Highlights for Journalists: The Methodist Conference 2013

This year's Methodist Conference will be held at MethodistCentral Hall in Westminster, London from 4 - 11 July. TheConference is the governing body of the Methodist Church and meetsannually to discuss matters affecting the life of the Church, thenation and the world.

Highlights for journalists at this year's Conference willinclude:

• Address by the Archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday 10July.
• Same Sex Marriage on Monday 8 July.
• Inauguration of new President and Vice-President on Saturday 6July.

The Conference's representative session will open on Saturday 6July with the induction of the President, the Revd Ruth Gee, andthe Vice-President, Dr Daleep Mukarji. Their biographies areincluded in the Methodist Church press pack 2013/2014. Following Sunday morningworship on 7 July, Methodist presbyters and deacons will beordained in venues across the London District. Over 5,000 ticketshave been distributed for the weekend events of the Conference.

The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop ofCanterbury, will talk on the topic, Resourcing a Search forthe Common Good. After his talk, he will take questions frommembers of the Conference. See here for further details.

The debate on Same Sex Marriage will take place on the afternoonof Monday 8 July as part of the Methodist Council report. A reportto accompany this debate will soon be available to read online viathe Methodist Conference website. 

Video of the debates will be streamed live online through the Methodist Conference website.

The Conference is a gathering of 306 representatives drawn fromeach Methodist district, along with some who have been elected bythe Conference, together with some ex officio members, andinternational, ecumenical and youth representatives

Notes

1. Members of the media wishing to attend the Conference shouldcontact Karen Burke either on 0207 467 5208 or burkek@methodistchurch.org.uk 
2. The Conference blog provides an informal look at theConference, fringe events and the people behind it. 
3. Follow the Conference conversation on Twitter via the #methconf hastag. Please note that comments and opinions onTwitter and the blog do not necessarily represent the MethodistChurch's position.