Methodist Conference
I love going to Conference. However, I don't put myself forward to be elected as a delegate because I'm committed to diversity, and there are too many people like me there already.
There is an official Digest which outlines what happened, but these are my personal highlights.
Conference isn't just business. Each session is wrapped in worship, prayer, and Bible Study. I found it moving that when Conference approved the names of John Aldridge and Miriam Stevenson as lay people with an Authorisation to Preside at Communion, they took that "business" as part of the Conference Communion service.
The Bible Studies were interactive with contributions from a wide range of perspectives. When we studied Jesus' rejection at Nazareth, I was struck by the description of how this resonates for trans people who are least accepted in their home-towns, particularly by congregations who think they know them better than they know themselves.
At a fringe event, I heard Professor Anthony Reddie speak with the title, "Whiteness is the sea, not the shark." His theme was to distinguish between individual racist acts, and the racist effects of the way the world works. For example, John Wesley said "The World is my Parish", but it is a lot easier to follow in his footsteps if you are a White man with a British passport, than it is for most Methodists around the world.
In a context of increased international tension and a political consensus that we need to spend more on defence; we discussed Christian responses. It was especially powerful that this was led by the United Methodist Church bishop with responsibility for Ukraine. Words about reconciliation are not easy there.
Conference overwhelmingly endorsed a World Council of Churches report that the Israeli Government's action in relation to Palestinians amounted to Apartheid.
Discussions were also eminently practical. The conversation about refugees was informed by input from churches who are actively involved in providing support. (Similarly for environmental action.)
The Youth report encouraged us to work out how we can get Young People involved in planning and leading worship.
Revd Derek McLean
(The Anthony Reddie talk, and all of the Conference sessions, are available to watch online, let me know if you want details.)
