who, because
of their age at the time of entry into the Ministry, will serve less than 40 years,
assuming a normal retirement age of 65, a sliding scale will be superimposed
on the incremental bands. This sliding scale works by grouping Ministers into
six age categories based on their age when they entered the Ministry, namely:
25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; and 50 plus years of age. The number of
years that a Minister is paid at each incremental band reduces by one year for
every five years of age over 25 and is as follows:
Age on entering the Ministry
No. of years in each incremental band
25 –29
10 years
30 – 34
9 years
35 – 39
8 years
40 – 44
7 years
45 – 49
6 years
50 +
5 years
To determine what incremental band a Minister is in at any given time, the total
number of years to be served (i.e. 65 minus age on entering the Ministry) is
worked out. The total number of years to be served is divided up into portions
according to the number of years to be paid at each incremental band, counting
back from the normal retirement date.
2.
Allowances from July, 2013
(a) Taxable Car Allowance:
Northern Ireland
£1,000
(b) Circuit Mileage (including Non-Stipendiary Ministers)
** HM Revenue and Customs Rates
First 10,000 miles
45.0p per mile
Over 10,000 miles
25.0p per mile
(c) Connexional travel
All mileage
25.0p per mile
(d) Local Non-Stipendiary Ministers
Local Non-Stipendiary Ministers receive circuit mileage as (b). Taxable Car
Allowance is not payable
(e) Retired Ministers – Allowances for Services of Worship
£37 minimum per service, plus travel at 33p per mile
(f) Light, Heat and Telephone(Landline, Mobile & Broadband)
**Subject to Guidelines below 75% rebate**
Water Charges ( NI)
Fixed charges to be paid by the Circuit
Usage charges rebate ** Subject to Guidelines below
75%**
Republic of Ireland
All rates are now calculated in cents per kilometre
(a)
Circuit Mileage (including Non-Stipendiary Ministers)
** Mid Rate Civil Service Motor rates from 1st July 2007
Up to 6,437km
61.67 cents per km
6,438km and over
31.49 cents per km
New reduced Civil Service rates were set with effect from 5th March 2009 and
therefore expense rate above will have tax implications and therefore should be
appropriately recorded in ministers’ individual tax returns.
(b) Connexional travel
All mileage
20.0 cents per km
(c) Retired Ministers – Allowances for Services of Worship
€48 minimum per service, plus travel at 26.72 cents per km
(d) Light, Heat and Telephone(Landline, Mobile & Broadband) **Subject to
Guidelines below
75% rebate**
**Guidelines on Telephone Expenses
Any allocation of costs between business and personal expenses can be
challenged by the Revenue Authorities and must therefore be justifiable on a
case by case basis.
Specific points that may assist are:
• Telephone Line Rental – 100% of the Line rental is claimable as business
if the contract is in the name of the Church.
• The Minister can still be the name in the Telephone Directory.
• Line Rental should be paid by a Circuit Official.
• If the Line Rental is in the name of the Minister then no rental cost can be
claimed.
Telephone calls – all local calls can be considered as business, but all non-local
calls should be recorded separately for possible Revenue inspection. Business
calls should be paid by Circuit Officials.
Mobile calls should be allocated between Business and Personal and personal
calls refunded accordingly.
Guidelines on Light and Heat Expenses
The Revenue Authorities will not accept that 75% of expenses should be paid in
every case and all allocations must be justifiable on a case by case basis.
The Board is of the opinion that a figure of up to 75% is a reasonable estimate
if the Minister’s main Study and Office are in the Manse and a significant number
of meetings take place in the Manse. If the Minister’s office is outside the Manse,
then a lower percentage should be claimed.
3.
Vocational Lay Employees
i.
Scales
The scales that the Stipend and Allowances Board set down are to be the
minimum for the post. Two levels are to be established – for those with no
qualifications and those who have qualifications for their post.
Minimum Stipend/Salary from 1st January 2014
Level 1 (unqualified)
£19,077
€27,638
Level 2 (qualified)
£20,111
€29,829
It is stressed that these are minimum payments and that churches are free to
pay above the minimum if they so desire.
ii.
Trustees Department
Circuits, Departments, etc. who employ Vocational Lay Workers who are paid
through the Trustees Office are reminded that it is their responsibility to inform
the Trustees when there is any change to the amount being paid to their
employee.
iii.
Mileage Allowance
Mileage should be paid either at the rate of 33p per mile in NI and 26.72 cents
per km in ROI or at HM Revenue and Customs (Revenue Commissioners) rates,
at discretion of Circuit.
iv.
Other Allowances
Circuits may wish to take other allowances into account for their Vocational Lay
Employee. Examples of those, which should be considered, include: Housing;
Office Expenses; Telephone; Out of Pocket Expenses; Hospitality; Training
Courses; Resources; etc.
It is important to consider how these extra expenses will be met, and how the
employee will have access to them. The payment of expenses can sometimes
create tension, although it should be easy enough to set up a straightforward
system. Advice on these should be sought from the Lay Employment Advisory
Group or Methodist Youth and Children.
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference directs that commencing on the 1st January 2014 the
scale of minimum stipends be as detailed in the report, and that the scale
of allowances as set out in the report be paid with effect from 1st July
2013.
3.
The Conference re-appoints the Chairman, Mr Kevin Kingston and the
Lay Secretary, Mr Wilson Stewart.
4.
The Conference re-appoints the Rev Andrew N. Boucher as Ministerial
Secretary of the Stipends and Allowances Board.
5.
The Conference re-appoints Rev Mark S. Forsyth as Ministerial Treasurer
and Secretary to Retirement Funds.
Retirement Funds
1. IRISH METHODIST MINISTERS’ RETIREMENT FUND
At 1st January 2013 there were 41 recipients of Church Allowances and a further
18 recipients with In Lieu of Serps Allowances only. There are 3 recipients of In
Lieu of State Allowances.
The proposed increases in Allowances are 2.5% in Northern Ireland, and 1% in
the Republic. Increases in the “In Lieu of Serps” and “In Lieu of State” benefits
will be based on the actual increase rate for Serps and State pension benefits
respectively.
Proposed scale of Allowances as from 1st April 2013
Retired Ministers: £5,598 in Northern Ireland and €7,338 in the Republic of
Ireland.
Minister’s Widows: £5,048 in Northern Ireland and €6,636 in the Republic of
Ireland.
The Fund shall contribute £8,500 to the Irish Methodist Ministers Housing
Society for each additional house purchased for a Retired Minister or Minister’s
Widow.
The IMMRF pays an “In lieu of State” benefit for ministers and spouses to top
up the state pension of those who do not qualify for a full state pension due to
insufficient contributions. These payments increase in April each year, in line
with the general increases in state pensions.
The IMMRF also pays an “In lieu of Serps” benefit for ministers and spouses,
where a minister was stationed in the Republic and lost out on benefits arising
from Serps contributions.
From 1st April 2013, the IMMRF pays a discretionary Supplementary Pension
to those pensioners whose RBS pension has fallen below the IMMRF.
2. RETIREMENT BENEFITS SCHEME
Proposed change in the rate of Pension Increases
The initial results of the triennial review of the Scheme as at 1st July 2012 have
been submitted to the Trustees. Unfortunately, these figures indicate that in order
to meet the current obligations of the Scheme and clear the Deficit over 14 years,
the Church Contribution Rate of 26% of Stipends would have to rise to 34% of
Stipends.
The principal reason for this rise is the historically low UK Gilt Yields that have
resulted from the Euro financial crisis, where Sterling Bonds have been seen as
a “safe haven”. These Gilt Yields affect the Interest Rate at which we value our
liabilities, and have therefore led to the substantial increase in the funding rate.
The Trustees were required to request this increase from the Church, who then
asked the Trustees for options in order to bring the funding rate back down to
the current level. While some changes to the valuation assumptions could be
justified, this would only lead to a marginal reduction in cost, and therefore the
only real alternative was to look at reducing the benefits.
The Trustees feel strongly that the core benefits of the Scheme should be kept
intact, i.e. the Pension and Lump Sum available at retirement. However, there
is scope to change the definition of “The Index” in the Scheme Rules. This Index
is used to calculate annual pension increases for those pensions in payment
and in deferment. Up to now, we have defined the Index in terms of changes in
the Retail Price Index (RPI). In recent years, there has been a general shift in
the pensions industry, both in the private and public sector, to move from RPI to
CPI in calculating pension increases. If this is implemented for the RBS, the
funding rate could be reduced from 34% to the current level of 26%. The power
to change the definition of the Index lies with the Church, and therefore, after
much discussion, the Stipends & Allowances Board are bringing this proposal
to Conference, as they feel that it is the only realistic option before us, in order
to keep the Scheme affordable and sustainable in the long term. It would come
into effect from the next Scheme Year, i.e. 1st July 2013.
The responsibility of the Scheme Trustees in this regard is to inform the
members, and by the time of publication, this will have happened.
The implications of this change are that future pension increases will be based
on the movement in CPI rather than RPI. While it is impossible to predict the
difference, it is thought to be of the order of 0.8% per annum. Different
pensioners will be affected in different ways. The current rules for pension
increases are:
•
That part of the pension relating to pensionable service before 1 July 1992
has no indexation. This part will therefore be unaffected.
•
That part of the pension relating to pensionable service after 1 July 1992
up to 30 June 2010 increases in payment at the rate of the lesser of the
Index and 5% p.a. compound. This part will be affected when CPI is below
5% p.a.
•
That part of the pension relating to pensionable service after 1 July 2010
increases in payment at the rate of the lesser of the Index and 2.5% p.a.
compound. This part will be affected when CPI is below 2.5% p.a.
The above pension increase rates also apply to deferred pensions.
Existing pensioners whose pensions have been bought out with insurance
companies will probably not be affected, as the Scheme is unlikely to try and
recoup the difference between RPI and CPI in future years.
Existing pensioners whose pensions are payable from the Scheme (since July
2012) will be affected in that their future increases will use CPI rather than RPI
in the above calculations.
Future pensioners, whether paid from the Scheme or bought out with insurance
companies will be affected in that their future increases will use CPI rather than
RPI in the above calculations.
Deferred pensioners will be affected in that their increases both in deferment
and in future payment will use CPI rather than RPI in the above calculations.
Trustees Report
The Trustee’s Report in respect of the Scheme year ended 30 June 2012.
SPONSORING EMPLOYER
The Methodist Church in Ireland, 1 Fountainville Avenue, Belfast BT9 6AN
TRUSTEES AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
Trustees at 30 June 2012
Mr J Buchanan, Mr J Edgar, Mr K Kingston, Mr D Mitchell, Mr N Tennant, Rev
M Forsyth, Rev S R F Cleland (MNT), Rev D Mullan (MNT), Rev K H Thompson
(MNT), Rev R K Lindsay (MNT), Rev S W Blair (MNT), Rev T R McKnight (MNT),
Rev J Hamilton (MNT)
Pension Advisers to the Trustees
Kerr Henderson (Consultants and Actuaries) Ltd., 29-32 College Gardens,
Belfast BT9 6BT
Scheme Actuary
P Murray FIA, Kerr Henderson (Consultants and Actuaries) Ltd., 29-32 College
Gardens, Belfast BT9 6BT
Auditors
KPMG, Stokes House, 17 – 25 College Square East, Belfast BT1 6DH
Bankers
First Trust, 4-8 Market Street, Lurgan, Craigavon, BT66 6AQ
Ulster Bank, 2/4 O’Connell Street, Dublin 1
Cunningham Coates, 19 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2HA
Investment Managers and Custodians
Manager
Custodian
F&C Managed Pension Funds Ltd
Exchange House
Primrose Street
London
EC2A 2NY
Citibank
25 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5LB
Standard Life Investments Ltd
1 George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 2LL
Citigroup
1 Calton Square
Edinburgh
EH1 3AJ
Legal & General Investment Management
One Coleman Street
London
EC2R 5AA
Citibank
25 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5LB
Insurers
Unum Limited, Milton Court, Dorking, Surrey RH4 3LZ
Legal Advisers
McGrigors LLP, 141 Bothwell Street, Glasgow G2 7EQ, DX GW 135
Scheme registration number
10019454
The Retirement Benefits Scheme
The scheme is administered in accordance with the provisions of a Trust Deed
dated 1 July 1984, amended by a supplemental deed dated 22 December 1992,
the Definitive Trust Deed and Rules dated 23 September 1996 and the Deed of
Amendment dated 24 June 2010.
Prior to 6 April 2006 the Fund was treated by the Inland Revenue as an “exempt
approved” scheme for the purpose of Chapter I Part XIV of the Income and
Corporation Taxes Act 1988 under reference SF13/041618.
On 6 April 2006 the Fund automatically became a registered pension scheme
by virtue of Schedule 36 of the Finance Act 2004 (being an existing “approved”
scheme at 5 April 2006). The Fund’s Pension Scheme Tax Reference (PSTR)
as issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is now 00111327RC.
The Trustees have no reason to believe that the Fund’s current taxation status
as a registered pension scheme will in any way be affected or compromised in
the future. Accordingly no provision for taxation has been included.
The Trustees
The power to remove and appoint new Trustees rests with The Methodist Church
in Ireland as the principal employer.
There was one change to the Trustee body during the year to 30 June 2012.
The deed of appointment of Mr N Tenant as a Trustee and resignation of Mr B
Mullen as a Trustee occurred on 30 January 2012.
During the year to 30 June 2012 there were three meetings of the Trustees and
no meetings of the sub committee, the Liaison Committee.
Decisions at Trustee meetings, in accordance with the Scheme Rules, are taken
by a majority of the votes of the Trustees present.
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities for the financial statements
The audited financial statements, which are to be prepared in accordance with
UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP), are the responsibility
of the trustees. Pension scheme regulations require the trustees to make
available to scheme members, beneficiaries and certain other parties, audited
financial statements for each scheme year which:
- show a true and fair view, of the financial transactions of the scheme during
the scheme year and of the amount and disposition at the end of the scheme
year of the assets and liabilities, other than liabilities to pay pensions and
benefits after the end of the scheme year; and
- contain the information specified in the Schedule to the Occupational
Pension Schemes (Requirement to obtain Audited Accounts and a Statement
from the Auditor) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996, including a statement
whether the accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement
of Recommended Practice, ‘Financial Reports of Pension Schemes’.
The Trustees have supervised the preparation of the financial statements and
have agreed suitable accounting policies, to be applied consistently, making
estimates and judgements on a reasonable and prudent basis. They are also
responsible for making available each year, commonly in the form of a trustees’
annual report, information about the scheme prescribed by pensions legislation,
which they should ensure is consistent with the financial statements it
accompanies.
The Trustees also have certain responsibilities in respect of contributions which
are set out in the statement of trustees’ responsibilities accompanying the
trustees’ summary of contributions.
The Trustees have a general responsibility for ensuring that adequate accounting
records are kept and for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to
safeguard the assets of the scheme and to prevent and detect fraud and other
irregularities, including the maintenance of appropriate internal controls.
Changes to the Scheme
There were no changes to the Scheme during the year to 30 June 2012.
Eligibility
Subject as hereinafter provided, all males and females in receipt of a Stipend,
including missionaries, who are aged not less than 18 years and not more than
65 years, who do not have permission to be without pastoral charge and are
either Ministers or Probationers are the persons eligible to join the Scheme.
Life Assurance
The life assurance element of the Scheme and the spouses’ death in service
pensions are insured with Unum Limited.
Membership at 30 June 2012
Contributory Members
Members who have left service but retain deferred pensions in the scheme
Members in postponed retirement
Total
110
23
1
----134
The scheme also has 73 pensioners and spouse pensioners whose pensions
are paid from annuities held in the name of the Trustees, or paid from the
Scheme itself.
Actuarial Valuation
It is a requirement that there should be a full actuarial valuation at least once
every three years. The most recently completed valuation was carried out as at
1 July 2009. The next actuarial valuation is due as at 1 July 2012. Copies of the
actuarial certificates from the valuation as at 1 July 2009 are available on request
to the Trustees.
Contributions
All contributions to the Scheme have been calculated in accordance with the
Rules and at the rates recommended by the Actuary.
Pension Increases
That part of the pension relating to pensionable service after 1 July 1992 up to
30 June 2010 increases in payment at the rate of the lesser of RPI and 5% p.a.
compound. For pensionable service after 1 July 2010 the rate of increase will
be in line with the increase in RPI subject to a maximum of 2.5% p.a. compound.
These pension increase rates also apply to deferred pensions.
Transfer values
Transfers out have been calculated in accordance with the regulations under
the Pension Schemes Act 1993.
Investment Performance
The day-to-day management of the Scheme investments has been delegated
by the Trustees to:-
F&C Managed Pension Funds Ltd
Standard Life Investments Ltd
Legal & General Investment Management
The investment managers are rewarded by way of a charge related to the value
of the investment under their management.
Custodians
The custody and safekeeping of the assets of the Scheme is provided by the
custodians appointed by the investment manager. As part of their Statement of
Investment Principles, the Trustees have determined that the custodian will
supply (where appropriate) a statement to the effect that all dividends, interest
payments and tax repayments due to the Scheme have been collected and all
transactions settled in a timely manner. The Trustees will also review the
suitability of the custodians and arrange for their replacement where necessary.
Employer Related Investments
There are no employer related investments.
Investments are in accordance with the Occupational Pension Schemes
(Investment of Scheme’s Resources) Regulations (Northern Ireland) Order 1992.
Statement of Investment Principles
The Trustees have produced a Statement of Investment Principles in accordance
with Section 35 of the Pensions Act 1995. In preparing their Statement the
Trustees have obtained appropriate professional advice; they have also
consulted the principal employer.
There are currently no Scheme investments which are not in accordance with
the Statement of Investment Principles. A copy of the Statement of Investment
Principles is available for inspection on request to the Trustees.
The Trustees consider that the investment philosophy set out in the Statement
of the Investment Principles remains in the best long term interests of the
Scheme.
Investment Performance Review
Details of the investment performance are included in the reports from the
investment managers, available on request to the Trustees.
Complaints/Dispute Resolution Procedure
Any complaints about the Scheme should be addressed in the first instance to
the Nominated Person for the Scheme, Mr Joseph Edgar, c/o 1 Fountainville
Avenue, Belfast, BT9 6AN.
Enquiries about the Scheme
Enquiries about the Scheme should be addressed to the Trustees, c/o Kerr
Henderson (Consultants and Actuaries) Ltd, 29-32 College Gardens, Belfast,
BT9 6BT.
Presentation Of Accounts
The Pension Act 1995 requires accounts to be made up to the anniversary date
of the Scheme. The accounts can be inspected at 1 Fountainville Avenue,
Belfast, BT9 6AN.
Provisions Of The Scheme
1. Normal Retirement Pension
a) Members who joined the Scheme on 1 July 1984 (Scheme
commencement date): 1% of the Final Stipend x Pensionable Service,
subject to a minimum of 38% of Final Stipend.
b) Members who joined the Scheme after 1 July 1984: 1% of Final Stipend
x Pensionable Service.
c) Pension accrued on or after 1 July 1992 increases at the rate of 5% per
annum or the annual increase in the Retail Price Index if less.
d) Pension accrued on or after 1 July 2010 increases at the rate of 2.5% per
annum or the annual increase in the Retail Price Index if less.
2. Cash Lump Sum
a) Members who joined the Scheme on 1 July 1984: 1.67% of Final Stipend
x Pensionable Service subject to a minimum of two thirds of final stipend.
b) Members who joined the Scheme after 1 July 1984: 1.67% of Final
Stipend x Pensionable Service.
c) Lump Sum accrued on or after 1 July 2010: 2% of Final Stipend x
Pensionable Service.
3.
a)
b)
c)
Death In Service
A lump sum of 1.5 times top stipend.
A spouse’s pension of 23.5% of top stipend.
A refund of the member’s contributions.
4. Spouse’s Benefit
a) A pension of two thirds of the member’s pension.
b) If a member dies within 5 years of his/her retirement a lump sum equal to
the discounted value of the remainder of the five years instalments of
pension will also be paid.
3. MINISTER’S DISABILITY FUND
The fund was set up in 1995 and enhanced in 1998 to provide financial support
when a minister is unable, through sickness or disability to perform the duties of
the ministry. Details in relation to the Fund are contained in the minutes of
Conference, 1998, pages 43-44 paragraph 11.
4.
METHODIST MINISTERS’ RETIREMENT INCOME AUGMENTATION
FUND.
a) The Fund was set up in 2003 and ensures that ministers and
Widows/Widowers should have a minimum income from all sources as
set down by the Conference from year to year. The minimum income
levels recommended as from 1 April 2013 are as follows: -
Married couple
Widow/Widower
Northern Ireland Republic of Ireland
£16,157
€19,717
£13,618
€16,623
b) Eligibility and other criteria are detailed in the Minutes of Conference
2011, page 71.
c) Potential applicants should make contact with either of the two
independent Administrators:
Mrs. Dorothy Cranston Tel: (028) 4482 8347
Mr. David English Tel: (01) 2805221
d) In cases of need, the independent Administrators can use their discretion
to increase the benefits (consulting with the Stipends & Allowances
Board if necessary). In particular, this applies where an applicant’s
accommodation costs are higher than the rent charged by the Methodist
Ministers Housing Society (25% of the IMMRF Allowance).
5.
CHANGES TO THE MANUAL OF LAWS
There is one change necessary to the Manual of Laws to bring them up to date
with the latest Scheme Rules.
