Presidency marks Inter Faith week with letter celebrating friendship

An open letter from the Revd Richard Teal, President of the Methodist Conference and Carolyn Lawrence, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, to mark Inter Faith Week 2020.

Dear Brothers and Sisters of all Faiths,

We greet you all at the beginning of this Inter-Faith Week 2020 with good wishes of peace. This is an occasion when we celebrate our friendships and also when we consider what we share in common. The Methodist people are known to be friends of all and enemies of none. That friendship we would like to extend to you again this year, with respect, and indeed love.

John Wesley, the father of Methodism, taught us to acknowledge the work of God in all peoples of faith. To recognise the finger of God, to rejoice in God's work, and praise God with thanksgiving for God's presence and work amongst people of all faiths.

We share with you a life of dedication to our traditions and faith. This year in particular Methodist People have been reflecting on the fact that in spite of all the suffering and struggles we have faced collectively as a Kingdom and worldwide that the best of all is that God is still with us. This we choose to affirm in faith and hope of a better future.

 With renewed friendship and every blessing,

The Revd Richard Teal, President of the Methodist Conference, 2020 - 2021

Carolyn Lawrence, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, 2020 - 2021