Minutes of a meeting of the Methodist Council held on 11-13 April 2015 at Woodland Grange
Conference Centre, Leamington Spa
Present:
The President, the Vice-President and 42 voting members as follows:
The Revd Dr Martyn D Atkins, the Revd J A Jade Bath, Ms Rebecca Belshaw, the Revd
Christopher P Briggs, Deacon Andrew Carter, the Revd Olufemi R W Cole-Njie, the
Revd Nigel Cowgill, the Revd Rachel D Deigh, Mr Jack Delbridge, the Revd Graham M
Edwards, Dr Martyn C Evans, Mr Andrew Fairlamb, the Revd Catherine Gale, the
Revd David Gamble, the Revd Ruth M Gee, Mr Andrew G Gibbs, the Revd David M
Goodall, the Revd Graeme J Halls, Dr Nigel Hardwick, the Revd Dr Paul Hill, the Revd
Jacqueline A Horton, Professor Peter D Howdle, Mr Sandy Laurie, Mr Tim Layhe,
Professor David R Matthews, the Revd Loraine N Mellor, Dr Daleep S Mukarji, the
Revd Edwin T Myers, Mrs Anita Nicholson, the Revd Lionel E Osborn, Mrs Idy
Osibudu, the Revd Gareth J Powell, Mrs Heather Shipman, the Revd D Paul C Smith,
Mr Doug Swanney, Dr Alan Sykes, the Revd Kerry W Tankard, Dr Val Turner, the
Revd Dr Roger L Walton, Mr Ian White, the Revd Dr Stephen D Wigley, the Revd
Steven J Wild.
Apologies:
The Revd Caroline R Ainger, Dr B Jill Barber, Mrs Jean Jackson, Mr Christopher
Stephens, the Revd Dr Joseph B Suray, Mr Eric Watchman, Mr Arfon Williams, the
Revd Michaela A Youngson, Mr Ted Awty
Substitutes:
The Revd Stephen J Burgess, the Revd Jacqueline P Evans, the Revd Henry Lewis, the
Revd Sue Smith, Ms Helen Woodall
Observers:
Mr Martin Ashford, Ms Jude Levermore, Mr Nick Moore (members of the senior
leadership group of the Connexional Team), Mr John Chastney (Chair of the Audit
Committee), the Revd David Grosch-Miller (URC observer), the Revd Nicola V PriceTebbutt (Secretary of the Faith and Order Committee), Mrs Louise C Wilkins
(Conference Officer for Legal and Constitutional Practice), the Revd Helen D
Cameron (nominated to the Conference as Assistant Secretary of the Conference)
In attendance: Ms Jane Bates (Minutes), Ms Anna Drew (Media Officer), Ms Louise Taylor
(Administration)
15.2.1
Appointment
Under SO 326A, the Council appointed Mr Brian Rollins as Convener of the
Candidates Appeal Committee for 2015.
15.2.2
Minutes of the Methodist Council
The minutes of the Methodist Council held on 26-27 January 2015 were agreed and
signed by the Chair as a correct record.
15.2.3
Matters Arising [MC/15/27]
Gareth Powell presented MC/15/27.
27/1.
15.2.4
The Council noted the report.
Decisions made since the last meeting of the Council [MC/15/28]
Gareth Powell presented MC/15/28.
28/1.
15.2.5
The Council received the report.
Merging MIST/MAST – The Developing Story [MC/15/62]
David Deeks, Chair of MIST and MAST, presented MC/15/62.
62/1.
The Council received the report.
The Council declined resolution 62/2.
15.2.6
Report of the Strategy and Resources Committee [MC/15/29]
Peter Howdle, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee (SRC), presented
MC/15/29.
29/1.
29/2.
29/3.
15.2.7
Pension and Assurance Scheme for Lay Employees of the Methodist Church
(PASLEMC) Valuation Results [MC/15/31]
Amanda Amor, Pensions Manager, presented MC/15/31.
31/1.
31/2.
31/3.
31/4.
31/5.
31/6.
15.2.8
The Council received the report.
The Council accepted the recommendations in paragraph 14.