Replace 31:18 with:
31.18 All persons in receipt of a Stipend, including missionaries, who are
aged not less than 18 years and not more than 65 years, who do not
have permission to be without pastoral charge and are either
Ministers or Probationers are eligible to join the Scheme.
A person who has not otherwise become eligible to join the Scheme
may, with the permission of the Church and the Trustees, be
admitted to membership of the Scheme on such terms and
conditions as to benefits and otherwise, and with effect from such
date as may be agreed with the Church and the Trustees.
AGENDA
1.
The Conference receives the report of the Irish Methodist Ministers’
Retirement Fund and approves the scale of Allowances.
2.
The Conference receives the report of the Retirement Benefits Scheme.
3.
The Conference approves changing the definition of “The Index” from RPI
to CPI, with effect from 1st July 2013.
4.
The Conference receives the report of the Ministers’ Disability Fund.
5.
The Conference confirms the levels of minimum income in relation to the
Augmentation Fund.
6.
The Conference refers to the Stipends and Allowances Board the
determining of any question relating to special allowances.
7.
The Conference approves the reprinting of the paragraphs in the Minutes
of Conference with necessary changes.
8.
The Conference approves the proposed change to the Manual of Laws.
9.
The Conference re-appoints Rev Mark S Forsyth as Ministerial Secretary
and Treasurer and Mr Desmond Mitchell as Lay Treasurer.
Methodist Ministers’ Children’s Fund
The number of children who received allowances or benefits from the Children’s
Fund during 2012-13 is detailed as follows:
Allowance/Benefit
Maintenance Allowance
Book Grant
Subsistence Allowance
Travel Allowance to University in Great Britain
Assistance with fees at Wesley College
Assistance with boarding fees at Wesley College
Education Allowance
Number of Children
93
17
19
15
4
2
1
As there has been no increase in the Maintenance Allowances since 2010 in
Northern Ireland and 2009 in the Republic of Ireland, we propose that these
Allowances be increased in line with the suggested increase in Stipends, namely
2.25% in Northern Ireland and 1.25% in the Republic of Ireland.
Recommended figures are as follows:
Maintenance Allowances
For Northern Ireland
for each child under 11 from 1 January 2014
for each child 11 or over from 1 January 2014
£1,260
£1,760
For Republic of Ireland
for each child under 11 from 1 January 2014
€2,168
for each child 11 or over from 1 January 2014
€2,960
for each boarder 11 or over on 1 July 2013
€1,700
Initial outfit allowance for each boarder 11 or over on 1 July 2013 €800
Northern Ireland
Shall not exceed
Educational Allowances
Republic of Ireland
Shall not exceed
A Grant towards costs of books for any child not receiving
free books
£900
€1,300
€200
Extended Benefits
For Northern Ireland
(a)
Travel Grant to University outside of Ireland
(b)
Subsistence Grant towards living expenses
£575
£525
For Republic of Ireland
(a)
Travel Grant to University outside of Ireland
(b)
Subsistence Grant towards living expenses
€670
€610
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference approves the Maintenance Allowances.
3.
The Conference approves the Educational Allowances.
4.
The Conference approves the payment of the Extended Benefits Grants
comprising Travel and Subsistence Allowances, where applicable.
5.
The Conference directs that the paragraphs in the Minutes of Conference
be reprinted with the necessary changes.
6.
The Conference re-appoints the Rev Robin Waugh as Secretary and
Ministerial Treasurer.
7.
The Conference re-appoints Mr Glyn Capper as Lay Treasurer.
Methodist Ministers’ Medical Fund
The Medical Fund continues to offer grant help towards general medical
expenses for all ministers and their dependents including the widows of
deceased ministers. Grants received are greatly appreciated by all who apply,
especially by our retired ministers and the widows of ministers, who often make
contact to express thanks for grants received.
Expenditure exceeded income again this year but within manageable
proportions. The fund is coming under increased financial pressure as a result
of many factors including higher dental expenditure, and the gradual withdrawal
of medical cards in the Irish Republic which has meant higher medical
expenditure for those ministers stationed in the South. The treasurers intend to
review expenditure over the past year, to identify trends, to help the
administration of the fund in the future.
All applicants are reminded that an application form is required for each
individual claim and are available from the Ministerial Treasurer either by post
or e-mail. All completed forms including relevant receipts should then be
returned to the Rev Harold Agnew so that the grant can be paid. If some heavy
expenditure is envisaged it is advised that one of the officers be contacted before
treatment begins, if help is being sought from the fund. The guidelines and rules
of the fund are set out each year in the minutes of conference.
As ministerial treasurer I am grateful for the help of my lay treasurer, John
Buchanan, especially in helping to prepare the accounts for audit.
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference approves an increase in the maximum grant towards
optical expenses from £145 to £150 in Northern Ireland for each
prescription.
3.
The Conference directs that the paragraphs in the minutes of conference
be reprinted with all the necessary changes.
4.
The Conference re-appoints Mr John S. Buchanan as Lay Treasurer.
5.
The Conference re-appoints the Rev Harold M. Agnew as Secretary and
Ministerial Treasurer.
Property Board
In the 2012/13 Connexional year the work of the Property Board has continued,
however, there has been a reduction in the number and scale of projects being
undertaken across the Districts as the effects of the economic recession are felt.
Having said that, two, major projects were completed during the past year, these
being the Skainos development at East Belfast Mission and Agape Centre on
the Belfast South Circuit. It is worth noting that, while smaller in scale, the
extension to the Circuit Hall in Castlederg was also completed as were a number
of other renovations schemes across the Connexion. The Board would
commend the endeavours of all Circuits for their ongoing commitment to
maintaining their built resources.
Once again we would remind Circuits of the need to gain approval for projects
before work is undertaken. Whilst all initial applications for approvals should be
made through the District Property Committees, it is advisable, where larger
projects are being considered that outline proposals/drawings etc., along with
estimated costs should be forwarded to the Plans Committee of the Board at
the earliest possible stage of the planning process.
In the past many Circuits have found the input of the Plans Committee at an
early stage to be very helpful and even of financial benefit. The members of the
Plans Committee are prepared to comment on all proposals which are submitted
to them. The Plans Committee may be contacted through the Secretary of the
Board. The Board would like to place on record their appreciation of the time,
energy and expertise, freely given, in service to the Church, by so many
professionals from across the Connexion.
Guidance notes, for Circuits seeking to embark upon building projects may be
downloaded from the Methodist Church in Ireland web site, under the ‘Property
Board’ section.
The Property Board would remind all Circuits of the need to compile and
regularly update their Risk Assessment (N. Ireland only), Fire Risk Assessment,
Asbestos Registers (N. Ireland only) and PAT testing records. Records of the
required Testing of Electrical installations, Fire Alarm Systems and Emergency
Light Installations are also to be regularly updated.
Manses:
Following discussions at the Church Development Board and between the
officers of the Property Board and the Home Missions Department it has been
agreed that all applications, relating to the purchase, sale or renovation/repairs
to manses be made through the Property Board, thereby removing the need to
submit applications to both bodies. The Home Mission Department will retain
the responsibility for the administration of the grants for manse furnishings etc.
and where necessary any matters which require input from both bodies will be
discussed at the Church Development Board, as the officers of both bodies are
members of the CDB.
Bulk Purchase of Fuels and Services:
The officers of the Board in conjunction with the HMD have been conducting
some preliminary investigations into the possibility of creating a bulk purchasing
scheme for the various forms of fuel and services used by Circuits across the
Connexion. As this work progresses, circuits will be kept informed as to the
scope and nature of the proposals when further work has been completed.
The Joseph Rank Trust:
Early in each calendar year representatives from the Joseph Rank Trust visit
circuits across Ireland and they are presented with a wide variety of projects
seeking their assistance. Once again, this year, the representatives arrived and
were shown projects which ranged from building schemes to mission outreach
projects for their consideration and yet again many of these projects will benefit
from the generosity of the Trust. These few words of thanks to the Rank Trust
are not a mere routine, rather, they come as heartfelt expressions of our gratitude
to the Rank Trust for the ongoing support and encouragement which they
provide to Circuits across the Connexion.
Thanks to Mr. John Clarke
Having served the Board for many years in a variety of capacities and for the
last six years as Chairman of the Property Board Mr John Clarke is now stepping
down from this position. Mr Clarke has brought to the Board a great personal
knowledge of construction and insights into the realm of property development
gained in his professional career. His personal commitment to the work of the
Board has been unwavering and his gracious and help manner has been greatly
appreciated by those who have benefited from his advice.
The members of
the Property Board, both past and present, and indeed the entire Connexion
owe Mr. Clarke a debt of gratitude and we would like to place on record our
appreciation of his many years of service.
Summary of the District Property Returns at the 31st December 2012
No. of Churches:
217
No. of Halls:
171
No. of Manses:
113
No. of Schools
3
No. of other buildings
43
Amount of Insurance Cover
£ 233.6 M
€ 123.8M
Amount of debt reported as at December 2011
£ 1.810M
€ 0.106M
Amount spent on repairs /renovations/new buildings
£ 4.620M
€ 1.918M
Amount of debt reported as at December 2012
£ 1.561M
€ 0.081M
Sale of Property:
Sale of Dunmanway Church
Sale of Manse at 11 Glenshane Park
€70,000
£175,000
Property Acquired:
Manse at 485 Howth Road
Area of Land at Drimoleague Church
Area of Land at Castlederg
Area of Land at Drumquin
Area of Land at Derryanville
€ 565,000
€ 51,000
£ 5,000
£ 6,200
£ 15,000
Skainos at EBM
Agape Centre, Belfast South Circuit
Dates of next Board Meetings:
Thursday 26th September 2013 in Portadown
Thursday 27th March 2014 in Dublin
AGENDA
1.
The Conference adopts the report of the Property Board.
2.
The Conference re appoints Mr Stewart Wilson, as the Lay Treasurer of
the Chapel and Church Development Funds and appoints Rev Thomas
M. Clarke as the Ministerial Treasurer.
Reasoned Statement:
Ordained at the Methodist Conference in June 1997, Rev Thomas M.
Clarke was the first non-stipendiary minister in Irish Methodism. He has
served the church in various roles and in different stations mainly on the
Belfast District and is currently minister on the Cavehill circuit.
He is a qualified Quantity Surveyor and Construction professional and
joint Managing Director of a leading Northern Ireland Construction
company. He has over 40 years experience in construction and is
recognised as an industry leader in the Northern Ireland Construction
Industry. Within his business life he has responsibility for financial
management of a number of companies within the Holding company and
has an in-depth knowledge of financial management including budgeting
and accounting.
Following prayerful consideration we bring the name of Rev Thomas M.
Clarke forward for the role Ministerial Treasurer of The Methodist Church
in Ireland Church Development Fund and The Chapel Fund, in the belief
that he has much to contribute to the work of the Property Board in this
capacity.
3.
The Conference directs that 15% of the income from the Property Board
Loan Fund is allocated to the Chapel Fund and that 15% be allocated to
the Church Development Fund.
4.
The Conference reminds Circuits of their requirement to establish and
maintain, where they do not already exist, Risk Assessment; Fire Risk
Assessment; and Asbestos Registers for all their premises.
5.
The Conference reminds Circuits of the need to establish and maintain
records of the testing of all Electrical installations, Fire Alarm Systems and
Emergency Lighting Installation. Records relating to the testing of Portable
Electrical Appliances also need to be kept up to date.
6.
The Conference re-appoints the Secretary of the Methodist Church in
Ireland as the Registrar of Deeds and Documents.
7.
The Conference re-appoints Miss Elizabeth Curry, Secretary of the
Visitation Commissions.
8.
The Conference expresses its thanks to the Trustees of the Joseph Rank
Benevolent Trust for their generous financial support for the work of the
Methodist Church in Ireland.
9.
The Conference directs that the printed expression of thanks, to Mr. John
Clarke, be included in the minutes of Conference.
10.
The Conference appoints Rev Colin J. Duncan as the Chairman of the
Property Board of The Methodist Church in Ireland.
Reasoned Statement.
The Board, after careful and prayerful consideration, bring to the
Conference the name of the Rev Colin J. Duncan for the position of
Chairman of the Property Board of The Methodist Church in Ireland.
Rev Colin J. Duncan entered the Methodist Ministry in 2003 following a
career on HM Coastguard. He has served the Property Board as the
Ministerial Secretary of the Belfast District for eight years and for the last
six years has held the post of Ministerial Treasurer of The Methodist
Church in Ireland Church Development Fund and The Chapel Fund.
During this time he has demonstrated a willingness to serve the
Connexion, been meticulous in his attention to detail and gained a good
understanding of the Connexion and in particular the on-going work of the
Property Board.
Connexional Finance - Budget Committee
Overview of Budget requests: The Connexional Finance Committee met in
February and having maintained the same figure for 2 years running was forced
this year to apply an increase of 2.91% to the Comprehensive Assessment.. The
main reason for this increase was due to the number of Ministerial Candidates
receiving grants increasing from 11 to 15 after Conference 2013. The Candidates
Grant Fund required an increase of over 36%. The Comprehensive Assessment
for 2014 was set at £1,534,190.
The allocation to the various church funds is as follows:
The Ministers’ Pension Fund (IMMRF Old Scheme ) required an allocation of
£75,000 to fund the 61 recipients.
The Augmentation Fund has a present annual demand of £3,000 and was
allocated this amount from the Budget.
The present Pension Scheme (RBS) receives 13.5% of the ministerial stipend
from the Assessment and 12.5% from Circuits. An additional sum for PPF Levy
of £14,000 is also provided from the Budget. Assuming an increase in stipend
of 2.75% for 2013 & 2014 the amount required for 2014 would be £373,000.
The Disability Fund has presently two claimants and requires no funding for 2014
Minister’s Children’s Fund:-This Fund’s request is based on 45 children under
11 and 28 over 11 receiving grants in the north and 13 under 11 and 8 over 11
receiving grants in the south, also six students attending Wesley College. The
Fund assumes that those attending University will finish their course and that
those leaving school will go to University. The Budget forecast for 2014 was
£207,000 but due to existing reserves the allocation was reduced to £180,000.
Ministerial Training:- The maintenance of Edgehill College is very high with roof
and lighting repairs last year costing £70,000. The good news was that the
Architect's survey indicated that the building was sound. An unexpected bill for
rates for Koinonia House had cost them over £27,000. A loan of £30,000 had to
be made to assist the Peace & Reconciliation Programme due to delays in
funding by the Special European Union. With reserves now greatly reduced a
sum of £310,000 was made from the budget.
Adult Christian Education:- This work continues to require £30,000 funding which
was allocated by the committee.
Candidates Grants Fund:- As already reported the number of students eligible
to receive grants will rise after Conference 2013 from 11 to about 15. This will
mean a shortfall in the already allocated funds for 2013 and the Grants Fund
will require a loan from the College account. The estimated expenditure for 2014
is £126,000 and the Comprehensive Assessment will allocate £123,000 towards
this.
Church Extension:- The treasurer of the Property Board requested £30,000 to
fund the estimated shortfall in funding the planned 12 projects.
Chapel Fund:- No funding is required from the 2014 Budget.
The Methodist Youth & Children's Department continues to run a busy
programme with events like "Autumn Soul" and "Soul Mate" growing every year.
The main external funding is from the Southern Government and this has been
cut by €6,500 for 2013 with further cuts expected by 2014. A request for
£212,000 was agreed to be allocated from the Budget.
General Purposes Fund:-This fund pays for Conference, the Manse removals,
Connexional meetings and all other expenses which won’t fit anywhere else. It
is the most difficult fund to budget for; however the treasurer estimated the
requirements for 2014 to be £140,000, a reduction of £3,000 on the 2013
allocation.
General Purposes Special Fund:- The Budget Committee allocated £30,000 to
this fund, some of which will cover both Audit and Accountancy fees and Legal
Fees re Queen's Council. Audit and Accountancy fees would be split between
Central Funds and Circuits. It is estimated that the cost to the Special Fund
would be £12,000 for Audit/Accountancy Fees and £5,000 for legal fees.
Council on Social Responsibility:- The treasurer has been using reserves over
the past few years to hold down his requests from the Assessment. The year
past showed an expenditure of over £4,000 and he expects 2014 to be nearer
£4,500. £2,000 was allocated towards this expenditure.
General Education Fund:- The Treasurer requested £11,000 from the
Assessment. Their committee agreed to the sale of shares which gave an
income of £5,000, this was necessary to help their cash flow caused by all grants
being paid out in August. With cut backs in the Southern grants an "in year"
deficit of £5,000 is expected this year (2013). This fund is concerned in meeting
the grant support in future years.
The following are the amounts recommended from the Assessment for the year
2014 with the 2013 figures for comparison.
Fund
Minister’s Retirement Fund(IMMRF)
(IMMRF) Contingency Fund
M.M.R.I. Augmentation Fund
Retirement Benefits Scheme (RBS)
Ministers’ Disability Fund
Ministers’ Children’s Fund
Adult Christian Education
Candidates’ Grants Fund
Chapel Fund
Church Extension
Youth & Children’s Department (MYCD)
General Purposes (Special Fund)
Methodist Education Fund
Sub Total
1% added for World Development
2013
Approved
£68,000
£7,000
£6,000
£373,000
nil
£170,000
£300,000
£30,000
£90,000
nil
£33,000
£210,000
£143,000
£33,000
£2,000
£11,000
2014
Recommended
£69,500
£5,500
£3,000
£373,000
nil
£180,000
£310,000
£30,000
£123,000
nil
£30,000
£212,000
£140,000
£30,000
£2,000
£11,000
£1,476,000
£1,519,000
£14,760
£15,190
_______
_______
£1,490,760
£1,534,190
Increase 2.91%
Total
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference directs that the amount of the Comprehensive
Assessment for 2014 be £1,534,190.
3.
The Conference directs that the amounts to be contributed by the Circuits
in the year 2014 shall be as detailed on the following pages.
4.
The Conference reappoints Mr Derek Hampton secretary of the
Connexional Finance Committee.
Comprehensive Assessment
1. The following amounts shall be contributed by the Circuits in the year 2014:
Dublin District
Centenary, Leeson Park
Dublin Central Mission
Dublin North
Dublin West
Dublin South
Dun Laoghaire
Wicklow, Arklow and Gorey
€
11,749
17,510
25,689
4,778
26,411
36,331
21,219
Midlands and Southern District
Kilkenny and Carlow
Waterford
Portlaoise
North Tipperary
Birr, Athlone and Tullamore
Cork South and Kerry
West Cork
Limerick
Adare and Ballingrane
14,056
6,646
8,831
12,260
9,691
40,575
26,174
7,733
9,820
Lakelands District
Enniskillen
Springfield and Church Hill
Lisbellaw, Maguiresbridge and Tempo
Upper Erne
Fivemiletown
Pettigo and Irvinestown
Ballinamallard and Trillick
Cavan and Longford
North Connacht
8,563
28,677
£
26,749
7,312
10,511
19,235
11,635
10,395
15,402
North West District
Londonderry, Inishowen, Limavady and Strabane Mission 29,094
Coleraine, Portrush, Portstewart and Ballymoney
26,777
Castlederg
8,031
Omagh and Fintona
26,991
Donegal, Ballintra and Inver
12,537
Dunkineely and Ardara
11,203
North East District
Newtownabbey Mission
Ballyclare
89,512
22,915
Carrickfergus
Larne
Antrim
Ballymena
Cullybackey
39,281
21,210
11,782
11,867
17,175
Belfast District
Cavehill
Jennymount
Joanmount
Belfast South
Donegall Road
Greater Shankill
Ballynafeigh, Knockbreda, Belvoir and Cairnshill
Mountpottinger and Bloomfield
Cregagh and Glenburn
East Belfast Mission
Sydenham
Knock
Finaghy and Seymour Hill
Belfast Central Mission
9,469
18,264
6,689
17,034
16,750
24,976
43,204
33,213
48,386
5,853
16,042
58,093
26,083
10,502
Down District
Bangor and Holywood
Donaghadee
Newtownards, Movilla Abbey and Comber
Glastry and Portaferry
Ballynahinch
Dundrum, Newcastle and Downpatrick
Lisburn and Dromore
88,889
13,280
42,770
10,160
11,245
10,267
77,053
Portadown District
Portadown
Newry
Charlemont and Cranagill
Dungannon
Cookstown and South Derry
Armagh
Aughnacloy and Monaghan
Lurgan
Glenavy and Moira
Tandragee and Richhill
55,092
9,714
12,630
19,748
13,027
11,953
8,180
47,924
21,009
32,305
Banbridge and Donacloney
14,626
Connexional Finance - Audit Committee Report
The Connexional Finance / Audit Committee met frequently during the year to:
a) Oversee the preparation of Unaudited Consolidated Accounts for the
Methodist Church in Ireland for the year ended 31 December 2012. We propose
to present summary information from these accounts to Conference 2013. Full
sets of the Unaudited Accounts will be available on request.
b) Continue the wide ranging review of all Church Finances (Connexional and
Circuit). The review process involved meetings with representatives from many
of the major recipients of funding from the Comprehensive Assessment and with
the Home Missions Department. The progress made will be indicated in our
presentation to Conference 2013.
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference accepts the unaudited accounts of the Methodist Church
for 2012.
3.
