Methodist young people launch manifesto

The need for the Methodist Church to keep God at its centre and to be brave, inclusive and dynamic has been expressed by young Methodists as part of their manifesto to the Church.

The manifesto was published following the 3Generate event last November, where more than 1,000 young people aged 8-23 and their leaders discussed the issues concerning them in relation to the Church and society.

The manifesto is a resource for local churches and forms part of the ongoing engagement with churches and groups to encourage discussion and action across generations.

Penny Fuller, Church and Community Development Co-ordinator, said: “At 3Generate last November we considered the theme of Hearing the prophetic voice of children and young people. They expressed the opinion that they want a Church that is not just relevant but calls for God to be at its heart, is proactive in tackling social issues and is a listening Church that values its young members where all are welcomed.

“We are seeing growing numbers of young people participating in the life of the Methodist Church, so much that last year we had to seek a bigger venue to accommodate them. Listening to, and serving alongside, our younger members is vital for the Church now and in the future. As we prepare a strategic response to the Statistics for Mission report presented at the Conference last year, we are looking to those of all ages to consider how we can use our calling to be increasingly adventurous in our mission.”

Michael Pryke, Youth President of the Methodist Church, said: "Within this manifesto we hear the combined voice of the Methodist young people. This is a call to grow the work of the Church and to develop even more church communities that are accessible, inclusive and working to challenge injustice.”

3Generate 2018 is going to be held at Pontins, Southport, on November 23 - 25.

Notes:
3Generate, the Methodist Children and Youth Assembly, is a weekend for Methodist children and young people. Speaking out to the church, the young people engage with issues that are relevant to the whole people of God.