The Council directed the Ministries Committee to oversee a review of the
practices and policies relating to Ministers of Religion coming to Britain
from overseas, with the aim of formulating a coherent and comprehensive
policy relating to such ministers serving in the British Connexion.
The Methodist Council agreed to the Statement of Funding Principles,
including the economic and demographic assumptions proposed by the
Trustee of PASLEMC as the basis of the Actuarial Valuation and authorised
it to be signed on its behalf.
The Methodist Council agreed to the Recovery Plan and authorised this to
be signed on its behalf.
The Methodist Council agreed to consult with members in May and June
2015 with regard to linking the normal retirement date to the male State
Pension date for service from 1 September 2015.
The Methodist Council agreed to the Schedule of Contributions.
The Council agreed to consult with members in May and June 2015 with
regard to amending the definition of pensionable salary to change from
the current deduction of Basic State Pension to 75% of the new single-tier
State Pension from 6 April 2016.
The Methodist Council delegated the final consideration and decision on
the benefits change which needs to be implemented from 1 September
2015 to the Finance Subcommittee of the Strategy and Resources
Committee which for the purposes of considering this matter shall be
supplemented by Dr Martyn Evans and Professor David Matthews being
members of the Council.
Pensions Valuation for the Methodist Ministers’ Pension Scheme (MMPS)
[MC/15/32]
Amanda Amor presented MC/15/32.
32/1.
The Council agreed, on behalf of the Conference, to the Statement of
Funding Principles, including the assumptions proposed by the Trustee of
32/2.
32/3.
32/4.
MMPS as the basis of the Actuarial Valuation and authorised it to be
signed on its behalf.
The Council agreed to the Recovery Plan and recommended to the
Conference that a contribution of £1million per annum from 1 September
2015 continue to be made from the Pension Reserve Fund to MMPS for the
duration of the recovery period ie a further 6 years.
The Council agreed to the Schedule of Contributions and recommends to
the Conference to retain the existing Church contribution rate of 26.9% of
standard stipends from 1 September 2015.
The Council recommended to the Conference that a consultation be
initiated with members on a change to benefits to link the pension
increases awarded in relation to both past and future service to the
Consumer Price Index (CPI) rather than the Retail Price Index (RPI) from 1
September 2016.
The Council noted that this would be subject to further consideration at the
2016 Conference if, subject to consultation with members, it was
subsequently agreed.
15.2.9
Report from the Senior Leadership Group
Doug Swanney, the Connexional Secretary, gave an oral report from the Senior
Leadership Group (SLG) of the Connexional Team.
The Council noted that:
The SLG had received a paper from All We Can which contained wide ranging
recommendations.
The SLG had agreed to respond warmly to the report, and to ask two or three
members of the Council to work with them on the recommendations and to bring a
substantive report to the October meeting of the Council.
The following pool of names was agreed from which an appropriate group would be
formed based on availability for the necessary dates: the Revd Nigel Cowgill, the
Revd Catherine Gale, Professor David R Matthews, the Revd Lionel E Osborn, Mr Ian
White.
15.2.10
Report from the Connexional Leaders’ Forum
The Secretary of the Conference and General Secretary, and the Connexional
Secretary reported on the March meeting of the Connexional Leaders’ Forum (CLF).
The Council noted that:
Major items discussed had been developments in the training of local preachers and
worship leaders, the past cases review, reflections from the Youth President
regarding her term of office, and 3Generate.
The CLF had spent substantial time following up on the input at the January meeting
from Bishop Robert Schnase.
Four areas for further work were identified as being to:
1.
identify what changes the Methodist Church needs to make in culture,
processes and patterns of practice to encourage and enable ministers to
flourish;
2.
devise and develop a robust Methodist model for supervision;
3.
create a code of professional conduct for ministers;
4.
explore what needs to be done articulate a deeper expectation of fruitfulness
and growth within the Methodist Church.
15.2.11
Joint Policy Statement on Safer Recruitment [MC/15/34]
Hilary Walker, Interim Safeguarding Adviser, presented MC/15/34.
The Council observed that some correction to the grammar of the policy statement
would be necessary.
34/1.