The Conference agrees that the President and Secretary of Conference
may sign audited consolidated accounts for the Methodist Church in
Ireland for the year ended 31 December 2013, if requested to do so by
the Connexional Finance Committee.
4.
The Conference authorises the Connexional Finance Committee to
continue with its detailed review of church finances with a view to bringing
a further report(s) and recommendations to a subsequent Conference.
Trustees of the Methodist Church in Ireland
Report to year end 31st December 2012
Reference and Administrative details
The day to day affairs of the Trustees are managed by a faithful and skilled staff,
namely Mrs Gillian Skillen, Mrs Donna Ahrens, Mrs Carol Gilmore, and Mr Sean
Cunningham. The Trustees place on record once again their appreciation for the
efficiency and commitment of the staff team. Mr Neil Morris, the Lay Treasurer,
also acts as a part-time consultant to the Trustees. As ever his contribution and
thoughtfulness have been of immense value.
The work of the staff, the Secretary of Conference, the Standing Committee and
Mr Morris include the following areas of work: processing of Gift Aid donations
in Northern Ireland on behalf of approximately 90 churches and five Connexional
Funds, which produced tax refunds of £395,000 in 2012; the computation,
collection and distribution to the Funds concerned of almost £1.5 million in
connection with the Comprehensive Assessment; the management, together
with our investment managers, of the Trustees’ investment portfolio of £16.4
million as at 31 December 2012; the collection and payment annually of £4.5
million to ministers and over 40 other full time staff on the payroll, together with
the related administrative work in connection with general enquiries, changes in
stipends, mileage rates and other allowances. It is a wide-ranging general
administration for the Church, in that the Trustees’ office is also that of the
Secretary of Conference.
The Trustees’ office also has the day-to-day administration of the Ministers’
Retirement Funds, the Ministers’ Disability Fund, and the payments from the
Ministers’ Children’s Fund, all of which are reported separately.
The arrangements introduced in 2011, whereby payments from the
Comprehensive Assessment to various Connexional Funds were made monthly
rather than quarterly, has continued to benefit the cash flow of those funds at a
time of limited resources.
We regret to record the death, during the year, of Rev Dr John Turner. Dr Turner
served as a Trustee for many years. His breadth of knowledge of the Methodist
Church in Ireland, combined with his thoughtful and gracious insights, served
the Church and the Trustees well.
During the year Revs Dr W Dennis D Cooke, Paul Kingston, Christopher G
Walpole and Mr John B Lawson tendered their resignation as trustees. They
have each served as Trustee over many years and the Trustees will miss their
wisdom and, in the case of Mr Lawson, legal expertise. The Trustees wish each
one continued health in their retirement from this particular responsibility.
Revs Margaret A Ferguson, Dr Heather M E Morris, Dr John Stephens, together
with Mr Ivor Moffitt and Mr Rory O’Ferrall have been appointed Trustees.
Structure, governance and management
The Methodist Church in Ireland Act 1915 formally constituted the Methodist
Church in Ireland as one body and incorporated the Trustees. (The Methodist
Church in Ireland Acts Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, 1928
formally recognised the Methodist Church in Ireland in both jurisdictions after
partition).
The Trustees are part of the Methodist Church in Ireland and are governed by
the Methodist Church in Ireland Act 1928. Its management committee and
officers are appointed annually by the Methodist Conference under the Act. The
Trustees also report annually to the Methodist Conference on their activities.
The Methodist Church in Ireland is registered with HM Revenue & Customs as
a Northern Ireland recognised charity, reference XN69890. In the Republic of
Ireland the equivalent Charity reference number is CHY 253.
The Trustees meet for a general meeting twice a year, usually in April and
November, and report to Conference each year. The general meeting
recommends to Conference trustees for appointment. The Standing Committee
normally meets 3 times a year to deal with the day-to-day operations. The
Governance Committee meets once a year to recommend appointments to the
Annual General Meeting and to oversee the training of Trustees.
Owing to the death of Dr Turner during the year the number of trustees fell to
thirty five at year end. This matter will be rectified in 2013.
Risk management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks, to which the Trust is exposed, in
particular those related to the operations and finances of the Trust. The changes
in banking arrangements which were undertaken last year have proved
satisfactory. The Trustees are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate any
exposure to major risks.
Training
During the year the Trustees have received training on their legal standing and
responsibilities as contained in the 1915 and 1928 Methodist Church Acts,
together with regulations for Trustees’ meetings.
Objectives and activities
The primary object of the Trust is the administration of certain properties and
funds, vested to the Trust under the Act, for the Methodist Church in Ireland. The
Trustees have delegated day-to-day operations to the Standing Committee. The
terms of reference of the Standing Trustees have been reviewed and agreed by
the General Trustees.
Achievements and performance
The investment funds
The Trustees’ investments are held with Epworth Investment Management
Limited.
Epworth’s Fixed Interest Affirmative Fund
The investment parameters for this fund were reviewed by the Trustees at their
meeting on 7 November 2012 and agreed as follows:
Affirmative Fixed Interest Fund Gilts 70 – 100%: Corporate Bonds 0 – 30%: Cash
0 – 5%. At 1 January 2012 there were 8,473,767 units in the fixed interest
affirmative fund, valued at £10,024,466. During the year £247,208 was invested,
and £320,000 was redeemed. The position at 31 December 2012, therefore,
was as follows: 8,415,261 units in the fixed interest affirmative fund valued at
£10,123,560, each unit being valued at 120.3p (2011: 118.3p).
The total return of the fund was 4.9% over the year, which was ahead of the
benchmark index of FTSE All Stock Gilt Index (83%) and iBoxx non-Gilt Index
(17%) by 0.5%. Over the last 3 years a return of 8.7% pa which was ahead the
benchmark; and since 1997 the return has out-performed the benchmark by
0.5%pa.
Epworth’s Equity Affirmative Fund
Affirmative Equity Fund 90-100%, Non UK Equities 0-10% and Cash 0-5%.
At 1 January 2012 there were 5,254,862 units in the Equity Affirmative Fund,
valued at £5,538,625. During the year £384,237 was invested, and £380,000
was redeemed. The position at 31 December 2012, therefore, was as follows:
5,274,773 units in the Equity Affirmative Fund valued at £5,960,493, each unit
being valued at 113.0p (2011: 105.4p).
In the Developed World ex UK Portfolio the valuation at 1 January 2012 was
£58,950. The valuation at 31 December 2012 was £64,856.
The total return of the fund of 12.3% out-performed the benchmark index of
FTSE All Share Index (90%) and FT AW All World – ex UK Index (10%). Since
1997 a return of 6.6% pa has been earned, 0.3% pa above that of the
benchmark.
Managed fund
Fixed Interest Fund 50-70%, Equity Fund 30-50% and Cash 0-5%.
At 31 December 2012 the proportion of the managed fund was 89.0% of the
total fund. There were 6,473,722 units in the managed fund valued at
£14,501,136, each unit being valued at 224.0p (2011: 216.3p).
The total return of the fund of 7.0% over the year which was ahead of the
benchmark index of FTSE All Stock Gilt Index (58.1%), FTSE All Share Index
(27%), FTSE All World – ex UK (3%) and iBoxx non-Gilt Index (11.9%), by 0.1%.
Our policy on ethical investment does have an impact on the returns, reflecting
avoidance of sectors such as alcohol, defence and tobacco, and also stock
selection where we would have a preference for stocks with relatively higher
ethical standards. The Trustees are represented on the Joint Advisory
Committee on the Ethics of Investment, which reports formally to the Methodist
Church in Britain.
Gift aid donations and tax relief for donations to eligible charities
Local Church Funds and Connexional Funds continue to benefit greatly through
the use of Gift Aid. Many Churches are active in claiming the refund offered.
However, in most churches, there is still room for an increase in the number of
those who sign a Gift Aid Declaration and there are some who need to
encourage this system of additional income. The Trustees would remind those
who sign a Gift Aid declaration for the first time that, under the scheme, they can
claim Gift Aid on their donations for the previous four years, provided they pay
Income Tax.
During the year the UK Government introduced the Gift Aid Small Donations
Scheme, which is due to be operative for the tax year beginning April 2013. At
the time of writing we await precise regulations from HM Revenue & Customs
as to how this scheme will work. As noted above the Methodist Church in Ireland
is one charity. However it appears that, within the scheme, there are options for
a charity with a number of ‘community buildings’ to claim gift aid on small
donations (up to a cap of £5,000 in total) for each of these community buildings.
The Trustees’ staff and officers are monitoring the situation closely.
In the Republic of Ireland the scheme of tax relief in respect of donations to
eligible charities was reformed during the year. The Trustees’ officers participated
in the consultation process prior to new legislation being enacted. The new
legislation, passed in the December Budget, now ensures that tax refunds will
be paid directly to the charity rather than to the donor, but at a ‘blended’ rate of
31%. The Officers of the Trustees have advised churches of these changes and
are seeking to offer encouragement and support so that churches may avail fully
of the scheme.
The method of making a Gift Aid Declaration directly with the Trustees is still
available. By this method, the subscriber pays the Trustees e.g. annually,
monthly, or by standing order. The Trustees claim the tax refund and the original
donation and refunds are available to the subscriber to allocate subscriptions to
churches, connexional funds and any other charities of the subscriber’s choice,
by the use of a voucher book.
Financial Review
The accounts of the Trustees, which are available for inspection and form part
of the consolidated accounts of the Methodist Church in Ireland, deal with those
funds of the Church which are administered by the Trustees. We have seen an
increase in the valuation of our investments.
The Trustees’ policy is to retain a level of unrestricted reserves, within the
Administration Fund, which matches the needs of the Trust both at the current
time and in the foreseeable future. The reserves required will be sufficient to
meet the running costs for a period equivalent to at least one year’s expenditure.
The Standing Committee has developed a plan to establish and maintain at least
this level of reserves, and will distribute any excess reserves over certain limits,
to connexional funds, that will be determined as required.
The trustees have adopted an investment policy that is consistent with the moral
stance and teachings of the Christian faith. The investment managers have been
directed to adopt a social, environmental and ethical stance, which is consistent
with the aims of the Methodist Church.
Other Matters
The officers of the Trustees, along with representatives from the Connexional
Finance Committee of the Conference, form an Audit Committee which oversees
the preparation of consolidated accounts for the Methodist Church in Ireland.
This Committee is serviced by Mr Stuart Blythman, whose professional services
are purchased by the Trustees. The Church will register with the Charity
Commissioners for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland when required
to do so.
Trustees’ responsibilities
The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year
that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Trust and of its incoming
resources and application of resources for that period.
In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are required to:
•
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
•
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed,
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial
statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, unless it is
inappropriate to presume that the Trust will continue in business.
•
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Trust.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Trust and hence
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other
irregularities.
AGENDA
1.
The Conference adopts the report of the Trustees.
2.
The Conference re-appoints Rev David Mullan as Ministerial Treasurer
and Mr Neil E. Morris as Lay Treasurer.
3.
The Conference directs that the income from the Foundation of the
Ministers’ Sons’ Fund for the coming year be paid to the Ministers’
Children’s Fund, designated for payment to Wesley College Dublin for
Boarder Foundationers and that the arrangement be reviewed in 2014.
4.
The Conference commends the scheme for Gift Aid donations in Northern
Ireland and the Scheme for Tax Relief for donations to eligible charities in
the Republic of Ireland to those of our people who are in a position to
make such donations.
5.
The Conference re-appoints Rev Donald Ker as Secretary
6.
The Conference appoints Mrs Lesley Rankin and Mr David Best
Trustees.
7.
The Conference approves the re-printing of the relevant paragraphs in
the Minutes of Conference.
8.
The following are the members of the Standing Committee for the year
2013-2014: Revs Desmond C. Bain, Shaun R.F. Cleland, Mark S. Forsyth,
Donald P. Ker, Edmund T.I. Mawhinney, David Mullan, S. Kenneth Todd,
Mrs. Irene Dickson, Messrs Joseph Edgar, J. Stanley Graham, Thomas
H. Millar, Neil Morris, Albert J. Sherrard, William J. Stafford. (The
Secretary of the Trustees is ex-officio Secretary of any committee).
as
Memorials Committee
1. Memorials relating to the National Lottery
1.1 The Lakelands District Synod urges Conference to reverse its decision of
2012 to ‘permit City Missions and other Church bodies to apply for
lottery-sourced funding under (the stated) circumstances (Mins of Conf 2012
p84). Synod believes that for historical, Biblical, moral and social reasons, our
Church should not only be opposed to gambling in all its forms but also to
receiving funding from all such sources.
1.2 The North East District believes that the decision taken by Conference to
accept Lottery funding compromises the integrity of the Church as it is
hypocritical to oppose raising funds through all forms of gambling(ref para 10.65
Manual of Laws) and at the same time accept the proceeds of gambling for the
Lord’s work.
The North East District Synod therefore respectfully requests that Conference
reconsiders this decision.
1.3 From the Belfast District:
While the financial challenges of various worthwhile projects undertaken on
behalf of the Methodist Church are understood, we would like to register our
opposition to the accepting of funds from the National Lottery. We feel that this
would dilute our Christian witness against gambling, would confuse the moral
stand the church should take in such matters and would send an unclear
message to those looking to our church for guidance and leadership in the
community we serve.
We therefore request Conference to
i) affirm its opposition to all forms of gambling
ii) renew its opposition to receiving funds from the Lottery
iii) ask the Council of Social Responsibility to continue its efforts in
encouraging Government to provide a lottery replacement fund for church
and faith related bodies who by conscience cannot accept Lottery Funding
and
iv) encourage Circuits to increase their financial support for the work of our
City Missions.
1.4 From Belfast Central Mission:
The Mission Committee of the Belfast Central Mission:
continues to view the trend to divert access to funding for charitable purposes
from statutory sources to the National Lottery with considerable disappointment;
shares with many a particular frustration that attempts to establish an alternative
non-lottery funding stream for organisations who have legitimate ethical
objections has not hitherto been accepted, nor appears likely to;
understands and commends the position taken by the 5 City Mission
Superintendents, in light of this, in seeking to persuade the Methodist Church in
Ireland to allow, with suitable protocols, agencies of the Church such as the
Missions, to access funding for charitable purposes;
acknowledges the difficulty that the Methodist Church in Ireland finds itself in
trying to be consistent with long held positions whilst attempting to seek funding
for charitable purposes;
encourages all within Irish Methodism to recognise present realities, and as the
ground rules have changed so much, in order for the City Missions to compete
equitably for funding with other charities, who may not be underpinned with the
same, or any, Christian ethos, to now consider allowing the City Missions to
access funding from the National Lottery.
1.5 The Down District Synod asks Conference to rescind the decision made at
Conference 2012 to allow various Church bodies to ask for lottery funding
because this decision appears to be a reversal of the Methodist Church’s
opposition to gambling and came without adequate preparation as a shock to
many Methodists in Ireland.
Recommendation 1: The Committee proposes that the Conference debates
the following motion:
“The Conference
i) affirms its opposition to all forms of gambling
ii) renews its opposition to receiving funds from the Lottery
iii) asks the Council of Social Responsibility to continue its efforts in
encouraging Government to provide a lottery replacement fund for church
and faith related bodies who by conscience cannot accept Lottery Funding
and
iv) encourages Circuits to increase their financial support for the work of our
City Missions.”
2. Memorials relating to Stationing Procedures:
2.1 The Synod of the Midlands and Southern District of the Methodist Church in
Ireland notes with concern the inordinate amount of time spent each year on the
stationing process (11days, or 2.2 working weeks, plus travel time, in
2012/2013).
It notes, in particular, the complications occasioned by extensions to terms of
ministry. It urges Conference to examine the process and to emphasise the need
for discipline in this matter for both ministers and circuits.
2.2 From the Belfast District:
Whilst affirming
1) the importance of itinerancy for the Connexional character of Irish Methodism,
and
2) that the local church should practice a whole body ministry in which an
ordained presbyter stationed in a society is only one minister among many,
bringing their distinctive skills and experiences,
we believe that changes in society at large and within the Methodist Church
mean that our current mechanism of stationing ‘from year to year’ is no longer
fit for purpose.
Therefore we would ask the Connexion to carry out a review of the stationing
system of the Methodist Church in Ireland that:
a) Recognises the above principles;
b) Provides for a more predictable period of ministry, offering a greater sense
of stability for congregations, ministers and ministers’ families;
c) Allows the stationing of ordained ministers in a more strategic fashion
taking greater account of a minister’s genuine skills and experience;
d) Factors in the requirement to designate certain Connexional posts in
advance of stationing;
e) Considers the election and tenure of the District Stationer;
f) Provides a platform for sustained growth in the local church.
Recommendation 2: The Conference refers these memorials to the General
Committee.
3. Memorial relating to the calculation of the Comprehensive Assessment
3.1 From the Larne Circuit:
On the Larne Circuit we have become aware of the following situation in relation
to bequests/legacies made to Societies or Circuits.
If a Society or Circuit receives a bequest/legacy to be used at their discretion
and they use part or all of it for the maintenance of their built resources the
amount they use does not become assessable in relation to the Comprehensive
Assessment. However, if the Society or Circuit, at their discretion, decide to use
a portion of bequest/legacy to fund or part fund, human resources to advance
their mission and witness in their local community, the amount they use in this
way does become assessable in relation to the Comprehensive Assessment.
When this occurs it gives the impression that the Methodist Church in Ireland
places greater importance upon maintaining their buildings than it does upon
reaching out to the wider community with the life changing message of the
Gospel. To some it is viewed as a 25% TAX on outreach. Therefore, we propose
an addition to the wording of para 7. (5) (vi) found on page 79 of the Minutes of
Conference 2012. (additional wording in bold type)
“(vi) All other income for local Church Funds, but excluding sums expended on
bank interest, buildings, repairs, furnishings, capita; expenditure, Connexional
Funds, other Charities, mileage payments to ministers, or for the payment of
Christian Stewardship Campaigns approved by the Methodist Stewardship
Organisation. There shall also be excluded for assessment purposes any
bequest arising from the will of a deceased person where that bequest has
been made to a society or a circuit unconditionally or where it has been
made upon terms that the society or circuit shall have the absolute
discretion to apply the amount so bequeathed for the benefit of that church
or circuit in whatever manner it should in its absolute discretion decide.
For the purpose of the Comprehensive Assessment, Connexional Funds shall
be construed as being those Funds which do not draw their income from the
Assessment. The income shall be subject to an assessment at a percentage
rate calculated on the amount of money required by the Connexion and on the
total of the income of every Circuit. …
Recommendation 3: The Conference refers this memorial to the Connexional
Finance Committee.
Irish Methodist Youth and Children
67TH ANNUAL REPORT
‘A couple of years ago, videos began to pop up on the Internet of a lone, shirtless
dancer in the midst of an open sloping field at the 2009 Sasquatch Festival in
eastern Washington. Internet entrepreneur Derek Sivers brought attention to the
episode with a dazzling three-minute commentary on the ‘shirtless, dancing guy’
at one of the 2010 TED conferences. The video begins with one guy doing an
improvised dance to the song “Unstoppable.” Though his form is jerky, his lack
of inhibition is striking. After a period of dancing alone, the shirtless dancing guy
is joined by a brave dancing partner, a first follower who syncs his own
movements with the lone dancer. Before you know it, more and more people
rush to join the dance. In just three minutes it’s a dance party, and a movement
is born.’
Leonard Sweet, I am a Follower, The Way, The Truth and the Life of Following Jesus,
Thomas Nelson, 2012.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
CGMC
Links have been renewed again with the Consultative Group among Ministry
with Children, an official network of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
which has a remit for strategic networking between churches, para-church
organisations and charities. In November, CGMC hosted a conference for
Theological and Bible College Principals looking at developing children’s ministry
in ministerial formation. While it was almost exclusively aimed at the Anglican
denomination, there were some pertinent points for Methodism.
Children’s Ministry Module
For the first time, as part of an undergraduate degree course, Belfast Bible
College have included a module in Children’s Ministry which Nicky has been
involved in the co-ordination of. Nicki Ferguson, Children’s Worker in Sandy
Row & Bloomfield, and Tanita Robson, Children’s Worker at EBM, have also
both been involved. This has been a significant development as a class of 16
has been looking at the academic and vocational nature of children’s ministry.
Disability Theology
Nicky completed a Masters through Cliff College in Mission (Children’s Ministry) with
a particular emphasis at dissertation on the Methodist Church in Ireland’s engagement
in Special Education Schools. This research has led to some interesting conclusions
and as a result Nicky has been involved in some further teaching on the area of
Disability Theology. The findings are available on request. As well as the Star Stories
project, Nicky has been involved with the Big House’s Shine camp, a camp for
teenagers with both physical and intellectual disabilities. Janette has extensive
experience of the Special Needs Sector, and both Janette and Nicky are more than
happy to facilitate churches seeking to broaden their vision for those with disability.
Makaton Training
In a new venture, IMYC have been involved in hosting Makaton training
sessions. Makaton is a communication programme using signs and symbols.
So far, 28 people have been facilitated through the initial stages, and a waiting
list is steadily building.
Soul Mates Road Trip (SMaRT)
SMaRT went out twice again this year to Ballinamallard & Wesley Centenary in
Bangor. The event sees the Soul Mates Weekend team de-camp to a venue for
the evening to run an evening’s worship and teaching. Nicki Ferguson & Chris
Neilands (both of TOM 20) were the respective speakers with large numbers
gathering in each venue. SMaRT aims to bridge the gap between Soul Mates
Weekend and the traditional church, so we are always looking for new venues
to host.
