The Methodist Conference has voted for progress towards radical change to support the Church’s engagement in God’s mission

The Conference voted through the next steps of work around plans to simplify the oversight and trustee structure of the Methodist Church in Britain with the aim of providing greater support; enabling ministry, mission and broader strategic thinking; and promoting better coordination.

Representative heard that the changes are necessary in order to ensure the Church can better comply with its obligations as a charity and so energies can be directed and focused on the mission of the Church.

A raft of proposals for change to the current structure were voted to be progressed to the next stage including reviewing the number of Church Councils, a review of the size of the Conference and a wide-ranging review of the constitution and function of all Connexional committees.

The work will be done with the EDI, Faith and Order and Law and Polity committees and will be reported to the 2021 Conference with proposals for change from the 2022 Conference.           

The Connexional Secretary, Doug Swanney said: “Conference has voted resoundingly to indicate a desire for change in how we govern ourselves to ensure that we can properly focus on our calling into God’s mission. This is an important step in a journey which will continue for the next year as detailed work is done on the outline proposals shared with the Conference today. The signal to continue with this work is an important indication that we are continuing to respond to the call of God and are willing to question some fundamental issues at the heart of how we are relevant in the present age.”