15.2.12
The Council approved the Joint Policy on Safer Recruitment.
Practice Guidance on Carrying Out Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks as
part of Safer Recruitment [MC/15/35]
Hilary Walker presented MC/15/35. The Council was informed that there were
some appendices to this report, which had not been circulated to the Council. These
appendices also need to be approved on behalf of the Council.
Resolution 35/1 was therefore agreed in the form below.
35/1.
15.2.13
The Council delegated responsibility for the approval of the practice
guidance on carrying out Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks as
part of Safer Recruitment to a sub group composed of the Chair of the
Council, the Revd J A Jade Bath, the Revd Dr Paul Hill, Mrs Heather
Shipman, Mrs Louise C Wilkins.
Past Cases Review 2013-2015: Summary Report [MC/15/36]
Jane Stacey, Project Manager of the Past Cases Review presented MC/15/36.
Thanks were expressed to her for her commitment to this work and for her
professionalism.
Past Cases Review: Implementation [MC/15/36A]
Gareth Powell presented MC/15/36A.
36A/1. The Council received the report.
36A/2. The Council recommended to the Conference the establishing of a Past
Cases Review Implementation Group.
15.2.14
Consolidated Accounts [MC/15/30]
John Chastney, Chair of the Audit Committee, presented MC/15/30.
The resolution numbers below refer to those printed for the January 2015 meeting of
the Council.
9/1.
The Council authorised the Chair of the Council to sign the Letter of
Representation addressed to the external auditors.
9/2.
The Council received the report of the Audit Committee [presented to the
January 2015 meeting of the Council] and its appendix.
8/1.
In accordance with SO 212(1), the Council adopted the consolidated
accounts for the year ended 31 August 2014, and directed that a unified
statement of connexional finances be presented to the Conference as
required by SO 360.
9/3.
The Council appointed Baker Tilly as external auditors for the year
2014/15.
15.2.15
Response to Notice of Motion 206 (2012) [MC/15/45]
Doug Swanney presented MC/15/45.
45/1.
The Council received the report.
15.2.16
Legal Case
Louise Wilkins, Conference Officer for Legal and Constitutional Practice, updated the
Council on a legal claim which is being made against the President of the Methodist
Conference.
15.2.17
Positive Working Together [MC/15/37]
Tony Tidey, Connexional Wellbeing Adviser and Alison Tomlin, a member of the task
group, presented MC/15/37.
37/1.
37/2.
37/3.
The Council received the report.
The Council adopted the Guidelines for promoting good working
relationships and managing conflict within the Church.
The Council made the following recommendations to the Conference:
a. The Conference directs that the Guidelines for promoting good working
relationships and managing conflict within the Church be promoted in
appropriate ways.
b. The Conference directs that each District appoints a suitable person to
provide information but not advice about the options available to an
individual experiencing bullying and harassment issues.
c. The Conference directs each District to ensure that its District
Reconciliation Group receives annual training and appropriate support,
so that it is equipped to deal with bullying and harassment issues
should they arise.
d. The Conference directs that a sum of £65,000 be made available in the
2015/16 connexional year from the Fund for Training for the
implementation of Positive Working Together, followed by £50,000 in
16/17 and £25,000 in 17/18.
15.2.18
CONFIDENTIAL ITEM
15.2.19
The President and Vice-President [including MC/15/38]
The President and Vice-President of the Conference each shared some reflections
from their year of office. As part of that, they presented MC/15/38 which was
noted.
15.2.20
Connexional Team appointment [MC/15/70]
Gareth Powell presented MC/15/70.
70/1.
15.2.21
The Council recommended to the Conference that the Revd Alan J Bolton
be appointed to serve half time, pursuant to SO 315, for an initial period of
five years from 1 September 2015 as a member of the Connexional Team.
Connexional Grants Committee [MC/15/39]
Helen Woodall, Chair of the Connexional Grants Committee, presented MC/15/39.
39/1.
The Council received the report.
39/2.
39/3.
39/4.
The Council approved the new way of assessing Heritage grant
applications as set out in paragraph 25.
The Council approved the modifications to the World Church stream
structures for a trial basis in 2015/16.