Soul Mates Weekend
Soul Mates Weekend was back again for its 14th installment in the Jethro Centre
in Lurgan.
We felt the hand of God at every stage over the weekend. Our theme this year
was Soul Mates ‘The Movie’ with our key verse being Ephesians 2:10, (For we
are God’s masterpiece, he has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we could
do the good things he planned for us long ago). Ross Jonas (TOM 19) was the
main speaker, and he compared the life that Esther led with our lives. Beth
McKendry (TOM 18) and her band were back leading worship.
Our seminar programme looked at the fruit of the spirit, and we benefitted from
having a full range of seminar providers who were either part of the weekend,
or had been before. The sense of community was evident.
Our workshop programme was full and varied and for the first time, saw the
inclusion of the Gaelic Football, for which we are indebted to the GAA for
providing coaches.
Joel Wiseman from Seymour Street in Lurgan went home with the much-coveted
Soul Stars Talent Show Trophy. His winning entry was a worship song that he
had composed himself.
Soul Mates is only possible because of the army of volunteers who give so much
time before, during and after the weekend. We are truly blessed as a
denomination to have so many committed, talented, enthusiastic and spirit-filled
young leaders.
Star Stories
IMYC have been involved in a number of Star Stories this year. Bloomfield &
Ballymena hosted “Follow the Star” this year, and we visited schools in Bangor,
Ballymena and Belfast with “Splish, Splash, Splosh” and “In the Beginning…”
We have also begun the process of producing material to use in Toddler Groups.
Star Stories Holiday Bible Club
Over the past few years, IMYC’s relationship with Fleming Fulton has been
strengthened and we were invited back in the summer of 2012 to run another
kids club as part of their summer scheme. Armed with our incredible volunteers,
we embarked on the story of Joshua & David & Goliath, two new programmes.
We combined the normal star stories model with some elements of a traditional
holiday bible club, working alongside Fleming’s own volunteers.
Soul Mates House Party
There were a lot of changes to the leadership of Soul Mates house party this
year and we had four different speakers which meant the worship times were all
quite different but the children responded well and there was a good sense of
fun and togetherness throughout the weekend. There were also a lot of new
young leaders and this brought a new freshness to the event. As usual there
was quite a spread of Methodists and non-Methodists there and a lot of younger
children, which bodes well for the future.
Child Protection Training
This year we have continued the programme of training with sessions in all
Districts with around 650 people trained. Changes in legislation continue to
happen both in Northern Ireland, where we await the legislation that will enable
an updating service for all who have been vetted and in the Republic, with the
legislation in place for safeguarding but at the time of writing it still not being
enacted. This will mean it will be necessary for all who have never been vetted,
of which there should be very few if any, going through this process in the near
future.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Summer Programme
Stephen McCann and Lisa McPherson continue to be involved in Castlewellan
Holiday Week. Stephen continues to lead the youth and children’s team and Lisa
continues to co – ordinate the 12 – 14 programme and be involved in the family
worship and other aspects of the holiday week. IMYC provides training,
resources, man power and expertise to facilitate the youth and children’s
programme during the family week. This summer we plan to develop resources
specific to our Church. Ongoing work regarding Church Membership is one of
many areas which will continue to be developed.
Autumn Soul
Autumn Soul continues to provide opportunities for young people and young
adults to serve God and grow in their gifts and talents and there is a strong sense
of “passing it on” to the next generation. Each year we are surprised and
amazed at God’s love and grace and we somehow are able to create space in
a large meeting for young people to experience intimacy with God through
worship, art, prayer and of course the speaker. The work of Autumn Soul is
continuous throughout the calendar year with monthly meetings, band auditions,
practices, sub group work outside main meetings and retreats to focus our
minds. Autumn Soul is significant for the life of the Methodist Church as it
continues to seek God for the way forward, develops programme and creates
connexional community across this island. We will continue to develop space
for young people, leaders and volunteers to explore and build strong foundations
of faith, as we seek intimacy with the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit,
in an environment of significant community.
Teams on Mission
TOM 24 has 10 participants. The Travelling team this year is all girls, Elaine,
Holly, Emma-Jayne and Caitlin. They are an enthusiastic, talented team who are
excited about what God is up to across the island. They use their powerful stories
to connect with young and old and have encouraged us with the expectancy
they have before a mission and how they excitedly tell us what had been going
on when they come home. The static team this year is on the Bangor circuit,
Laura, Carissa, Claire and Gareth. They have thrown themselves into all areas
of work there and helped develop new areas of work as they help see the vision
of circuit youth and children’s work realized. This year we have two interns, Daire
who is in his second year on TOM is in Dundrum in Dublin and Gareth is in
Movilla Abbey in Newtownards.
We would really like to thank our locations Dundrum, Bangor and Movilla for all
the hard work they put into hosting the teams and interns so successfully. Team
On Mission is an exciting programme to be involved in as it continues to develop
leaders who continue to contribute to life of the church and more importantly the
Kingdom, long after their year ends.
This year’s training again saw them achieve their OCN Level 2 in youth work
and we have worked in partnership with Youth For Christ as their Nomad team
joined us for training, along with a number of interns from other churches and
organisations.
This year Gillian has been involved in organizing a gathering of gap year
providers from Para-church organizations and churches in Ireland. The purpose
of this was to gather the learning with the aim of drawing up an internship charter
that might help all those involved best serve the young people who volunteer
and churches and projects who host them.
24-7 prayer
Gillian continues to be part of the leadership team for 24-7 prayer Ireland and
part of the working group for the Methodist Church here in Ireland. This year
prayer summits across the country have been an important part of the
preparation for this year’s Conference.
Overflow
Year 5 of Overflow certainly bought with it new challenges and considerations
when it came to organizing programme and activities. Numbers increased again
in all areas with young people and volunteers making a total of 70 – 80
participants. This weekend provides opportunities for volunteers and seasoned
Overflowers to move into different roles of service of the weekend. Some help
out in the kitchen, some in community building, taking workshops, leading small
groups, running sound desks, preparing devotional material, organizing small
group work and direction and generally being committed. In some ways, ‘It would
be easier to do it all ourselves.’ Yet the ethos of Overflow is to pass it on, provide
opportunities and develop passions and gifting which in ‘theory’ are to bless the
local church, if the people are empowered so to do. The hard work, numerous
emails and meetings and resourcing are all worth it and God is honoured.
Our speaker this year was the National Director of Youth For Christ, Suzi
McClean, and her theme was relationship. ‘It’s all about RELATIONSHIP’. She
shared, inspired and convicted each of us about our relationships with each
other, God and the Church.
For those in first year, we ran helpful workshops on communication, planning
and creativity in youth and children’s work. For those in second, third and fourth
years we looked at areas of justice, God’s heart for justice and Pioneer ministry.
It is all about inspiring young leaders to seek God in all they do and try big things
with God at the centre of it. What will ignite in our Churches over the next few
years. The possibilities are there if the young people are set free and supported.
There is no doubt that lives were changed forever. Confidence in Christ and His
power working through people was nourished and we feel that we are doing our
part for the future of the Church in producing leaders whose first priority is
relationship with their God. May this be a good headache for every local Church!
Young Adults retreat.
The annual retreat was held this year in Annalong. Around 40 young adults
gathered for good food, good chat, teaching and worship. Mark Charles came
this year to help us explore what it means to be ‘A People invited to follow.’ This
weekend provides important community, challenge and refreshment for young
adults who serve in many ways in their churches.
Youth workers
IMYC continues to support youth workers by providing resources, advice,
retreats and encouragement. This year once again we have worked alongside
CIYD to run training days once a month. These days focused on developing
resilience and developing practice. They are important days of learning but also
to meet up with and share with other youth workers. This year the days have
been planned around the results coming from a Training Needs Assessment
carried out among youth workers.
This year the ‘Invest Youth’ conference ran for the second time with around 100
participants from the 4 major denominations, run in partnership with Youth Link
NI. This year’s theme was ‘the off-stage youth worker’ with the focus being on
what things need to be in place in a youth worker’s life to allow them to best
serve God and young people.
School of Worship
Running for the second time this year, School of Worship is our event aiming to
equip young people who help lead and shape worship in their local church and
youth groups. Working alongside Derek Walker in Newtownabbey Methodist
Mission, Stephen & Lisa lead the weekend with 30 young people and 30 young
adults involved, as they explored the key themes of what it means to be free to
worship God and how to be creative in expressing our worship to God. There
were workshops on practical areas within 3 streams - the technical, creative arts,
and musical aspects of worship, looking at areas such as leading worship,
working together as a band and playing different instruments. Young people and
leaders came away from the weekend feeling encouraged, equipped and ready
to be more creative in how they lead and participate in worship in their local
church. We are privileged and inspired to see young people passionate about
worshipping God and willing to use and develop their gifts in this area.
Other Youth activities
At the Midlands and Southern District youth weekend, Deeper, we tried a new
format with activities earlier in the evening and worship later at night. There were
a number of speakers including Raymond and the travelling Team On Mission.
It was encouraging to see the quality of new leaders helping out and their
enthusiasm and dedication. A number of young people committed to follow Jesus
for the first time in a serious way, which makes the weekend so worthwhile.
IMYC were invited to lead worship in the Dublin District and the Autumn Soul
band and Lisa went down for an evening in January which was a very
encouraging and blessed night for all involved.
The Autumn Soul band has also led worship at the Porn Scars conference in
Lisburn in May. Stephen and Lisa have been involved in various parts of the
preparation and communications in the lead up to this Conference working with
Urban Saints, Love for Life and The Big House.
Training
Training has occurred round the Connexion with young leaders, volunteer youth
leaders, worship teams and speaking at different groups and gatherings. IMYC
continues on the journeys with each District and is planning in September to see
how we can help and encourage local churches and circuits as they seek to work
with children and young people.
Edgehill students are now spending a few days with IMYC each year covering
different areas to help equip them in their work with children and young people
in the future. IMYC has a wide variety of expertise and support which they can
offer and are willing to offer to anyone who would like help.
David continues to be involved with Belfast Bible College in delivering their Youth
Ministry module on the Queen’s and Cumbria courses alongside Dr Angela
Minion, as well as a module for the Centre for Youth Ministry.
Global Vision
Lisa is involved in the organising group which plans the theme, practicalities,
publicity and seminars for the event. This involved having responsibility for
organising the youth programme and this year volunteers worked with Lisa to
co-ordinate the youth programme focusing on the IF Campaign. The involvement
with Global Vision has the potential to grow alongside the Autumn Soul weekend
working in partnership with Global Vision to produce a worship evening on
mission and justice. This is an exciting venture and will hopefully continue to
engage young people and youth groups with the Father’s heart and the Bible
regarding justice issues and the poor.
EMYC
EMYC was hosted at Varna in Bulgaria, where some forty youth and children’s
leaders as well as youth representatives from 19 different countries held the
annual conference. There were reports from different countries about the
on-going work. This year work was carried out in a different style, where issues
were brought and if at least two people were interested a group met to discuss
it and feedback. Many different issues were raised and looked at with an
emphasis on youth employment, exchanges, prayer and many other areas. In
European Methodism we play an important role in developing the church and
equipping those in countries where the congregation numbers are a fraction of
what we have in Ireland. David and Lisa continue to lead various working groups
and David and Beth will continue to travel to EMYC Exec meetings between the
annual conference gatherings in September.
Raymond has been tasked with arranging Swop Shop (a training conference for
children’s workers) in Hungary for 2014 as he is one of the more senior EMYC
members.
BUJU is the German version of Autumn Soul. In May Lisa and an Autumn Soul
volunteer will go over to run a late night venue for the conference and will be
there to offer support and to see what we can learn from our brothers and sisters
as they run their event on a national level. This is allowing us to continue to
develop strong European links and communications with our European
Methodist Family. A report of learning outcomes will be given to the Autumn Soul
Committee on their return.
Staff Development
Stephen and Lisa have completed training to deliver Romance Academy
material, which they can use to go out and deliver programmes with youth
groups and youth clubs across the island.
Celebrations
During this past year one member of staff, Lisa McPherson, was married to
Jonny Best and another, Gillian Best, got engaged to Al Gilmore. We wish them
every blessing for the future.
METHODIST CHILD CARE SOCIETY
(Founded in 1870 as the Methodist Orphan Society)
143rd Annual Report
The work of the Child Care Society continued in 2012 with one hundred and
seventy children on the Society Roll, an increase of five children. The IMYCD
Executive, which includes the Officers of the Society, wishes to place on record
its grateful thanks to all the Circuits for their support of the Society’s work and
also to those who left a legacy to the Society. Again the grants given have
exceeded the income; this year by £1,213 and €37,116 respectively and so the
IMYCD Executive would emphasise the need for increased financial support in
order that the Society is able to give support to the more needy families within
the Connexion. Envelopes enabling Circuits to fully utilise the Gift Aid and Tax
Relief schemes are available from the Society Officers and the IMYCD office.
Grants and Income
During the year, the Society paid grants and bonuses of £61,040 (NI) and
€56,000 (RoI) to the 170 children on the Roll.
Contributions from the Circuits amounted to £38,421 (NI) and €18,583 (RoI).
Grants and Bonus Payments
The current annual grant for families is £800 (NI) or €1200 (RoI). In addition,
along with the June and December grants, a bonus payment of £140 (NI) or
€200 (RoI) is paid for each child on the Roll.
Criteria for Support
The criteria used to assess applications are as follows:
1. The maximum age limit is normally 18 years.
2. Families whose sole income is from state benefits qualify automatically
for financial support from the Society, as this is taken as an indicator of
need.
3. All other cases are considered on the basis of individual circumstances.
Application forms for financial support may be obtained from the Rev Robin
McKibben, Ministerial Treasurer/Secretary, Mrs Margaret Copeland, Lay
Treasurer or from the IMYCD page on the MCI website.
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference endorses the continued involvement in Youth Link. The
following are to act as representatives: Rev Dr David Rock, Dr I. Taylor,
Mr Sam Stanfield and Miss Lisa McPherson.
3.
The Conference re-appoints Rev Dr W. David Rock as General Secretary.
4.
The Conference re-appoints Rev John Alderdice as Chair of the IMYC
Executive.
5.
The Conference re-appoints Mr Mark McElhinney as Treasurer.
6.
Conference directs that all circuits/churches consult with IMYC when
considering employing a youth worker.
7.
The Conference re-appoints Rev Robin McKibben as Ministerial
Treasurer/Secretary of the Methodist Child Care Society.
8.
The Conference re-appoints Mrs. Margaret Copeland as Lay Treasurer of
the Methodist Child Care Society.
9.
The Conference approves the re-printing of the paragraphs relating to the
Methodist Child Care Society with the necessary changes in the Minutes
of Conference.
10.
The Conference directs that a copy of the Rules of the Society shall
accompany the first payment to beneficiaries.
11.
The Conference directs that an annual review shall be made concerning
the circumstances of every family receiving benefit and the completed
form shall be returned to the Lay Treasurer as soon as possible after
receipt.
12.
The Conference directs that Circuits shall have an annual collection for
the funds of the Society and that the monies collected shall be sent to the
Lay Treasurer not later than the 15th January.
13.
The Conference directs that Circuits shall give serious consideration to
the Gift Aid Scheme in Northern Ireland and the Tax Relief Scheme in the
Republic of Ireland for their financial contributions.
Home Mission Forum
1. The Home Mission Forum report to Conference 2013 will be quite brief. As
the past Connexional year progressed it became evident to the Forum that the
issues it had been raising relating to Collaborative Leadership, Church
Development and a co-operative approach to fresh responses to God’s mission
across the church were being picked up in the planning for Conference 2013 as
it seeks to explore where we, as a church, are being called by the God of
Mission. We are encouraged that Conference 2012 recognised the need we
have in the past highlighted; that the MCI must redefine its culture as it seeks to
be God’s Church in the 21st Century. A number of the members of the HMF
have worked closely with the Conference Planning Group, joining with their
planning and preparation for Conference 2013.
2. Bishop Ken Good, speaking at the Mission Ireland Day in September 2012,
shared an insightful and challenging reflection on the genius of Methodism. His
thoughts have become a much appreciated and formative contribution giving
guidance to themes for this Conference, as he identified three key characteristics
of the Methodist Church as Personal Holiness, Courageous Evangelism and
Compassionate Social Action. Bishop Ken suggested that Methodism blends
these three things in an edgy kind of way, and is not held back by
establishment-ism. “Yours,” he said, “is an ‘apostolic’ church whose people can
be sent onto fringes, edges, dangerous places – where the rest of establishment
people are afraid to go.” Bishop Ken pleaded with us, as Methodists, to let our
calling be that we be more than a traditional church, and that we be a church
which sets up leadership systems that facilitate our genius: to be a people of
Personal Holiness, Courageous Evangelism and Compassionate Social Action.
3. Last year the HMF reported (amongst other things) that “The challenge
constantly emerging for the HMF is (for the MCI) to get on with it, recognising
that we are on a journey into the unknown.” The planning for Conference 2013
has embraced this challenge, which has also emerged from other committees
of the Church, and is seeking to provide an avenue for the MCI to respond to
the theme “A People Invited to Follow.” The HMF warmly encourages members
of the Conference and MCI to rise to the call to risk following the way of Jesus.
AGENDA
1.
The Conference receives the Report.
“To Know Christ and to make Him known.”
1. Our MWI year got off to a good start with our Fellowship Weekend in Glenada
Conference Centre, attended by a total of 110 ladies from across Ireland. This
included five ladies from USA who joined us for prayer and worship on the Friday
night of the weekend. Our speaker was Mrs Shirley Alexander who led
wonderful teaching sessions entitled “Day by Day”. The praise was inspirational
and uplifting led by Roberta, Maeve and Heidi from the Lakelands District. It
was a delight to have the President Rev Ken Lindsay and his wife Patricia with
us to bring Greetings on Saturday. On Sunday we were warmly welcomed to
Newcastle Methodist Church where the service was conducted by our MWI
General Officers, and the speaker Mrs Maureen Weir.
2. As MWI President, Mrs Maureen Weir has visited most districts and has been
an inspiration to many. Her theme “Journey with Jesus – Walk in His Way” has
challenged us all. We give thanks for the amazing response to Maureen’s
President’s Project - Mary & Elizabeth – which helps persecuted Christians in
Egypt who are unable to worship in an open and relaxed manner. To date
£11,887 and €3,450 has been raised by MWI throughout Ireland.
3. We say ‘thank you’ to Maureen who has given great spiritual leadership to
MWI for the past two years. We wish her God’s Richest Blessing as she
continues her journey with Jesus and walks in His way! As we say farewell to
Maureen we welcome Mrs. Charlotte Maye from the North West district. We look
forward to her service of Installation which will take place on Saturday 9th
November 2013 in Clooney Hall Methodist Church, Londonderry.
4. Apart from General Officers meetings, there are three business meetings held
each year – General Executive in October, MWI Forum in January and Central
Committee in April. Decisions are taken at all these meetings regarding
finances, events and news. Resources and ideas are shared by the Districts
and with other organizations. These meetings remind us that we do not work
in isolation but as part of the Methodist Connexion in Ireland. This year our
meetings were held in Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Dublin and we say ‘thank you’
to the various churches and ministers who have welcomed us and who are
always willing to allow us to use their premises and show us wonderful
hospitality.
5. Throughout Ireland, MWI members continue to give generously to World
Mission through Easter Offerings, Mission boxes and special projects. In 2012
we sent £103,133.99 and €16,046.76 to World Church in London for the work of
our Mission Partners overseas. Our World Mission Secretary Mrs. Angela
Nelson keeps the General Officers and MWI District Mission Secretaries up to
date on the work and needs of our Mission Partners. Angela has attended World
Mission meetings in London and Leeds as the representative of MWI.
6. Each year MWI has the privilege of been able to send two representatives to
the World Mission Conference in Swanwick. In 2012 Angela Nelson and Liz
Russell from the Down District attended and in June 2013 Vera Metcalfe and
Gillian Johnston from Portadown district will be the delegates.
7. In February 2013 links with the Methodist Women in Britain were strengthened
by the visit of Mrs. Alison Judd who is the Area President of WFM&UCW. Alison
was the guest at a World Federation meeting in Sandy Row Methodist Church
and she also visited MWI branch meetings. She presented an inspiring and
interesting update on the work within MWiB at a seminar in Global Vision in
Craigavon.
8. At the MWI Forum in Carrickfergus, World Mission secretary, Mrs. Angela
Nelson delivered some information from Rev Ivan and Mrs. Phyllis McElhinney,
who are on mission in Jamaica, and are involved in a project called ‘Granville
Child Care’. When this building is complete it will be used as a safe house for
girls who have been abused and for counselling and teaching to help them back
into the workplace again. It was agreed to send £1,350.00 from the 20th Century
fund and further donations allowed us to send £4,000 in total. The money will
provide materials for the building to start and for the all important counselling to
begin.
9. It was also agreed at the Forum that the Legacy fund interest be given to Jono
Griffin to help support his work with the ‘Surf Project’. We decided to forward
financial help to the Prison Chaplaincy to help work in prisons and also to
Guatemala for the Ruth & Naomi project in memory of the late, long time
member, Mrs Kitty McIlroy.
10. MWI continues to support financially other projects at home and overseas
as can be seen in the financial report.
