Methodist Youth President Elected for 2022/2023

Following the election held at this year’s 3Generate, the Methodist Children and Youth Assembly, it has been announced that the Youth President for 2022/2023 will be James Carver from Nottingham. James will become the new Youth President at a service to be held in the autumn next year.

James, who is 22, attends Clifton Methodist Church in the Nottingham and Derby District. He is currently studying for a Masters in Criminology at Nottingham Trent University. James has previously been a Youth Rep with the Methodist Church, tackling issues of social justice and advocating for Methodist children and young people at the British Youth Council.

James said: “I want to raise awareness of mental health issues and other conditions such as ADHD and autism that the Church needs to increase awareness of if it is to become truly inclusive.”

James is open about his own ADHD diagnosis, he is also partially deaf and lives with a stammer, “It is so important that people talk about these issues. Without exposure to disabilities, people don’t understand the conditions, their impact on daily life, and how to interact with those who live with them. It’s better to be out in the open than to hide these things.

“I was involved with my Student Union in college as an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer and I want to bring some of that experience to the Youth President position. With young people’s mental health having suffered so badly during Covid, I also want to give people some fun. I think young people need to enjoy themselves at Church.”

James is also keen to support the wellbeing of children and young people: "The Bible teaches us that we are made in the image of God, and so we need to recognise and respect the image of God within ourselves and others.”

The current Methodist Youth President, Daud Irfan commented: “My congratulations and prayers are with James. The issues he will be raising will help to ensure that the Methodist Church and senior positions within it are truly open to all. His message will be vital to the whole Church, as well as to its children and young people.”

The Methodist Youth President is a salaried position working full-time for one year to serve the children and young people of the Methodist Church in Britain. The role involves meeting and representing the young Methodist people to ensure that their voices are heard and to help them be involved in every aspect of Church life.