The Council appointed the members of the Connexional Grants Committee,
its subcommittees and streams, as set out, for the connexional year
2015/16.
15.2.22
Ministries Committee [MC/15/40]
Leo Osborn, Chair of the Ministries Committee, presented MC/15/40.
40/1. The Council received the report.
40/2. The Council commended the proposed replies to M7, M8, M9 (2011) to the
Conference.
40/3. The Council commended the proposed replies to Resolution 7/4 and M12
(2011) to the Conference.
Resolution 40/4 was not put.
Resolution 40/5 was withdrawn.
40/6. The Council recommended that SO 32A0(4) be amended to enable new
members to be appointed to the Ministries Committee for an initial period
of three years which can be extended for a further period of up to but not
exceeding three years and requests that the Law and Polity Committee
bring a revised Standing Order to the 2015 Conference.
15.2.23
Inter Faith Relations [MC/15/58]
Doug Swanney presented MC/15/58.
58/1.
15.2.24
The Council received the report.
Review of the Council Pay Scales and Grading Process [MC/15/41]
David Goodall, Chair of the Grading and Remuneration Subcommittee (GRSC)
presented MC/15/41.
41/1.
41/2.
41/3.
41/4.
41/5.
41/6.
The Council received the report.
The Council agreed to change the Pay and Grading Structure for Lay
Employees of the Methodist Council.
The Council directed the Grading and Remuneration Subcommittee to
bring detailed proposals for new policies and procedures using the Hay Job
Evaluation Scheme and based upon this report, to the October 2015
meeting of the Council.
The Council directed the Grading and Remuneration Subcommittee to
consider the pension arrangements for employees of the Council as part of
the development of the new policies and procedures.
The Council delegated to the SRC the authority to appoint a further
member of the Grading and Remuneration Subcommittee with expertise in
pensions and to report the appointment to the October Council.
The Council noted Mr Norman Mann’s resignation from the Grading and
Remuneration Subcommittee and thanked him for his commitment to this
committee and his work as Chair of the previous Job Evaluation Panel.
It was agreed that the paper should be made available to employees of the Council.
15.2.25
Connexional Central Services Budget [MC/15/42]
Peter Howdle outlined the scrutiny which had already given to the budget proposals
through the Finance Subcommittee and the SRC.
Nick Moore presented MC/15/42, explaining that this represents the first year of a
three year budget.
42/1.
42/2.
42/3.
42/4.
15.2.26
Review of the Connexional Priority Fund (CPF) Levy Policy [MC/15/48]
Louise Wilkins presented MC/15/48.
48/1.
48/2.
48/3.
48/4.
15.2.27
The Council endorsed the proposed Connexional Central Services Budget
and recommended it to the Conference.
The Council recommended the payment of £448k from the Pension Reserve
Fund into the PASLEMC in September 2015.
The Council recommended to the Conference that the existing structure of
management charges on the main restricted and designated funds be
replaced by a series of three bands and a fixed charge of 0.1% of capital
values.
The Council recommended to the Conference the District allocations of the
assessment to the Methodist Church Fund as set out.
The Council received the report.
The Council recommended to the Conference an amendment to the CPF
Levy policy to allow the Council to grant exceptions to the application of
the CPF Levy.
The Council agreed that a group should be appointed to assist with the
decision making process for the classification of replacement projects, and
delegated its appointment to the SRC.
The Council instructed the Connexional Team to produce amended
guidance for replacement projects in consultation with the Connexional
Grants Committee.
Power to vary the application of Standing Orders to Methodist premises that are
subject to a commercial lease [MC/15/50]
Louise Wilkins presented MC/15/50.
50/1.
50/2.
50/3.
50/4.
The Council received the report.
The Council recommended to the Conference that where a commercial
lease is being entered into of Methodist premises that are no longer
required for model trust purposes, the restrictions on the sale and
consumption of alcohol will be amended to allow a lease for any class of
use other than A4 Drinking Establishments or a nightclub.
The Council recommended to the Conference that where a commercial
lease is being entered into of Methodist premises that are no longer
required for model trust purposes, the restrictions on commercial gambling
be amended to allow for the sale of scratch cards and lottery tickets as
part of a tenants business, but not for a lease to a betting shop or an
equivalent.