11. We continue to keep the Connexion informed about MWI events through
information and articles in the Newsletter and our MWI website. We are grateful
to Mrs. Barbara Fennell who takes the responsibility of collating the information
and forwarding it to the Newsletter and our grateful thanks also go to Mrs. Joan
Young for her excellent work on the website.
12. The dedicated work of the Irish Unit of World Federation of Methodist and
Uniting Church Women continues. We are indebted to Mrs Maureen Young
and to Mrs. Sandra Dickson for all their hard work promoting the work of
WFM&UCW throughout our Connexion. We continue to support the Helen Kim
scholar, Rachel Fallows, who remains a wonderful ambassador for Ireland.
13. We appreciate your continued prayers and support for all the District Officers
and the General Officers, especially our incoming all-Ireland President, Mrs.
Charlotte Maye. We continue to make Christ known through the work of MWI.
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference reappoints Mrs Nan McDowell as MWI General Treasurer
until December 2013.
3.
The Conference expresses its thanks to retiring President, Mrs Maureen
Weir.
Dates of MWI Committees 2013/2014
(1)
The MWI General Executive Committee will meet on Saturday 12th
October 2013 in Fivemiletown Methodist Church at 10.30am.
(2)
The MWI Forum will meet on Saturday 25th January 2014 in
Thomas Street Portadown, at 10.30am.
(3)
The MWI Central Committee will meet on Thursday 10th April 2014
in Jennymount Methodist Church, Belfast at 10.30am (TBC).
Sabbatical Committee
During this Connexional year there were twelve ministers who went on
sabbatical leave. Included in this number were the ministerial staff appointed to
Edgehill Theological College.
The ministerial staff in Edgehill receive study leave every four years for a four
month period in lieu of a three month sabbatical every seven years. They are
still required to give the Sabbatical Committee an outline of their plans and an
indication of the timing of that leave and send a report to the Committee on its
completion. That study leave for all three members of staff just happen to fall
within this current Connexional year and was staggered to minimise disruption.
Of the remaining nine ministers who took a sabbatical during the year, their
activity included travel and study. The places visited included Australia, Florida,
North Carolina, New Zealand and Wales, for the purposes of visiting family or to
experience a different Church culture.
The study undertaken include courses on pastoral care, the Book of Nahum,
prayer, personal development and painting.
As ever the Sabbatical Committee is grateful to those, both lay and ministerial,
who provided cover on Circuits, when a minister was on sabbatical and to
Circuits for their cooperation in enabling the sabbatical system to operate
throughout the Connexion. I believe the Methodist Church is the only Church in
Ireland to offer all its ministers a sabbatical on a regular recognised basis.
All the ministers entitled to a sabbatical receive notice of and information about
the conditions of their entitlement two years in advance. It is worth reminding
Conference that all those intending to take up their sabbatical offer must receive
the permission of the Committee for their plans and timing in advance of their
sabbatical leave and submit a report on their return.
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference reappoints Rev Ian D Henderson as Sabbatical Officer.
Inter-Church Relations Committee
The Committee met once during the year. As well as reviewing the general
Inter-Church scene in Ireland the committee reflected further on the meeting of
the Conference of European Churches, to be held in Budapest in July. This
important gathering will attempt to restructure the CEC along more affordable
lines.
It is clear that churches in Ireland need to have close and effective relationships
with eachother, but it is equally clear that the nature of those relationships, and
the various means to increase understanding, are changing. In this regard the
Committee noted with sadness the decision to end the annual conference which
has been held for at Greenhoills, Drogheda. For a number of decades this
conference has enabled both understanding and relationships between churches
to grow. The Committee pays tribute to all who have been involved. In contrast
the residential conference at Glenstal Abbey celebrates its 50th anniversary this
year, as it focuses on the theme of eucharistic sharing.
Through the Irish Council of Churches (whose AGM was hosted this year by the
Methodist Church in Clooney Hall) and the Irish Inter-Church Meeting there are
opportunities for those in Christian leadership to work together. But in many ways
the most effective relationships are those which are formed at local level. And
the Committee would want to encourage and, where appropriate, facilitate such
relationships.
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference appoints Ms Gillian M. Kingston as Convenor for
Inter-Church Relations.
Reasoned Statement: Ms Gillian Kingston has very wide involvement in
the work of Inter-Church relations throughout the world, as well as a deep
knowledge of Irish Methodism. She has served, among other
responsibilities, as a representative to the World Council of Churches, a
member of the International Methodist-Roman Catholic Dialogue, a
President of the Irish Council of Churches and co-chair of the Irish
Inter-Church Meeting, as well as having been convener of the
Conference’s Faith and Order Committee and Lay Leader of the
Conference. She is currently on the Preasidium of the World Methodist
Council, as well as serving on the Board of Christian Aid. She is thus well
fitted to offer direction and energy to the Committee.
3.
The Conference expresses its thanks to Rev Elizabeth Hewitt as she
relinquishes the role of Convener. Miss Hewitt has held this role for a
number of years, and has steered the Committee through the recent
changes in our structure. Throughout she has been concerned to remind
the Connexion of our need to relate to other Christian bodies, and has
herself been an example of this wider vision, both in Ireland and beyond.
We are grateful for her lead.
4.
The Conference appoints the following as our Representatives:
A. Churches together in Britain and Ireland – Senior Representatives
Meeting: Rev Donald P Ker
B. Irish Council of Churches: Revs Robert Cooper, Geraldine H W Gracie,
M Elizabeth Hewitt, Donald P Ker, Karen J Spence, Mr Robert Cochrane,
Ms Laura Griffith, Mr David English, Ms Gillian M Kingston, Mr Thomas
G Wilson
C. Irish Inter-Church Committee: Rev Donald P Ker
D. Mission Partnership Forum: Revs Desmond C Bain, _____________,
Donald P Ker, Paul Kingston (C), Mr Thomas G Wilson
The Covenant Council
The Church of Ireland and the Methodist Church in Ireland
REPORT OF THE COVENANT COUNCIL TO THE CHURCHES 2013
MEMBERSHIP
Church of Ireland
The Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh (Co-Chair)
Ms Elva Byrne
Very Rev Nigel Dunne
Rev Dr Maurice Elliott
Rev Barry Forde (Secretary)
Rev Canon Ginnie Kennerley
Rev Dr Peter Thompson
My Cyril McElhinney (resigned)
Methodist
Rev Winston Graham (Co-Chair)
Rev Donald Ker
Rev Andrew Dougherty
Rev Janet Unsworth
Rev Louise Donald
Ms Gillian Kingston
Dr Fergus O'Ferrall
Mr Nigel Beattie
Membership
The Covenant Council is delighted that the Most Revd Richard Clarke, co-Chair,
was translated to the role of Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.
The Archbishop has been a wise steer of the Council, particularly as our
churches move towards interchangeability, and there are high hopes that this
will come to pass under his Primacy. The Council is also grateful to Rev Andrew
Dougherty for his tenure as Secretary, and to Rev Barry Forde for taking up the
role. It is with regret that Council accepted the resignation of Mr Cyril McElhinney
and wishes to place on record its thanks and appreciation for all his efforts and
insights during his membership. Mr Philip Benson (CITI), and Mr Rowan Zeelie
(Edgehill) have acted as Student Observers on Council as we further links
between the Institute and Edgehill.
10th Anniversary of the Signing of the Covenant
In 2012 celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Covenant took
place at the Methodist Conference in Enniskillen, and in Dublin and Cork. The
role of the Covenant has also been promoted at Diocesan Synods in Meath and
Kildare and also in Connor. Council would encourage all Diocesan Synods to
place the work and opportunities under the Covenant on their agenda. A short
video clip highlighting the work of the Covenant can be accessed online at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3F7z7xRz4g.
Local Covenant Partnerships and Projects
There are a number of partnerships and projects that continue to grow. At
Queen's University, Belfast a Local Covenant Partnership was signed by the
Bishop of Connor and the District Superintendent, the Church of the
Resurrection was recognised by both denominations as a 'Covenant Church',
and a new Covenant Management Group was put into place to work on behalf
of both churches in further unity on campus.
The Church of the Good Shepherd and Primacy in Bangor continue to further
the work of the Covenant, whilst in Maghaberry work is underway to agree a
Local Covenant Partnership. The Council would like to encourage all churches
to think creatively about how the Covenant might be put into effect locally.
Interchangeability of Ministry
Further to the Agreed Principles, presented to and received by General Synod
in 2010, from the Methodist and Church of Ireland Working Groups on the
Interchangeability of Ministry, and the Second Interim Statement in 2011, in
particular Appendix B, the Covenant Council submits the following:
1. That the Methodist Conference in 2012 has acted in accordance with these
statements, in agreeing on an Order of Service for the Installation of the
President that recognizes the role of the President as 'Episcopal Minister'. This
is an articulation, in language, of the role of the President within the Methodist
church and while the language is new, the concept is not. The intentionality of
the service, its language, tone and purpose, is at one and the same time, unique
to the Methodist Church, and of huge assistance in furthering the work of the
Covenant.
2. The Church of Ireland, in working towards the agreed latest date of 2014, now
proposes an Ecumenical Canon to Synod in order that we might achieve the
agreed will of Synod on interchangeability. It is our hope that through the Bill
proposed and the adoption of such an Ecumenical Canon we will recognize the
personal, communal and collegial episcope in the polity of the Methodist Church
in Ireland and in particular the office and function of President, his or her
predecessors and successors, within the Methodist Church as being that of
'Episcopal Minister'. In addition we week to provide for the presence of Bishops
and Presidents at the respective consecration and installation of Bishops and
Presidents, and to allow for those ordained and in full connexion with the
Methodist Church in Ireland to carry out ministry within the Church of Ireland on
such occasions as this is required. This may include sharing in liturgical life and
practice, or holding an office within the Church of Ireland.
3. The Canon proposed is submitted on the basis of the agreed and received
will at Synod at each stage of presenting Principles and Statements on
Interchangeability. It is the hope of Council that the principles it seeks to elucidate
are fully endorsed and will come into effect by 2014.
AGENDA
1.
The Communications Committee continues its transition stemming from the
Connexions vision to be more effective in leadership, involving the gifts and skills
of more people. The twice-yearly meeting of the Committee is responsible for
overseeing and encouraging the work of the Connexional Press Officer and
Website Manager, along with the ‘big picture’ of how the Methodist Church in
Ireland communicates within herself and with the world.
A number of task groups will have a continuous brief, for instance in developing
a team of press liaison officers for each of the Districts, or in assisting the
Website Manager to develop and source content for irishmethodist.org. The
Committee is very pleased with the look and feel of the recently-launched new
website, and encourages every department of the church to avail of the
opportunity to present their work to the world.
Other task groups will have specific, time-limited work to undertake that will
happen when the right people are available.
Do you know someone who would be interested in tackling one or more of the
following?
• Media training for church leaders
• Learning how to prepare and present broadcast ‘thoughts’ on radio, TV
and YouTube
• Guidelines for individuals, local churches and wider bodies in the effective
and safe use of online social networks
• Methodist Church in Ireland ‘branding’ and resources
• Encouraging more local churches to have a simple, current web-presence
• Moving Connexional reporting of statistics etc online
• Keeping a watching brief on broadcasting and press standards
• Further encouragement for local churches to engage with local press
• Online ‘ministry’ offering devotional material and receiving prayer
requests
Please contact the Convener of the Committee if you feel a nudge to get
involved. The assistance of someone willing to act as secretary to the Committee
would be very gratefully received.
“We have a Gospel to proclaim” – and the Communications Committee wants
to be as effective as possible in encouraging the people called Methodist to
proclaim and relate that good news.
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference notes the dates of meeting: Thursday 3 October 2013
and Tuesday 18 March 2014.
3.
The Conference notes the relaunch of www.irishmethodist.org and encourages all departments of the Church to contribute timely material to
the site.
The Ministry of Healing
1. The committee met on two occasions during the connexional year. We
continued our study of the links between mental health, emotional well-being
and spiritual life. The purpose of this study is to enable us to offer guidance to
those involved in the healing ministry.
2. In February The Churches’ Council for Health and Healing in Ireland, on which
the Methodist Church is represented by three members of the Ministry of Healing
Committee, held a highly successful morning seminar in Cairnshill Church,
Belfast. The theme, meeting the spiritual needs of people with dementia,
attracted an attendance of one hundred and seventy. We were privileged to have
as our speaker the Rev Dr Heather Morris who entitled her talk ‘Loving Kindness
in the Land of Forgetfulness’. So stimulating was her address that only the
demands of her Presidential Year relieved Dr Morris of the task of repeating her
lecture in other venues.
3. In October many Methodists were among the over two hundred who attended
a seminar arranged by the Panel on Healing of the Presbyterian Church. The
theme of that seminar was ‘The Mystery of Suffering and The Practice of Prayer.’
The speaker, Dr Keith Warrington, Vice-Principal and Director of Doctoral
Studies at Regents Theological College in England, gave a very useful
exposition of both subjects and their relationship.
4. The in-coming Chair of the committee will devote his Sabbatical in early 2014
to an exploration of how the ministry of healing is exercised in circuits/societies
throughout the Connexion. This will provide a valuable resource for both the
Ministry of Healing committee and the Conference.
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference appoints the Rev Colin Duncan as Chairperson and
re-appoints the Rev Desmond C Bain as Secretary of the Committee.
3.
The Conference designates Sunday, 2nd February, 2014 as Ministry of
Healing Sunday.
4.
The Committee expresses gratitude to Rev Alan Meara, the outgoing
Chair of the Committee, and asks Conference to approve the following
tribute and direct that it be printed in the minutes:
The Conference is grateful to the Rev Alan Meara who has served as
Chair of the Church’s Ministry of Healing Committee since 2007. Alan has
read widely on subjects associated with healing and brought a breadth of
experience of this ministry to his role as Chair, always preparing
thoroughly for the work the Committee undertook. His guidance was
pivotal, both in revising the “Order of Service for Healing and Wholeness”,
which was adopted by Conference in 2011, and also preparing “The
Christian Healing Ministry”, which explains the ministry of healing and
provides guidance towards suitable resources. He has been one of the
representatives of the Methodist Church on the Churches’ Council on
Ministry of Healing. The Conference is indebted to Alan for his service and
leadership, and is pleased he remains as a member of the Committee.
Prison & Healthcare Chaplaincy Committee
“To support and promote Christian chaplaincy ministries of healing, care and
restoration among vulnerable people.”
1.
The Committee met twice during 2012/13.
2.
The Committee now has a limited fund to develop its work. Contributions
can be made through the Home Mission Department.
3.
In March 2013 members of the committee visited the Matt Talbot Trust and
the Dochas Centre (Women's prison) in Dublin.
4.
Two subgroups (NI and RoI) have been set up to explore a more joined-up
approach for offenders/ex-offenders.
5.
Prison Chaplaincy review has taken place in NI. We are aware of some
concerns from chaplains and encourage a united and uniform approach
from the respective churches.
6.
New models of chaplaincy are being piloted in a number of NI hospitals. We
await evaluation of these.
7.
After communication with HSE (RoI) the restrictions on chaplains accessing
patient religious information seems to be resolved.
8.
The Committee wrote to all healthcare chaplains in September 2012 to
express the gratitude and support of the Church for their ministries. A similar
letter was sent to prison chaplains in October 2011.
AGENDA
1.
2.
The Conference encourages the Committee to continue its work.
3.
The Conference affirms the valuable contribution made by all chaplains,
paid and honorary, in often difficult circumstances.
1. Thankfulness will be a theme running through the BCM report to Conference
2013. Despite the continuing difficult financial environment, BCM has been able
to maintain the effectiveness of its on-going projects, whilst ensuring sound and
secure financial management.
2. The congregations of Sandy Row and Grosvenor Hall continue to explore the
challenging questions around where the God of Mission is calling us, raised at
Conference 2012 and in our District Synod. Sandy Row has seen an
encouraging deeper engagement in the local community, reflected in the growing
work of “Shine”, the after school children’s club, opening of a drop-in Café &
Chat morning and the development of a monthly Men’s breakfast. Grosvenor
Hall continues to support the work of Belfast Street Pastors and has developed
an increasingly reflective approach to celebrating our thankfulness for the
produce of people’s labour as an urbanised theme around the harvest season.
3. BCM has welcomed the opportunity to support the development of the
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Spirituality Pioneering Mission project,
well.com. We look forward to supporting the Rev Alan Lorimer as he develops
this creative new avenue of care for the whole person in the Carlisle Circus area
of inner North Belfast.
4. At Conference 2012 we reported on a number of changes which had or were
about to take place within BCM. Let us update you on those and add a few new
developments:
a. Last year we reported on the closure of Childhaven/Craigmore. This year
we are able to report that, by Conference 2013, we will have appointed
an architect and be well on the way to preparing our planning application
for the establishment of a Care Centre focused on providing a secure
environment for those experiencing Dementia who are still very physically
active, as well as General and Dementia Nursing care. We see this as
stage one of a comprehensive Retirement Living community.
b. Room Hire in Grosvenor House continues to provide much needed
income which contributes to the wider work of BCM. We have been very
encouraged by the positive responses from users to our remodelled
service.
c. Puddleducks Day Nursery opened in Grosvenor House in July 2012. We
have 52 places catering for children from babies through to school age.
Already the Day Nursery is providing a surplus, one of the major reasons
for commencing this project. Puddleducks, along with Room Hire,
reinforce a growing focus in the Mission on developing a variety of
independent income streams. We are committed to doing so in an effort
to provide resources for expanding our existing projects, and creating an
increased capacity to initiate response to need, even when there are no
external funders we can draw upon.
d. Following on from the closure of the Springfield Road Church as a
worshiping congregation, BCM has relocated its Housing Support for
Older People project into the premises. This is an expanding project
which has recently increased from serving South and East Belfast, to
being the only such provision across the whole of Belfast. In addition, this
is strengthening the links between Forthspring Intercommunity Group and
BCM.
e. Based on the effectiveness of the Belfast Housing Support for Older
People project, BCM has been approached by another Trust, asking us
to consider developing a similar service in their region. This evaluation is
underway.
f. A review of the provision of Supported Housing for young people could
see an expansion in the number of young people we are able to care for
within this project.
g. Once again we are most grateful for the way in which support for our
Christmas Food Parcel and Toy Distribution continues to grow. Each year,
and 2012 was no different, we are able to meet the needs of an increasing
number of children and families. This year a total of 1,400 Food Parcels
and 2,430 Toy Parcels were distributed. The partnerships that have
developed between churches, government departments, businesses and
the community continues to humble us as we are given the privilege of
making Christmas just a little better for so many families.
5. Many of you would be aware of the increasingly intensive nature of regulation
of care provision. As a result of this, many of our projects have undergone higher
levels of regulatory inspection, and on a more frequent basis. As you can
imagine, this places additional pressure on our already hard working and
committed staff. However, we have been very encouraged by the positive and
complimentary reports following these inspections, due in no small part to the
dedication of our staff and volunteers.
6. BCM’s Annual Conference continues to draw together staff, volunteers and
members of the Congregations for an informative, interactive and fun day,
celebrating the achievements of the organisation and its staff and volunteers,
as well as keeping everyone up to date with plans for the future.
7. 2014 sees a significant milestone approach for BCM. During the year we will
be celebrating 125 years of care for the Belfast community and beyond. We
encourage you to join us in celebrating God’s goodness and the dedication of
many staff and volunteers, reflected in the work of BCM.
8. At BCM we are very conscious of the fact that BCM is one of many
expressions of the Gospel throughout the Methodist Church in Ireland. We are
committed to remaining an integral part of this diverse, creative, Word and Deed
expression of God’s mission on this island. We appreciate the many ways in
which members of the MCI and the wider community continue to support the
work we do, in the name of Christ and the Church.
9. If you would like to find out more about BCM or read updates on our work,
please check out our web site www.belfastcentralmission.org or visit our
Facebook page, BCM NI.
AGENDA
1.
The Conference receives the report of the Belfast Central Mission.
2.
Dates of Mission Committee Meetings: Tuesday 3rd September 2013,
Tuesday 3rd December 2013, Tuesday 4th March 2014, Tuesday 3rd
June 2014.
Abbey Street
The Abbey Street congregation has continued to plan for the future in the midst
of the economic uncertainty. It is in the process of setting up a fundraising
committee to help with the task of raising the three million euro required to
undertake a refurbishment of the building. The congregation continues to be a
place of welcome for those who have come to live, work or study in the city.
Blanchardstown
It has been encouraging to see the development of this young congregation.
The congregation are actively seeking to rent suitable premises to extend their
mission and ministry within the local community.
DCM City Centre Ministry
The Homeless Ministry and English Conversation Classes have continued to
develop with around 50 volunteers involved in these activities. Our Abbey Street
building is a hub for many self-help groups who use it for their support meetings.
DCM Care of the Older Person
Our two sheltered housing complexes ‘Margaretholme’ and ‘Ailt an Óir’ have
about 90 residents in supported independent living arrangements. A
rededication service was held on the 17th May with the President to mark the
completion of the refurbishment work undertaken in ‘Margaretholme’.
‘Mount Tabor’ Nursing Home cares for 45 residents, many with significant levels
of dementia. It maintains a high level of both personal and medical care. This in
turn means that we have a constant demand for places – far more than can be
met through on-going vacancies. In addition, the new Nursing Home Support
Scheme (“Fair Deal”) is proving beneficial for residents in Mount Tabor, removing
financial concerns from many.
We are grateful to all the staff in all three of our centres, whose dedicated caring
is so central to achieving these high standards. During the past year we
expressed our appreciation to Robert Cochran who stepped down as CEO, Care
of the Older Person and welcomed David Reynolds as his successor.
AGENDA
1.
Our vision is to be a welcoming, vibrant and peaceful community in which
everyone has a sense of belonging and where everyone matters. We are
currently served by 97 full and part-time staff and a team of 140 volunteers.
The Skainos Vision
There have been many words used to describe East Belfast Mission’s Skainos
development but the word ‘journey’ is one that encapsulates its meaning.
Thirteen years ago, the first seeds of an idea for an urban village in the inner
city were planted in the hearts and minds of the leaders of East Belfast Mission
[EBM]. The project grew steadily from there in scale and imagination.
Derived from a biblical Greek word and rooted firmly in Christian tradition and
history, the name Skainos [tent] speaks of the importance of practical
engagement with a community by figuratively pitching a tent in its midst, and it
hints at the notion of hospitality and the extended family.
The Skainos project is about the future. It’s about meeting the present and
prospective needs of this community. It’s about building a partnership of public
agencies, private bodies, community groups and church, and harnessing that
partnership for the benefit of East Belfast. It’s about integrating care and
development support for children, families, young people, people who are
homeless or unemployed and the elderly. And it’s about providing a shared
space for people from all backgrounds and communities in East Belfast.
Central to the development is a new street in inner East Belfast, untouched by
the history of the Troubles, with the capacity to be genuinely shared space.
The Newtownards Road frontage of the development features new retail and
commercial office space. Inside, EBM offers a range of facilities including youth
and family services and counselling, as well as a community hall and auditorium,
and a cafe which spills onto the square. The auditorium also serves as the
worship sanctuary for the Methodist congregation at EBM.
EBM and Oaklee Housing Association also partner in a replacement Hosford
House, catering for 26 people who find themselves homeless. Elsewhere on the
site, The Northern Ireland Association of Mental Health will provide a day centre
for those with mental health difficulties, and the Christian agency Tear Fund also
have their headquarters; Replay Theatre Company contribute to the drama and
arts aspect of the development, and New Life Counselling provide therapeutic
care to complement the counselling service at EBM. Age NI and Belfast
Metropolitan College will provide new services in care for older people and
education. EBM’s social economy programme will also operate a day nursery in
the new development.
The official opening events began on Friday 23 November, with a wide
representation of MLAs, MPs, TDs, Senators, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, city
councillors and a number of visitors from the USA. The opening ceremony was
performed by the First and Deputy First Ministers who expressed their support
for the site, saying it represented shared space inclusion and showed vision for
the entire region.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said that “it would give encouragement
and inspire people to recognise that within communities there are people who
are working, not just in communities but cross community, to ensure that we
move forward, we recognise the need to develop shared spaces that all of us
can use for the benefit of society as a whole”.
Peter Robinson commented that it was “in harmony with where we are in the
community at the present time”. He said he wanted to see Northern Ireland
moving forward and felt that Skainos represented “everything that we are trying
to achieve”.
On the Saturday a wide representation from across the Connexion was present
for the dedication of the building, carried out by Methodist President the Rev
Ken Lindsay and Lay Leader Mrs Gillian Kingston. There was input from across
the Connexion. It was a day long in coming but most certainly worth celebrating.
Certainly the story to date is one that brings encouragement to all those who
choose to serve an almighty God for whom nothing is impossible. The EBM
journey in Skainos now truly begins as we seek to allow our Wesleyan theology
of personal holiness and social holiness to shape the future of this part of world
parish.
EBM Congregation
The transition over the last three years for the congregation has provided a
wonderful opportunity as we move into the new Skainos development. In 2012
the work of the church Council has focused around specific subgroups which
have helped us look at how we engage in specific ministry. These have been in
the areas of community engagement, prayer, discipleship and Sunday worship.
As we have considered the question of how do we prepare for moving into
Skainos for each of the areas of the subgroups, we concentrated our efforts on
a smooth transition into the new building.
From the start of 2013, the work of the church Council is more specifically
engaged with how the congregation are engaged in practices which maintain
the spiritual heartbeat of the organisation. We have reflected as a council on the
frantic nature of life and the demands of people’s time. With so many ways to
engage in the life of the mission this can be overwhelming for people and so the
council seeks to wrestle with the question posed by Heather Morris of “Where is
the God of mission leading us?” The work of the congregation will therefore be
focused on reflecting whilst we engage in the practical life of the mission.
Compass: A Family and Community Initiative of East Belfast Mission
The aim of East Belfast Mission's Compass department is to connect and
empower the local community through effective community development and
support. Our programmes are organised into four areas of focus: mental health,
family support, youth and children, and community development/community
relations. Projects include: youth and children's drop-ins, a parents and toddlers
group, Women's Group, Men's Group, Walking Group and fitness classes, an
Irish language programme, interface dialogue and storytelling work, advice
provision, and counselling.
Re: store Retail Social Economy Outlets
We currently operate 10 re:store outlets province wide as well as a large re:
store Furniture warehouse. Our retail outlets are open 6 days per week and the
collection and delivery service element of our furniture warehouse enables much
greater numbers of people to access these projects. In the past year, more than
1,000 collections and 600 deliveries were made.
Our EBM Social Economy projects were successful in achieving the following
awards during 2012:
• Belfast Business Awards 2012
• Best Social Economy Business & Highly Commended for Best Green
Business
• Social Economy Networks award for UK Social Enterprise of the Year
2012.
Homelessness Hostel: Hosford
Our new 26 bed Homeless Hostel was opened in November 2012 and is now
fully operational as part of our Skainos site.
Employability Service: Stepping Stone
Our Stepping Stone project continues to provide an employability service to the
people of inner East Belfast. We are particularly focussed on the “economically
inactive” dimension of this sector and we are working hard at providing a quality
service to them. 2012/13 has seen us consolidate the ‘advice’ element of our
service to the broader East Belfast community and our expert advisors have
been of great assistance to local residents in accessing the benefit support they
are entitled to.
AGENDA
1.
The Conference receives the report of the East Belfast Mission.
Newtownabbey Methodist Mission
115th Annual Report
Last year, the Mission began to address its dependence on financial reserves,
which were being used at an unsustainable rate. I’m glad to report that at the
end of 2012 the use of reserves has halved from its peak of two years ago. The
Mission has had to make some difficult decisions to achieve this, and it has
managed to do it without affecting its social outreach. There is still some way to
go before the Mission is financially sustainable for the longer term, but the
changes made are getting us towards this goal. It is a balancing act trying to
reach this position without adversely affecting the services the Mission provides.
Appeals 2012.
Last Christmas the Mission had a large number of families referred by various
agencies. A total of 158 families received support, with 297 children receiving
toys through our appeal. In addition, a total of £9,201 was paid out through our
voucher scheme in 2012 to assist families who were in urgent need of groceries
or heat. On behalf of the Mission, I want to say a big thank you to the churches
and families who responded to our annual Appeals. Without your donations this
would not have been possible.
Youth Work
Work among the uniformed organisations continues to grow, with 76 young
people attending the GB and 83 the BB. The Friday evening Youth Club has
approximately 56 senior members and 80 junior. The challenge is to have a
sufficient number of leaders to supervise it each year. Throughout the year a
wide range of youth activities have included visits to the Folk and Transport
Museum, activities at Gannaway in Millisle and fun at Derganagh House in
Ballymoney. Events were held at Easter and throughout the summer which
brought together many programmes and activities.
Over the past three years, Gemma Barclay and Derek Walker have been on
placement in the Mission while studying at Belfast Bible College. The Mission
has enjoyed having their involvement in all areas of our Youth Work. Moreover,
our Youth Pastor Cheryl Patterson enters Edgehill College in September 2013
to train for the ordained ministry, subject to the approval of Conference. The
Mission is delighted that Cheryl is continuing in ministry, but her day to day
involvement in the life of the Mission will be missed. We would express our
sincere thanks and appreciation to Cheryl, Gemma and Derek for their
contribution to God's work among us.
Other Services to the Community
Hopes Shop is located in the Mission, and provides various items of household
goods at reasonable prices. People from Rathcoole and the wider
Newtownabbey area call to the shop on a regular basis. They call not only to
make purchases, but also to have a cup of tea and a chat. There are also a good
number of volunteers who love being involved with customers and building
friendships over a cup of tea.
The Preschool is another important part in the life of the Mission. We have
dedicated and qualified staff exercising an important role in providing a safe and
caring environment where 24 children play and learn together. The Pre School
is associated to DENI, Social Services and Early Years.
Our Parent and Toddler Group gives an opportunity for mothers and carers to
meet for chat and coffee, but also for children to play together and have fun. It
is our prayer that vital contacts are made through these weekly events which
offer opportunities for witness to God's love in Jesus.
The Friendship Centre is mainly for senior citizens who look forward to their twice
weekly cooked meal provided by the catering team. A loyal group of volunteers
work hard to ensure that all who attend each week are welcomed and cared for.
A number of outings are offered each year for the Friendship Centre, with the
most popular being a two night break in the Killyhevlin Hotel, which Mary
Henderson, Pastoral Assistant and Rev Ellen Whalley organise, and is
thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
New Initiative
The Mission has had a growing number of enquiries from concerned relatives
and health care professionals seeking possible support for those in the early
stages of Dementia, with family members looking for information as they become
the main carer for someone who is showing signs of the condition. There are
also other carers of family and friends in Rathcoole with other conditions who
need encouragement and support.
In response the Mission has applied for funding to the Department for Social
Development to run a two year pilot project with the aim of decreasing the
isolation of carers within the Rathcoole Neighbourhood Renewal Area. The
project involves training and workshops which provide support for carers, while
building up their confidence to cope with the demands that being a carer makes
upon them. We are optimistic that the Department is going to support this
application and we look forward to the implementation of the Project.
The Worshipping Community
The work of the Mission is built around a worshipping community who
acknowledge the Lordship of Christ over His church and the world. The Mission
recognises the need for vibrant worship and prayer to sustain and give meaning
to all the outreach work we do. During the past year, the Tuesday evening
fellowship has focussed more on prayer for community needs, especially in times
of unrest. This has been helpful. There are a number of small groups who meet
in homes to discuss the scriptures and help promote personal growth in grace.
Regular Prayer breakfasts are held on Saturday mornings which provides an
opportunity to share in fellowship together.
We are grateful for the faithfulness of all the staff and volunteers, without them
it would not be possible to do all that we do. We ask your continued prayer for
the Mission and all its organisations.
AGENDA
1.
The Conference receives the report of the Newtownabbey Methodist
Mission.
The North West Methodist Mission
(Formerly the Londonderry City Mission)
118th ANNUAL REPORT
In anticipation of the Mission’s future work we have made a number of changes
in the past year to help improve our ministry to the North West. We have become
a charity in our own right which will give us access to Trust Funds which are not
available to purely religious organisations. We have also appointed Mr Liam
Milligan as Mission Director. He comes to us with over twenty years’
management experience in the Voluntary and Care sectors. Most recently he
was the CEO of the Churches’ Trust in Londonderry, a partnership organisation
for social care through the four largest churches in the city. Liam is now
responsible for the day to day operation of the Mission and, with the
Superintendent, for the development and management of new programmes and
initiatives.
At the same time much of our work continues to meet the same need: The Hostel
for Homeless Men operates at 19a Crawford Square under the leadership of its
Manager, Sean Boyle. Here a staff of 31 plus some bank staff provide care for
47 men. Sadly, we rarely have an empty bed and the demand is increasing. We
are concerned that the economic recession which is putting more and more
people out of work, combined with changes in the benefits system being
introduced by the UK Government, will lead to more homeless people needing
our help.
Another cause for concern is that men are coming to us at a younger age than
before. Many young men are homeless now. It used to be that alcohol abuse
was the main cause of homelessness. Today a significant proportion of our
Hostel residents have multiple presenting problems. Alcohol abuse is still a big
problem for many but drug abuse, debt problems and family breakdown are also
significant issues. When they arrive at our Hostel each new resident is offered
the help of a Support Worker from our staff. Together they will agree on the
person’s needs and draw up a plan outlining what they need to do so that the
resident will be able to move out and live independently in the community again.
Our aim is to have nobody living in our hostel for more than two years and, in
most cases, we succeed.
With other churches in the city the Methodist community has been working on
two new initiatives this year. The first is the provision of a Food Bank for needy
families. This has been piloted on the City Side of the river and we anticipate a
similar provision becoming established on the Waterside during the coming year.
The second initiative is connected with Londonderry being the first UK City of
Culture. The four largest churches in the city have cooperated to publish a
specially commissioned Gospel of St Luke for the city. 40,000 copies, entitled
“Luke’s Book” have been printed and paid for by the churches themselves. The
Gospels will be delivered by church members going out in pairs to offer what we
are calling a ‘Free Gift For All’ to every household in the city.
We thank God for these opportunities to serve Him as we serve others. We thank
the Methodist Connection who have prayed for the Mission and supported the
needs financially. Please continue to stand with us as we serve the present age,
offer Christ, and try to care as He cares.
AGENDA
1.
The Conference receives the report of the North West Methodist Mission.
2.
Dates of Board Meetings: the first Mondays of September and December,
and the last Tuesdays of February and May.
Methodist College, Belfast
1 The educational landscape continues to evolve and no-one is quite sure what
the future will hold. The Education Bill that will see the dissolution of the
Education and Library Boards and the establishment of a single Education and
Skills Authority is now before the Assembly for consideration. Area Based Plans
are being drawn up that will inevitably see a rationalisation of the schools estate.
The review of the Common Funding Formula will, in a time of considerable
financial constraint, require continued prudence and sound financial
management from school leaders as they try to balance reductions in staffing
levels with the continued delivery of the educational service that the pupils
deserve. In addition, the post 14 examination system is under review due to
concerns about the quantity and nature of the assessments and the quality of
the marking. Nevertheless, the College has continued to provide a solid, values
based education that has produced success and a diversity of experience for
our pupils.
2 At A Level almost half of our presentations were at A*A while at AS Level over
45% were at A, with 2/3 at A/B. Three pupils were amongst the top performing
candidates in the CCEA examinations. At GCSE almost 1/3 of our presentations
achieved A* and nearly 2/3 the A*A grade. Six departments produced pupils who
were amongst the top performing CCEA candidates nationally. Importantly, our
pupils excelled academically beyond the constraints of the examinations system.
3 Tess Davidson’s entry for the Peterhouse, Cambridge Vellacott history essay
competition was short listed and commended. She also entered the Julia Wood
Essay competition for St. Hugh’s, Oxford, received the Peter Martin Memorial
Prize, and won The Historical Association's Young Historian Project. Nina
Foster, was awarded first prize in the St. Hilda’s College Oxford, History essay
competition while John Finlay was highly commended for his entry to the Royal
Economics Society Essay competition.
4 Horatio Mulholland and Sherry Jiang were awarded Gold Medals in the UK
Physics Olympiad, placing them in the top 9% of over 1,600 entries. Horatio
was also the overall winner at the Northern Ireland Physics heat of the Irish
Senior Science Olympiad earning him a place on the all-Ireland team at the
International Physics Olympiad. Jonathan Zheng achieved a Bronze Award in
the competition. Sherry also won a Silver Medal in the British Maths Olympiad,
placing her in the top 3% in the UK and Bowen Wang won a Bronze.
5 The French Debating Team won the NI French Debating Shield and the German
debating Team were runners-up in their equivalent national competition. The 5B
German class enjoyed a trip to Strasbourg as Northern Ireland winners of the My
Vision for Europe competition. They also participated in the EuroScola competition
at the European Parliament, gaining an insight into what it might be like to be an
MEP. Our pupils were commended on their excellent attitude and enthusiasm.
6 The value of competition has long been recognised at the College and
hopefully its worth will be part of the legacy of this Olympic year. Our rowers
took first, second and third places at the arduous Portadown Marascull. The
College won five events at the Lagan Scullers’ Club HORR and our VIII won the
bronze medal at the Irish schools’ regatta in Cork. The senior boys won the
Junior18 VIII’s at the Queen’s Regatta and at the Neptune regatta in Dublin. In
addition the 4th Form boys won the Junior 15 VIII’s and 4th Form girls were
victorious in the Women’s Division II VIII’s. They went on to win the Women’s’
Junior 16 VIII’s at the Ghent international regatta. At the Irish Championships
Regatta in Cork Jasmine English won gold in the Women’s Junior 16 single
sculls and the boys’ VIII took a silver medal in the Men’s Junior VIII final. The
competitive year finished with two MCB rowers gaining places on the Ireland
team.
7 The Olympic connection was carried on by Ewan McAteer, an outstanding
young gymnast, who was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch as part of the
Northern Ireland Relay. Ewan competed for Northern Ireland in The Celtic Cup
achieving 2nd place in the individual competition and helped the Northern Ireland
team achieve a Gold medal. Our athletes achieved a record medal count at the
District, Ulster and Irish Schools Championships.
8 Lucy Taylor represented Northern Ireland for Fencing in the 14-18 age group.
Sorcha Maguire captained the Northern Ireland U16 Girls' Volleyball Team and
was selected as one of the six top players. Laura Cunningham was a member
of the Irish U17 Netball team and the U21 B team for the European
Championships and played for the Northern Ireland U21 Netball team at the
European Championships in Malta. We also retained the trophy for the Senior
Boys’ Freestyle Irish Schools Champions at the Irish Schools Swimming
Championships.
9 The 1st XI Girls’ Hockey were semi-finalists in their Cup Competition while
the U14 Girls’ team qualified for the final of the U14 Junior Cup. Katie Larmour
captained the Ulster U15 Hockey Team on a tour of Holland. The U14 Boys’
Hockey Team were joint winners of the Ferris Cup with Banbridge. The Boys’
U15 Squash Team won the Ulster Schools Cup and the Junior Tennis team won
the Ulster Schools’ Champions. The Medallion rugby squad won the Medallion
Shield, the 4th XV won the 3rd XV Plate, the 2nd XV won the 2XV Schools’ Cup
and the 1st XV won the Schools’ Cup for a record 33rd time. James Harrison
was awarded the Ulster Branch Schools Player of the Year Award.
10 Our pupils also understand that helping others can prove to be mutually
beneficial. The College has been involved with RBAI in an outreach project with
three Primary Schools in the Sandy Row/Village area, initiated by Dr Salters
Sterling and Senator Martin McAleese. The aim is to promote an appreciation
of the value of education and its role in enhancing opportunity. By growing
Community self-confidence, extending the range of life-time options for
individuals and encouraging community leaders to continue the journey away
from violence, through peace, to reconciliation, it will hopefully bring cultural and
economic benefits to the area. Our senior pupils have provided numeracy and
literacy support for the pupils and our staff have organised and delivered a
Christmas Musical event, a Moving Image Arts project and an Olympic event at
Pirrie Park.
11 Expeditions to Romania and India saw our pupils working together in difficult
and challenging situations. They gained a greater insight into the issues
surrounding poverty and were humbled by the appreciation of their interest and
support shown by the groups amongst whom they were working. The charity
committee raised money for Heartstart and 13 staff and over 400 pupils have
completed training in CPR. The Moneybox Committee led the 1st Form in a
sponsored ZUMBA session and, together with other activities, raised £5,000
towards the training of the MCB adopted guide dog puppy. Methody’s Got Talent
raised £2,400 for the Mental Wellbeing Charity Niamh. A fun evening brought
together a diverse range of acts from all Forms and staff members.
12 Junior Choirs from the College and the Preparatory Department shared the
stage with Peter Corry when they took part in a charity performance organised
by the Belfast South Methodist Church for the new Agape Centre. At the opening
of the new Titanic Belfast visitor centre a combined choir consisting of pupils
from Methodist College, Victoria College, Assumption Grammar School and
RBAI performed a specially commissioned choral work, Titanic Voyage, on the
grand replica staircase, to an audience of representatives from community and
voluntary organisations. The Chapel Choir provided the choral backing for the
Queen tribute band Flash Harry and the Ulster Orchestra in the Odyssey Arena.
13 The Easter Concert is the culmination of a year’s hard work and once again
provided an excellent showcase for our very talented and dedicated young
musicians and singers as well as a stage for our unique Senior Chorus. The
Band Concert produced tears of joy and sadness as we marvelled at the musical
and comedic talents of Mr Totton, Mr Jordan and our young musicians. One of
many impressive performers was trombonist Andrew McCoy who was joint
winner of the Bank of Ireland's Catherine Judge Memorial Award. The Girls’
Choir have had an exceptional year winning the United Kingdom Youth Choir of
the Year and the All Island School Choir of the Year. Many of the members will
perform with the Chapel Choir at Westminster Abbey in July.
14 The Radio 4 current affairs programme, Any Questions, was broadcast from
the Whitla Hall. One GCSE English Class entered a competition run by Schools’
Questions and Answers, with the prize being to host the programme. Being involved
in the preparation and production of a live radio show was a fascinating experience
for our pupils. To celebrate the cultural diversity of the College, the PTA organised
a Multicultural Event attended by the Minster for Education that reflected the music,
dance, food and costume of Africa, Brazil, China, India, France and Ireland.
15 These achievements would not have been possible without our staff. Their
dedication, loyalty and commitment to the pupils is admirable and much
appreciated. As the direct funding of the College reduces each year, so the
staffing levels reduce and those who remain in post take on extra demands to
sustain the quality and quantity of the service we provide.