The Council recommended to the Conference that where a full repairing
lease for a period of 10 years or more is being entered into of Methodist
premises that are no longer required for model trust purposes, there be no
50/5.
50/6.
15.2.28
requirement for the managing trustees to undertake a quinquennial
inspection of the leased premises.
The Council recommended that the Conference direct the Law and Polity
Committee to bring the necessary Standing Order amendments to the 2016
Conference.
The Council directed the Connexional Team to review and report to the
Council in January 2016 on the classification of land held as an investment
and whether there continues to be a justification for exempting such
property from the Connexional Priority Fund levy.
Nominations and Appointments [MC/15/56]
56/1. The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 320(1)(ii), nominated
to the Conference the following persons as members of the Ministerial
Candidates Selection Committee:
The Revds Joanne Archer-Siddall, Peter E Barber, Dr Christopher Blake, Alan
R Boyd, Rachel A Burgess, Richard J Byass, Jane H Carter, Deborah A Cornish,
Dr Jane V Craske, Stephen Dunn, Matthew R Finch, Vivienne M Gasteen,
Susan J Griffiths, Gareth J Higgs, Dr David Hinchliffe, Christine M Howe, Ian J
K Hu, Dr Jonathan R Hustler [SO 320(1)(i)], Philip J Jackson, Prof Teddy
Kalongo, Susan M E Lawler, Dr Jane Leach, Julie A Lunn, Jonathan E Mead,
Andrew C Moffoot, Dr Ian D Morris, Nicholas A Oborski, Malcolm Peacock,
Stephen E Robinson, Barbara T Routley, Dr Calvin T Samuel, Kathryn
Stephens, Neal H Street, Dr Joseph B Suray, Nutan Sandhya J Suray, Rose A S
Westwood, Susan J Wigham, D Paul Wood [SO 320(1)(i)]
Deacons Richard Beckett, Andrew Carter, P Jane Gibson, Richard D
Goldstraw, Eleanor Griffin, Sylvia R Phillips, Myrtle A Poxon, Ann Shephard,
Angela Shereni, Janet Stafford, Lynne R Sylvester-Tonge, Janet H Thomas
Miss Victoria Aggasild, Mrs Akua Agyepong, Mr Richard Armiger, Mr Rob
Cooper, Mrs Janet Dobinson, Mrs Sylvia Gnanapragasam, Mrs Glena Griffin,
Mrs Elaine M Grout, Mrs Christine Haigh, Ms Sylvia Hart, Mrs Veronica
Hickox, Miss Sharon Lam, Mr Rene Lamisere, Mr Phil Langdale, Mrs Dorothy
Lumley, Mrs Hayley Moss, Mr Alfred Philpott, Mr Colin Ride, Mrs Maxine
Scott, Dr Rachel Starr, Mrs Karen Stefanyszyn, Dr Margaret Williams, Mrs
Alison Wood, Dr Bart Woodhouse
The Warden of the Methodist Diaconal Order has the right to attend but not
to vote.
56/2. The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 321(5)(b), nominated
to the Conference the following persons as Oversight Tutors:
Where more than one oversight tutor is appointed for the same institution
one shall be identified as having oversight responsibility. In the following list,
that person is identified by an asterisk.
Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham
(* to be appointed), Deacon Eunice Attwood, the Revd Gary P Hall, the Revd
Dr Judith Rossall, Deacon Kerry Scarlett, Dr Rachel Starr, the Revd Dr Joseph
Suray
56/3. The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 212(7), nominated to
the Conference representatives for appointment as follows:
(a) Churches Together in Britain and Ireland: Annual General Meeting
Mr Michael King
56/4.
56/5.
56/6.
56/7.
56/8.
56/9.
56/10.