16 The Chair of the Head Masters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC)
opened this year’s conference in Belfast, with the exhortation that, “Education
should be exciting, exacting, enriching and ennobling.” It is at Methody. We
have a wealth of aspiration in the College and to build on our success we
encourage pupils to take responsibility for their learning and development, while
expecting the highest standards from them, at work or play. We aim to develop
compassion, self-awareness and independence of thought and spirit. We trust
our teachers to create the best environment for learning in and out of the
classroom, and in all our work we respect and emulate the values that motivate
these commitments. It is important in the future that we retain the authority and
the autonomy to continue our work.
17 The Governors wish to express their gratitude to Rev Dr Harold Good who
has retired as a Governor after many years of family association with the College
and wise and active participation as a Governor. In his place we welcome Rev
Dr. Richard Clutterbuck. They also record their sincere gratitude for the work of
the Principal and his Senior Leadership Team, academic and support staff
members, the College Chaplain and all who contribute to the life of the Methody
community.
AGENDA
1
2
The Conference re-appoints the Rev David G Neilands as Chaplain to the
College.
3
The Conference re-appoints the following as Governors who retire by
rotation but are eligible for re-election: Revs W Winston Graham, Edmund
T I Mawhinney, Janet M Unsworth and Professor Ian S Young.
Wesley College, Dublin
Developments in Education
Once again, Wesley College, along with other fee-charging Protestant schools
in the Republic has been hit in a disproportionate manner by cuts imposed as
part of Budget 2013. A further two-point shift in the pupil teacher ratio means
that Wesley College will lose a further three state-paid teachers. The total effect
of the cuts in Wesley College since 2008 is estimated at €735,500 per annum
over and above what schools in the “free scheme” have had to bear.
A Report on fee-charging schools, issued by the Department of Education and
Skills in March this year, suggests further cuts are likely. The compilation of the
Report is considered deficient and entirely self-serving, not taking into account
detailed submissions made by Wesley and other Protestant schools. The
intention of the Report is to justify further cuts to fee-charging schools; it is no
surprise therefore that the document seeks to facilitate this agenda.
A number of initiatives in addition to the new Junior Certificate to commence in
2014 have been announced by the Minister. A school Self-evaluation
Programme has been in place since September 2012 and this is complemented
by an increased emphasis on numeracy and literacy in schools.
Examinations in Wesley College
The 2012 Leaving Certificate results in Wesley College were, once again, of a
very high standard. 138 candidates sat the examination and over 60% of all
higher level papers taken in Wesley yielded an A or B grade while 90% of higher
level papers yielded an A, B or C. While the national average is 320 points out
of 625, it is note-worthy that 33% of Wesley candidates scored over 500 points
and 66% over 400 points.
20 Students from 2012 were awarded entrance scholarships to Trinity College
and UCD.
Sport
The Senior Rugby Squad won the Vinnie Murray Cup for the first time since it
was awarded in 2004. The Senior Girls’ Hockey team were the winners of the
Leinster League while the Senior Boys’ Hockey team were runners-up in the
All-island Boys’ Hockey Tournament, and runners up in the their Leinster League
and Cup.
This success follows a rugby trip to Canada and Hockey trips to The Netherlands
in the summer of 2012.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Music, Debating, Model United Nations along with an array of other clubs
complement sporting activity in Wesley. The College is noted for its commitment
to learning beyond the classroom and is proud of the number of pupils who
engage in such activities.
In 2012 the Wesley College Senior Choir took the runner-up position in the
All-Island Schools Choir competition having won the title in 2011. The Cast of
the Les Miserables, following the production of this musical in the College in
November 2012, was invited to perform in the National Concert Hall in March.
There have been a number of other public perfomances in the same venue and
in the Vicar Street Theatre by the Senior and Chamber Choirs.
The Wesley Campus
Wesley College moved to Ballinteer in 1969 and has added particular buildings
such as the Maths Centre, the Music and Arts Centre, the Library Block and the
Technology Centre over the years since then. The task in the last eight years
has been to up-grade and refurbish the buildings. The Governors are proud of
the work achieved to date, the current phase of which has been the installation
of double glazing in the main Classroom Building and the fitting of a lift to allow
improved access. The facility is now one of the most impressive schools in the
country, catering for 26 timetabled Leaving Certificate subjects.
Future Planning
Despite the current recession, Wesley College is proud to confirm that the
College is full, with over 900 pupils attending. All debts have been cleared and
Wesley remains one of Ireland’s premier schools, achieving high academic
standards and notable extra-curricular success. In this context, the future of
Wesley is bright and will enable confident planning for the future.
Additional information
www.wesleycollege.ie.
about
Wesley
College
can
be
found
at
AGENDA
1.
The Conference receives the report of the Governors.
2.
The Conference re-appoints Rev Nigel Mackey as Chaplain of the
College.
3.
The Conference re-appoints Mr Nigel Tennant as Honorary Treasurer.
4.
The Conference re-appoints Ernst & Young as auditors.
Gurteen College
The last year at Gurteen College has seen another significant increase in student
numbers across all agricultural courses. The number of applicants for the Level 5
Certificate in Agriculture course exceeded 200 for the first time ever. By having a
major restructure of timetables it was possible to offer 100 places, again a record.
The second year full time course range was increased, and the very successful
Drystock course was supplemented with a Dairy stream and a Crops and Bioenergy
stream. The Crops/Bioenergy stream is a unique course in the agricultural college
sector, reinforcing the innovative attitude of the college. Equine student numbers
remain strong and early CAO indications are good for next year.
Students continue to take part in a variety of competitions against other colleges.
Agricultural students won the annual Macra Leadership Challenge Day against the
other colleges and also won the Football Shield Competition. Equine students won
the annual Showjumping Challenge against Kildalton, and competed well in the
Equine Intervarsities Competition.
Staffing issues continue to be a challenge as the Government embargo on
recruitment is still in place and at present over 300 hours are being taught by contract
staff.
The renewable energy projects continue to deliver significant savings and the first
harvest of 10 hectares of willow biomass has taken place. This will further reduce
the financial heating bill at the college and is continuing to create a significant media
profile in both the written and television media.
Many groups of schoolchildren, visitors from other countries, adult groups and ex
students have visited the college this year, along with over 10,000 people at the
biennial Grass and Muck Event in May 2012. This continued exposure to past and
potential future students will hopefully ensure continued success for the college into
the future.
Chairperson’s comments
"As Chairperson of the Board of Governors I want to express our appreciation of
the wonderful work done at the College by the Principal and all his staff. As student
numbers increase and resources become ever tighter they have all risen to the
challenge and the college is thriving only because of these efforts. In particular an
embargo on new staff has increased the load that everyone else carries. The whole
Board of Governors and indeed the wider Church are most grateful for the continued
dedicated service of everyone who works at Gurteen College."
1.
AGENDA
2.
3.
The Conference re-appoints James Bennett as Treasurer of the College.
The Conference appoints IFAC as Auditors.
Eastwell Residential Home
2012 represented the fourth year in a row of operating in a difficult and
challenging environment. Thankfully we appear to have turned the corner both
for the economic background generally and for the Home in particular. While it
had been hoped that 2012 would result in a breakeven for the Home, the relative
small deficit is the lowest for the four years and we anticipate a small surplus for
2013. The Governors are grateful to the Administrator for all his attention and
care in ensuring the smooth operation of the Home.
Every year brings change. 2012 was no exception. The Head of Home, Miss
Doreen Davis retired at the end of the year. Doreen goes from the Home with
our grateful thanks for all her love and care for the Residents. We wish her a
most happy retirement.
We welcome the appointment of Mrs. Wendy Whelan as Head of Home and
wish her well in all her responsibilities.
The Home continues to have the commitment and support of a great number of
people through their actions on the staff, the ladies' Committee and on the Board
of Governors. The Home is greatly strengthened by their efforts and rejoice in
their committment.
We would ask Conference to remember the Home in its prayers.
Rory O’Ferrall
Chairman
AGENDA
1.
The Conference adopts the report of the Governors.
2.
The Conference adopts the accounts.
METHODIST WIDOWS' HOME
EASTWELL
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2012
INCOME
Dividend income and bank interest
Subscriptions
Church collections
Contributions from residents
EXPENSES
Wages and salaries
Provisions
Administration charges
Fire and other insurances
Light and heat
Household furnishing and cleaning
Upkeep of house and repairs
Television rental and relay
Printing, postage and stationery
Advertising
Telephone
Garden expenses
Dublin Call and Care Limited
Professional fees
Accountancy
Bank charges
Laundry
(DEFICIT)/SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR
€
2011
€
2,176
18,782
1,226
146,882
169,066
€
1,992
19,024
562
164,767
2012
€
186,345
110,817
112,678
20,959
21,493
14,885
16,952
5,143
4,682
14,187
16,404
3,376
3,052
8,603
15,965
2,295
2,162
125
844
480
196
1,559
1,757
1,451
955
4,000
(6,000)
1,331
1,900
1,900
392
284
730
996
(192,499)
(194,054)
(23,433)
(7,709)
The Methodist Historical Society of Ireland
During the last year the Methodist Historical Society has invested in additional
conservation work by the purchase of additional acid-free boxes and folders as
well as improving the lighting of the display cabinets. The facilities have also
been improved by the provision of another table in the reading area to
accommodate an increasing number of researchers.
There has been a very positive reaction by groups coming to visit the Society
rooms to explore Irish Methodist history. The many treasures held by the Society
help to give a visual focus to the exploration of our Connexional memory. Those
visits also give an opportunity to show how records from sending churches are
cared for and stored in the archives. In addition, officers of the Society have
spoken at MWI and Men’s groups in promoting the ongoing work of the
volunteers who serve the Society.
Every week the Society Archives and Library is served by a team of faithful
volunteers, who continue the work of cataloguing, indexing and housing records,
as well as responding to family and academic queries. Without their help the
Society would cease to function.
In addition to the Annual lecture delivered at Edgehill College in October on the
history of the Methodist New Connexion in Ireland, this year marked a new
venture in the holding of a lecture in Dublin. The subject was ‘Methodist attitudes
to the poor in late-Georgian Ireland: the case of the Strangers' Friend Society'
and was delivered by Ciarán McCabe, a PhD student at NUI Maynooth in May.
There was an enthusiastic response to the lecturer and his subject.
Also in May the Society Pilgrimage was welcomed to Donaghadee Methodist
Church, which is celebrating this year its 200th Anniversary just as earlier in the
day and further down the Ards peninsula the pilgrims were greeted by the
Portaferry and Glastry Societies.
The Society has again received significant collections from Circuits and Societies
from around the Connexion as well as the minutes and papers of the Faith and
Order Committee and those of the Property Board. The largest single collection
has been the archive of the Rev Dudley L. Cooney, whose papers represent a
major resource for future historians.
Membership of the Society continues to increase and now numbers over 300,
which is almost a fifty percent growth over the last few years. For this the Society
is most grateful, representing as it does, a much broader base for our work.
Most of all we again wish to thank the circuits for their support and financial
contributions. The Society in turn has a commitment to serve the Connexion as
it seeks to provide the best possible home for those records it continues to
receive.
AGENDA
1.
The Conference adopts the Report.
2.
The following is the Committee of the Society for the ensuing year:Rev Ian D. Henderson, President; Rev Dr Norman W. Taggart,
Vice-President; Mrs Jennifer Stutt, Secretary; Mrs Judith McKay,
Treasurer; Rev Robin P. Roddie, Archivist; Revs Dr W. Dennis D. Cooke,
D.A. Levistone Cooney, Colin D. Gracie, Brian D. Griffin, Paul Kingston
(B), Mr Steven C. ffeary-Smyrl, Mrs Nan Frame, Mr George E. Orr, Mr
Brian J. O. Pasley, Dr Shelagh Waddington, Miss E. Maureen Weir and
Mr J.R. Wesley Weir.
3.
The Conference thanks the Societies for their financial support and
recommends that every Society should contribute to the funds of the
Methodist Historical Society of Ireland.
4.
The Conference encourages Methodists to join the Society.
5.
The Conference directs that all documents no longer in current use,
including print-outs from electronic records, be lodged with a competent
authority for safe-keeping and future reference. For this purpose it
recommends the use of the archives of the Methodist Historical Society
of Ireland.
SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM CIRCUITS AND CHURCHES
For the year ended 31 December 2012
Methodist Centenary Church
Clontarf Church
Dundrum Church
Christ Church, Sandymount
Dun Laoghaire & Blackrock Churches
Bray Church
Carlow & Kilkenny Circuit
Galway & Ballinasloe Circuit
Birr, Athlone & Tullamore Circuit
Cork South & Kerry Circuit
Christ Church, Limerick
Adare & Ballingrane
Donegal, Inver & Ballintra Circuit
Cavan & Longford Circuit
Enniskillen Circuit
Springfield & Church Hill Circuit
Lisbellaw, Maguiresbridge & Tempo Circuit
Upper Erne Circuit
Pettigo & Irvinestown Circuit
Ballinamallard
Londonderry Mission Circuit - Carlisle Road
“
- Strabane
“
- Limavady
Coleraine, Portrush, Portstewart & Ballymoney
Castlederg Circuit
Omagh & Fintona Circuit
Newtownabbey Methodist Mission
Whiteabbey Church
Monkstown Church
Greencastle Church
Ballyclare Circuit
Carrickfergus Circuit
Larne Circuit
€100.00
€40.00
€100.00
€100.00
€200.00
€100.00
€50.00
€50.00
€50.00
€50.00
€60.00
€25.00
€20.00
€30.00
€25.00
£50.00
£50.00
£30.00
£25.00
£25.00
£10.00
£50.00
£25.00
£10.00
£40.00
£50.00
£100.00
£100.00
£10.00
£20.00
£30.00
£100.00
£45.00
£40.00
Antrim Church
Cullybackey Church
Cavehill Church
Belfast South Circuit
Woodvale Church
Belvoir Church
Mountpottinger Church
Cregagh Church
Glenburn Church
Sydenham Church
Knock Church
Dundonald Church
Braniel Church
Finaghy Church
Seymour Hill Church
Sandy Row Church
Hamilton Road Church
Ballyholme Church
Carnalea Church
Queens Parade Church
Donaghadee Church
Regent Street Church
Movilla Abbey Church
Dundrum, Newcastle & Downpatrick Circuit
Lisburn & Dromore Circuit
Thomas St. & Edenderry Churches
Newry Church
Charlemont & Cranagill Circuit
Cookstown Church
Armagh Church
Aughnacloy & Monaghan Circuit
High Street Church, Lurgan
Glenavy & Moira Circuit
Tandragee, Richhill & Markethill Circuit
£35.00
£60.00
£100.00
£100.00
£50.00
£30.00
£50.00
£25.00
£25.00
£10.00
£100.00
£50.00
£50.00
£25.00
£25.00
£20.00
£100.00
£50.00
£75.00
£30.00
£50.00
£100.00
£50.00
£40.00
£100.00
£250.00
£30.00
£20.00
£50.00
£20.00
£20.00
£50.00
£50.00
£30.00
Appointment of Committees, Boards,
Governors and Auditors
The Conference appoints the Boards as follows:
(a): Stipends and Allowances Board:
The President, the Lay Leader, the Secretary of Conference,
Chairman of the Board: Mr Kevin Kingston
District Representatives:
Revs Andrew J. Dougherty, E. Rosemary Lindsay, Colin Milligan, John
S. Corrie, ________, Emily Hyland, David L. Turtle, _______
Mr Bruce Mullen, Mr Charles Payne, Mr John Armstrong, Mr John
Buchanan, Mr William Parkinson, Mr Alan Cavan, Mr Brian Gray, Mr
Desmond Mitchell.
Together with:
Revs Harold M. Agnew, Andrew N. Boucher, Robin W.D. Waugh, Mark
S. Forsyth, Messrs Glynn Capper, Wilson Stewart.
Secretary: Mr. Wilson Stewart
Ministerial Secretary: Rev. Andrew N. Boucher
(b): Property Board:
Chairman of the Board: Rev Colin J. Duncan
District Representatives: Revs Ivor N., Owens, John Parkin, Stephen
Woods, John Purdy, Ed McDade, Thomas Clarke, Robin McKibben,
George A. Bowes, Mr Clive Scott, Mr Norman Bateman, Mr David
Gilmore, Mr John Stewart, Mr Kyle McAdam, Mr David Ferguson, Mr
David Stewart, Mr John Clarke,
Officers: Revs Thomas Clarke, Thomas C. Stevenson, Mr Stewart J.
Wilson, Miss Elizabeth Curry
Co-opted Members: Revs Desmond Bain, Mr Gordon Kennedy.
Plans Committee: Mr David Stewart (Convener), Mr David Ferguson,
Mr John Clarke, Mr Gordon Kennedy, Rev Thomas C. Stevenson (who
acts as Secretary)
Secretary: Rev. Thomas C. Stevenson
(c): Church Development Board:
Chairman of the Board: Mr David Twyble
The Officers of the Home Mission Department
The Officers of the Property Board
The General Secretary of Methodist Youth and Children
The District Superintendents
A representative of the General Purposes Fund
A representative of the Connexional Finance Committee
The Convener for Inter Church Relations
Two Representatives from Edgehill College
A Representative from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
A Representative from the Church of Ireland
District Representatives: Mr Kenneth, Correll, Mrs Valerie Fitzgerald,
Mr Trevor Nixon, Miss Gladys Colvin, Mr James Johnston, Mr Norman
Uprichard, Mr David Twyble, Mr David Blevins
Secretary: Rev Karen Spence
(d): Board of Education:
The President, the Lay Leader, the President Designate, the Secretary
of Conference,
The Officers of the Board:
General Secretary: Dr John Harris
Ministerial Treasurer and Convener of the Northern Executive:
Rev
Lay Treasurer: Mr Kenneth Twyble
The Secretary of the Home Mission Department
The General Secretary of the Methodist Youth and Children’s
Department or her/his nominee
Elected by the Conference
Revs Dr. S. Wesley Blair, Andrew J. Dougherty, Thomas M. Kingston
Alan G. Wardlow;
Mrs Margaret Nelson, Mr Charles Payne, Miss Rosemary Rainey, Dr
Ian Taylor, Mr Joseph Uprichard, Ms Daphne Wood
The Conference appoints the Committees as follows:
The President, the Lay Leader, the Secretary of Conference, the
Secretary of the Home Mission Department, the General Secretary of
the Department of Youth and Children’s Work, Rev Roy Cooper, Dr
Lindsay Easson, Miss Joanne Hamilton, Rev Ross Harte, (Convenor),
Mrs Elizabeth Kelly, Mr Thomas H. Millar, Mrs Lynda Neilands, Mrs Joan
Young.
The President, the Lay Leader, the Secretary of Conference, Mr Neil
Payne, Chairman of the Committee, Mr Derek Hampton, Secretary of
the Committee,
Treasurer of the Retirement Funds: Rev Mark S. Forsyth
Treasurer of the Ministers’ Childrens’ Fund: Rev Robin W.D.Waugh
Treasurer of the Ministerial Training Fund: Mr R. Alan Ker
Treasurer of the Church Development Fund: Mr Stewart J. Wilson
Treasurer of the General Purposes Fund: Mr J. Stanley Graham
Treasurer of Irish Methodist Youth and Children: Mr Mark McElhinney
Treasurer of the Home Mission Department: Rev Desmond C. Bain
Treasurer of the Trustees: Mr Neil E. Morris
Together with Revs Dr S. Wesley Blair, Ian D. Henderson, Messrs J.
Harold Baird, John Cartwright, Peter M.C. Little, William J. Stafford.
The President, the Lay Leader, the President Designate, the Secretary
of Conference:
Northern Executive: Chairperson; Rev Dr Wesley Blair, Lay Secretary;
Mrs Hazel Baird, General Treasurer; Mr William Parkinson,
Revs Dr. David Clements, Ruth Craig, Colin J. Duncan, J. Trevor
Jamieson, T.H. Samuel McGuffin. Kenneth J. Robinson, Robert W.
Wallace, Mrs Roberta Bailie, Dr David Gallagher, Mr John Gibson, Mr
Alan G. Kerr, Dr James Nelson, Mr Philip Robinson ___________.
Co- opted Re. Harold Good
Southern Executive: Chairperson; Rev Steven Foster, Lay Secretary;
Ms Heidi Good,
Rev E. Rosemary Lindsay, Mr Joseph Bockarie, Mr Robert Cochran, Mr
Jonathan Griffin, Dr Edith Loane, Mrs Elizabeth Parkin, Ms Rosemary
Power and Mr Anthony Walsh.
Irish Methodist Youth and Children Executive
Chair/Convener:
Rev John D. Alderdice
Connexional Officers: Rev W David Rock, Miss Gillian Best
Mrs Janette McCormick, Mr Mark McElhinney
Four Reps of Youth and
Children’s Work:
Mrs Rosemary Dorman, Miss Deirdre McHugh,
______ _________
Four co-opted members:Rev Steven Foster, Mr Jonathan Griffin, Mr
Adam Lyner, __________
Child Care Society Officers: Rev Robin N McKibben, Mrs Margaret
Copeland
The President, the Lay Leader, the Ex - President, the Secretary of
Conference, Revs Dr Richard N. Clutterbuck, Paul J. Gallucci, Fiona R.
McCrea, Dr W. David Rock, David L. Turtle, Miss Heidi Good, Dr Katie
Heffelfinger, Mr Sephen McCann, Mr Ian Payne, Mr Robert Watson, Mrs
Louise Wilson
Co-opted: the President Designate, Ms Gillian M. Kingston
Convenor: Dr. Fergus O’Ferrall
Home Mission Forum
The President, the Lay Leader, the Secretary of the Conference, the
Officers of the Home Mission Department, Revs John D.Alderdice,
Mervyn G. Ewing, Laurence A .M. Graham, Maureen E. Hassard,
Richard C .Johnston (Chair), Heather M.E. Morris, Robin W. D. Waugh,
Mrs Elaine Barnett, Mr Jonny Best, Mrs Margaret Copeland,
__________, _________, __________, ____________. The
Ex-President and President Designate are entitled to attend.
Inter-Church Relations Committee
The Secretary of Conference, the Convener for Inter Church Relations,
Revs John D. Alderdice, Roy Cooper, W. Winston Graham, Stephen
Sheerin, Ms Tina Barnett, _____________
The President, The Lay Leader, The Secretary of Conference and the
Ex President;
The Secretaries of the Board of Examiners, Revs W. Philip Agnew and
John D. Alderdice,
The Ministerial and Lay Secretaries of the Committee, Rev Mervyn G.
Ewing and Mr David Allen,
The Principal of Edgehill College, Rev Dr Richard N. Clutterbuck,
District Secretaries: Mrs Heather Brown, Mr Charles Payne, Mr John
Armstrong, Mrs Deanna Balmer, Mrs Joan Parkinson, Messrs Gary
Crooks, Robert Watson, Mrs Edna Deacon
Together with Rev Edward I McDade, Miss Heather Boland, Mrs Sharon
Grey.
Methodist Missionary Society (Ireland) World Mission Committee
General Secretary: Rev Laurence A.M. Graham
Treasurers: Rev William D. Mullally and Mrs Audrey Dickson
World Mission and Development Officer: Mr Tim Dunwoody
Recording Secretary: Mr Roger Gordon
Members: Mrs Shirley Alexander, Mrs Gail Mercer, Rev Steven Foster
Methodist Women in Ireland Central Forum
General Officers
MWI President
Mrs Charlotte Maye
MWI General Treasurer
Mrs Nan McDowell
MWI General Secretary
Mrs Carmel Irwin
MWI Assistant General Secretary
Mrs Barbara Fennell
MWI World Mission Secretary
Mrs Angela Nelson
MWI Past President
Mrs Maureen Weir
Together with:
Mrs Elizabeth Carville, Mrs Heather Christie, Mrs Essie Clarke, Mrs
Sandra Dickson, Mrs Maureen Edgar, Mrs Audrey Elder, Mrs Joan
Ferguson, Mrs Heather Gandola, Mrs Gillian Johnston, Mrs Corinne
Kingston, Dr Edith Loane, Mrs Elizabeth MacBean, Mrs Hazel
Magowan, Mrs Sue Maxwell, Mrs Elsie McDonnell, Mrs Linda McGuffin,
Mrs Margaret McKee, Mrs Marion McKibben, Mrs Moira McMurray,
Miss Elizabeth McWatters, Mrs Vera Metcalfe, Mrs Penny Meyer, Mrs
Patricia Miller, Mrs May Morrow, Mrs Elizabeth Parkin, Mrs Mona
Treanor, Mrs Phyllis Watters, Rev Brenda Weatherill, Mrs Maureen
Young.
Ministry of Healing Committee
The President, the Lay Leader, the Secretary of the Conference, Rev
Colin J. Duncan (Chair), Rev Desmond C Bain, (Secretary), Rev Fiona
R McCrea, Rev Alan Meara, Mrs Hazel Baird, Mrs Avril Carroll, Dr Chris
Mathison,____________.
The Churches’ Council for Health and Healing in Ireland: Rev Colin J.
Duncan, Rev Alan Meara and Dr Chris Mathison,
Prison and Healthcare Chaplaincy Committee
Revs Andrew J. Dougherty, J. Brownlee Glenny, Derek J. Johnston
(Sec/Convenor), G. Leslie Spence, David H. Nixon, Mr Kevin Devlin,
Mrs Brenda Duncan, Mr T. Osmond Mulligan (Chairperson), Mrs Joan
Parkinson, Dame Mary Uprichard, Mr John Warren.
Sabbaticals Committee
The President, the Lay Leader, the Secretary of Conference; a
representative of the Ministerial Training Fund; the General Secretary
of the Home Mission Department; the Sabbatical Officer; together with
Revs J. A. Maurice Laverty, Mrs Margaret Thornes, Messrs. J. Stanley
Graham, Stewart J. Wilson.
World Development and Relief Committee
Rev. David Nixon (Convener) (1), Mr Jonny Best (Treasurer) (1),
Mr Malcolm Johnston (Secretary) (3), Rev Laurence A.M. Graham
(Secretary, MMSI), Mr Martin Misangumukini (6), Rev Ruth Watt (1),
Rev Robert Russell (3), Miss Louise Monroe (2), Rev John Parkin (2),
Mrs Angela Nelson (1), ___________ (1)
Advisors who may attend as non-voting participants: The World Mission
and Development Officer, a representative of Christian Aid Ireland, a
representative of Methodist Relief and Development
The Conference appoints Boards of Governors as follows:
(a) Edgehill College, Belfast
The President, the Secretary of the Conference, the Rev Richard N.
Clutterbuck (Principal of the College), Rev W. Philip Agnew (Senior
Secretary of the Board of Examiners), Rev David Neilands (Ministerial
Treasurer). Revs Desmond C. Bain, T. David Cooper (Chair), Margaret
A. Ferguson, Colin D. Gracie, Maureen E. Hassard, Alan W. Lorimer,
Johnston McMaster, Mrs Norma Gallagher, Mr Jonathan Good, Mrs
Elizabeth Kelly, Mr R. Alan Ker, Mrs Emily Logan, Mr David McKendry,
Ms Francis McKinney, Dr Jenny Meegan, Mrs Elaine Mercer,
(b) Methodist College, Belfast
The President
The Secretary of the Conference
Rev Robin W.D. Waugh, Ministerial Treasurer of the Ministers’
Children’s Fund
Rev. John D. Alderdice, Mrs Brenda Callaghan, Mr John Clarke, Revs
Dr Richard N. Clutterbuck, W Winston Graham, Mrs Katherine Kealey,
Revs Dr Edmund T I Mawhinney, Dr Frederick L Munce, Sir Desmond
Rea, Rev Janet M Unsworth, Dame Mary Uprichard and Professor Ian
S Young.
Members of the Board of Governors appointed by the Department of
Education (NI): Ms Patricia Arneill, Mr Neil Jackson, Ms Rotha
Johnston, Mrs Edith Shaw and Mr W John Wilson.
Members of the Board of Governors elected by the Staff of the
College: Dr Shona Anderson, Mrs Shirley Johnston, Mr Stewart
Roulston.
Members of the Board of Governors elected by the parents of children
at the College: Mrs Jacqueline Armstrong, Mr R E Brett Lockhart, Mr
Michael Humphries.
Co – opted members: Mr John J J D’Arcy, Mr Joseph Costley, Mr John
McGarry, Mr George M Y Ong.
(c) Wesley College, Dublin
The President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Principal of the
College Mr Christopher Woods, Revs Andrew J. Dougherty, Richard C.
Johnston, Donald P. Ker, William D. Mullally, Jeremy Nicoll, Mr Gordon
Bothwell, Mrs Clodagh Bowen, Mr Kenneth Correll, Mr David English,
Dr John W. Harris, Ms Gillian M. Kingston, Mr David Lee, Mr Jonathan
Lew, Dr Linde Lunney, Mrs Deirdre Lyons, Mr. Shirley McGurk, Mr Clive
Moutray, Mr Rory O’Ferrall, (Chairman) Mr Roy Parker, Mrs Eleanor
Petrie, Mr Nigel Tennant.
(d) Gurteen College, Co. Tipperary
Mr James Bennett, Rev Steven Foster, Rev Laurence Graham, Rev
Thomas Kingston, Rev Dr John Parkin, Mr Robert Armitage, Mrs Victoria
Baker, Mrs Lucy Bateman, Mr Martin Cavanagh, Mr John Cusack, Mr
Ray Dempsey, Mrs Anne Goodwin, Mr Richard Jack, Mr Gordon
Nicholson, Mr John Sandall, and _________.
The Trustees of the College are Revs Laurence A. M. Graham, Thomas
M. Kingston, R. Kenneth Lindsay, A. Robert Montgomery, Dr John
Parkin, R. Donaldson Rodgers, Messrs James R. Armitage, R. Ernest
Armitage, James Bennett, Cyril G. Gillespie, Douglas Rowe, R. Merlin
Stanley
Eastwell Residential Home, Dublin
Chairman: Mr Rory O’Ferrall
Hon. Secretary: Mrs Gillian Stephens
Administrator: Mr Alan Shiel
Governors Appointed by the Conference: Revs Richard C. Johnston
and ________________
Chairperson of the Ladies’ Committee: Mrs Iris Beatty
Representing the AGM: Rev Andrew J. Dougherty, Mrs Helen
Sheppard and Mr Derek Seymour
Representing the Dublin Societies:
Centenary, Leeson Park:
Mrs Gillian Hinds
Rathgar:
Mrs Wendy Moore
Dun Laoghaire:
Mrs Jean Ferguson
Sandymount:
Mr Steven ffeary-Smyrl
Clontarf:
Miss Yvonne Seville
Dublin Central Mission:
Mrs Gillian Stephens
Dundrum:
_____________
Sutton:
Dr Joyce Pickett
Blackrock and Bray:
Mrs Heather Gandola
Lucan & Tallaght
_____________
The Conference appoints the Committees of the City Missions as follows:
Rev Richard C. Johnston, Superintendent of the Mission and
Chairman of the Mission Committee.
Revs Diane S Clutterbuck, Emily A Hyland, David J. Kerr, Alan W.
Lorimer, Brenda W. Weatherill,
Mr Rowan Black, Mr Victor Browne, Mr Mervyn Farley, Mr David
Ferguson, Dr David Gallagher, Mr Jonathan Glover, Mr J. Wesley
Hamilton, Miss Maureen Weir, Mrs Margaret Williamson, Mr G. Lester
Wood, _______________, _______________, _______________
Mr G. Lester Wood is the Treasurer of the Mission.
Dr David Gallagher is the Secretary of the Committee.
Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, Superintendent of the Mission and Chairman of
the Committee.
Appointed by Conference: Mr Charles Eves, Mrs Linda Hopley, Rev
David J.Kerr. Mr Allen McCartney, Mrs Carol O’ Bryan, Rev Margaret
Ferguson, Mrs Hilary Neill, Miss Sarah Williamson.
The Honorary Secretary: Mr Peter Blair
The Honorary Treasurer: Mr Gary Crooks
The Board of Directors of Dublin Central Mission Ltd, incorporating the
Mission Committee: Rev Dr John Stephens (Superintendent of the
Mission and Chairman of the Board), Mr Nigel J. Bryan, Mr Leslie
Buttimer, Mrs Avril R. Carroll, Messrs Robert Farrar, Kenneth Galloway,
Alex. H. Thackaberry, A.C. Varghese, with power to co-opt. within the
terms of the Articles of Association.
Mr David Reynolds is the Chief Executive Officer and Mr David W. Lee
is the Financial Director and Company Secretary.
Newtownabbey Methodist Mission Council
Rev William A. Davison, Superintendent of the Mission, Messrs
Kenneth Anderson, David Anderson, Jim Blair, Ms Lorraine Hall, Ms
Frances Hunter, Ms Marie Hunter, Mr Robin McGuckin, Ms Maureen
Neely, Ms Hillary Patterson, Ms Emma Ross, Messrs George Smith,
David Smyth. Ms Kate Smyth, Mr Ernie Weatherall.
Mr Ernie Weatherall is Treasurer of the Mission.
North West Methodist Mission
Rev Peter D. Murray, Superintendent of the Mission and Chairman of
the Board, Rev M. Louise Donald, Messrs Bill Bell, Hamilton Blain, Tim
Bryson, Mrs Joan Doherty, Messrs James Duff, John Gibson, Miss
Jane Given, Dr Peter Leeson, Miss Janice McCandless, Mrs Wendy
McClay, Mrs Lena Wray and Mrs Maureen Young.
The Conference appoints the Connexional Auditors as follows:
Methodist Ministers’ Children’s Fund:
Rev G.H. Good and Mr K.P. Kingston
Methodist Ministers’ Medical Fund:
Rev D.C. Bain and Mr K. Henderson
Methodist Youth and Children:
Rev G.J. Alexander and Mr C. Maxwell
World Development and Relief:
Rev J.J. Nelson and Mr A.H. Wood
Rev S.R.F. Cleland and Mr D. Best
General Education Fund
Rev C.G. Eyre and Mr J.B. Lawson
Trustees of the Methodist Church in Ireland
Rev R.I. McElhinney and Mr S.J. Wilson
Irish Methodist Ministers’ Retirement Fund
Rev Dr W.D.D. Cooke and Mr A.H. Wood
Methodist Child Care Society
Rev S.R.F. Cleland and Mr W.J. Stafford
Rev Dr. G.J. Mason and Mr A.H. Wood
Mr A.K. Pope
Obituaries
John Turner, D.D., who was born in Belfast on 3rd January 1924. He was the
youngest of four children of Robert and Elizabeth Turner of Dunowen Gardens.
His home church was Crumlin Road, Belfast, and it was there and through the
influence of Christian parents that his faith was nurtured. He attended Oldpark
and Antrim Road Public Elementary Schools, Mercantile Business Training
College and Renshaws Tutorial College. Following three years in business he
was accepted as a candidate for the ministry in 1946 and appointed as a
probationer to Dungarvan and Portstewart before entering Edgehill College in
1949. He was ordained in 1952 while stationed in Woodvale and thereafter was
appointed to Cloughjordan, Rathgar, Carlisle Memorial, Hamilton Road, Larne
and Cullybackey. He served as a Synod Secretary, Chair of two Districts,
Ministerial Secretary for Christian Stewardship, a member of the Ministry of
Healing committee and a Trustee of the Methodist Church in Ireland. He was
elected President of the Church in 1978 at which time Asbury College conferred
on him an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. He facilitated an arrangement
that allowed students and elders of the United Methodist Church to undertake
short-term supply on Irish circuits and was instrumental in introducing the Lay
Witness Movement to Ireland. His involvement in the ministry of divine healing
brought enrichment to many people. His book, The Healing Church, was
published in his Presidential year. He was a faithful circuit minister, a sensitive
and caring pastor and a wise administrator. As a preacher, he was a careful
craftsman, preparing thoroughly and using his considerable fund of apt
illustrations to good effect. In his later years he developed a recording and
duplicating tape service which made the sight of John, surrounded by recording
equipment and headphones, a familiar scene at Conference and other
gatherings. John was ably supported throughout his life and ministry by Edyth
whom he married in 1956. They have one daughter, Kathryn. John retired in
1994 and went to live in Ahoghill. He died peacefully in Prospect Private Nursing
Home, Ballymena on 13th November 2012 in the eighty-ninth year of his age
and the sixty-fifth of his ministry. His body was cremated at Roselawn
Crematorium, Belfast.
Thomas Woods, B.A., who was born in Portadown on 13th November 1925.
His parents were Richard and Rebecca Woods. The family attended Edenderry
Methodist Church where, at a Youth for Christ rally, he surrendered his life to
Christ. He became associated with Thomas Street Methodist Church, Portadown
through membership of the Boys’ Brigade. Although showing academic promise,
on the premature death of his father he left school to work for the Great Northern
Railway. Sensing a call to the ordained ministry, while on the List of Reserve he
served on the Portadown Circuit and then as a probationer at Bessbrook. He
entered Edgehill College in 1951 and in 1953 was stationed in Dungannon. He
then served at Woodvale and Portarlington before being sent for some months
to serve as acting Superintendent of the Londonderry City Mission. In 1960 he
was appointed to Belfast Central Mission, and then to Armagh, Donegall Road,
Omagh, Whiteabbey, where he served as chaplain to the University of Ulster,
and finally to Regent Street, Newtownards. He met his future wife, Sheila
McKibben, at the Annual Missionary Summer School at Mourne Grange in
Kilkeel in 1959 and they married the following year. She was companion, friend
and encourager through his remaining stations and in retirement in
Newtownards. Tom was a much loved pastor and preacher. His sermons and
Bible studies were both scholarly and passionate. Even as his intellectual
capacity declined through dementia, the inner beauty of his Saviour’s love shone
through to all who had contact with him. God’s grace was evident through his
warm smile, firm handshake, love for God’s word, the hymns of the church and
the sacrament of Holy Communion. He died in the Ulster Hospital on 2nd March
2013 in the eighty-seventh year of his age and the sixtieth year of his ministry.
His body was cremated at Roselawn Crematorium, Belfast.
Retirement Tributes
S Wesley Blair M.Sc., B.D., PhD., who has travelled twenty-nine years. He has
served primarily in urban areas in Northern Ireland. His ministry has been
marked by a breadth of theological understanding, a care of those in need and
helpful Biblical exposition. In every Circuit he has used his practical skills to good
effect. Alongside his role in the Council for Social Responsibility he has been
involved in significant conversations relating to charity legislation and the
Northern Ireland conflict, gaining respect form those involved. A person of
courage, he has faced serious illness on several occasions which has greatly
enhanced his ministry as a chaplain.
W. Brian Fletcher B.D., Ph.D., who has travelled thirty-three years. His ministry
has been characterised by a passionate love for his Lord. As one of Mr Wesley’s
preachers he has offered Christ to all, challenging them to give all in holy lives
and dedicated service. As a pastor he has been conscientious, loving, gracious
and sensitive. For twelve years he served the Board of Examiners first as Junior
and then Senior Secretary. The Church honoured him by electing him to be
Superintendent of two Districts and, in 2004, President when his theme “I am
not ashamed of the gospel” articulated his convictions. In 2012 he was installed
as an ecumenical Canon at St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.
John R. J. Moore, who has travelled thirty-six years. He has served the Church
in rural and urban circuits in Northern Ireland where his ministry has been
effective and valued. He has sought to be relevant in his preaching, and has
shown a pastoral concern for those he served, leading many to Christ and
encouraging them in discipleship. In his ministry he has demonstrated great
skill as a chaplain in hospitals and in the Army Cadet Force. He felt that his
calling was to be a circuit minister, and to this office he has devoted himself,
managing to avoid connexional committees.
Frederick L. Munce M.B.E., D. Univ., who has travelled twenty-four years. His
ministry, exercised in rural and urban circuits in Northern Ireland, has been
marked by thoughtful preparation of worship, a warm and friendly personality, a
strong faith and abundant energy. He has brought gifts of leadership in
administration and management, evident particularly in the development of
Clooney Hall and, in Belfast, the Agape Centre. Many church and community
organizations have benefitted from his expertise, including the Council for Social
Responsibility, the World Development and Relief Committee and the European
Methodist Council. In 2002 for his community service he was honoured by the
Queen, and a year later by the University of Ulster.
Their friends and colleagues pray God’s blessing for these ministers and their
families on their retirement.
INDEX
Agenda............................................................................................................................1
Appointments..................................................................................................................9
Belfast Central Mission................................................................................................236
Board of Education.......................................................................................................97
Board of Examiners......................................................................................................71
Church Development Board.........................................................................................28
Church Membership Statistics.....................................................................................212
Comprehensive Assessment.......................................................................................189
Communications Committee.......................................................................................231
Connexional Finance Committee................................................................................186
Council for Social Responsibility..................................................................................112
Covenant Council........................................................................................................228
Dublin Central Mission................................................................................................240
East Belfast Mission....................................................................................................238
Eastwell Residential Home..........................................................................................255
Edgehill Theological College........................................................................................68
Faith and Order Committee.........................................................................................107
General Committee.......................................................................................................40
Gurteen College..........................................................................................................254
Home Mission Department............................................................................................28
Home Mission Forum..................................................................................................211
Inter-Church Relations................................................................................................226
Irish Methodist Youth and Children..............................................................................202
Local Preachers’ Committee.........................................................................................82
Memorials Committee.................................................................................................198
Methodist College, Belfast...........................................................................................248
Methodist Historical Society of Ireland........................................................................257
Methodist Ministers’ Children’s Fund...........................................................................178
Methodist Ministers’ Medical Fund..............................................................................180
Methodist Missionary Society (Ireland).........................................................................34
Methodist Women in Ireland........................................................................................222
Ministry of Healing.......................................................................................................233
Newtownabbey Methodist Mission..............................................................................243
Nominations Committee..............................................................................................155
North West Methodist Mission.....................................................................................246
Obituaries....................................................................................................................271
Prison and Healthcare Chaplaincy Committee............................................................235
Property Board............................................................................................................181
Retirement Funds........................................................................................................168
Retirement of Ministers...............................................................................................273
Sabbaticals Committee...............................................................................................225
Stipends and Allowances Board..................................................................................162
Trustees of the Methodist Church in Ireland................................................................192
Wesley College, Dublin...............................................................................................252
Work of God Reports.....................................................................................................11
World Development and Relief....................................................................................156

A PEOPLE INVITED TO FOLLOW - The Methodist Church in Ireland

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