(b) Churches Together in Britain and Ireland: Senior Representatives’
Forum
Mr Michael King; the Revd Neil A Stubbens
(c)
Churches Together in England: Enabling Group
The Revds Richard J Teal, Neil A Stubbens
(d) Churches Together in England Forum (28-30 October 2015) focussing
on the Orthodox Churches, Pentecostalism, and Young People:
Mr Craig Gaffney, Dr Anthony Moodie, Mr Nathan Songer, Pastor Marcia
Tull, Mrs Marilyn Woodley; Deacon Samantha M Taylor; The Revds Richard J
Byass, Adam J Stevenson, Neil A Stubbens, Richard J Teal, Nicola Vidamour,
Jane M Wilson
(e) Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS): Members’ Meeting:
The Revd Dr David P Easton; Mr Sandy Laurie
Alternate:
Mr David Easson
(f)
Cytûn (Churches Together in Wales): Enabling Group
The Revd Jennifer A Hurd
Proxies: The Revds Dr Ian D Morris, Philip A Poynor
The Methodist Council resolved to nominate to the Conference the
members of the Strategy and Resources Committee of the Council by an
evote after the meeting of the Council.
The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 322, nominated to the
Conference the following persons as members of the Stationing Committee:
Mr Andrew Owen, the Revd Gareth J Powell, the Revd Helen D Cameron, the
Revd Jennifer A Impey, Ms Jenny Jackson, the Revd Dr David Hinchliffe, Mrs
Biddy Bishop, the Revd John D Howard, Mr Malcolm Pearson, the Revd
Stephen J Burgess, Mr Michael Prince, the Revd A Peter Hancock, Mr Peter
Sercombe,the Revd Paul Martin, Mr Iain S A Henderson, the Revd Stephen J
Lindridge, Mrs Lesley Morland, the Revd Dr Jonathan R Hustler, the Revd
Jennifer A Hurd, Deacon Susan W Culver, the Revd Peter E Barber, the Revd
Stephen J Poxon, the Revd Anne E Brown, Mr Doug Swanney
The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 213A, nominated to
the Conference the following persons as members of the Audit Committee:
Mr Rodney Betts, Mr John Chastney (Chair), Mr Peter Mills, Mr Andrew
Whitley
The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 116B, nominated the
Revd Ian J Worsfold to be the Precentor for the Presbyteral and
Representative Sessions of the 2015 Conference.
The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 116B, appointed the
Revd Alan Ashton to be the Letter-writer for the Presbyteral and
Representative Sessions of the 2015 Conference.
The Methodist Council, acting under Deed of Union Clause 14(4)(d) and
Standing Order 107(3), appointed the following two associate members of
the Conference as (full, voting) members of the 2015 Conference:
The Revd Dr Albert W Jebanesan (Methodist Church Sri Lanka), Eduardo
Manuel da Silva Conde De Almeida (Evangelical Methodist Church in
Portugal)
The Methodist Council, acting under SO 138(1) appointed the Memorials
Committee for the 2015 Conference as follows: Mr David Walton (Chair), the
Revd Steven J Wild, Dr B Jill Barber, the Revd Dr Martyn D Atkins, Mr Doug
Swanney, Mr Martin Harker (Convener), Mr Mike Anderson, Ms Irene
McKay, Mr Ron Jordan, the Revd Rosamund V Hollingsworth, Mrs Mary
56/11.
56/12.
56/13.
56/14.
56/15.
56/16.
Williams, Mr Adam Sanders, Mr David Pendle, the Revd Dr David Hinchcliffe,
Mr Graham Kay, the Revd Eleanor G Jackson, Mrs Ruth Pickles, Mrs Susan
Smith, the Revd Kerry W Tankard, Mrs Linda Crossley, Dr Stephen Leah. In
attendance: the Revd Gareth J Powell, the Revd Helen D Cameron, the Revd
Colin A Smith, the Revd Jennifer M Dyer, the Revd Nicola V Price-Tebbutt, Mr
Nick Moore, Mr Martin Ashford, Ms Jude Levermore, Mrs Louise Wilkins
The Methodist Council, acting under SO 136A, appointed the Financial
Committee for the 2015 Conference as follows:
Mr Andrew Gibbs, Mr Doug Swanney, Professor David Matthews, Mrs
Heather Shipman, the Revd D Paul C Smith. In attendance: Mr Nick Moore,
Mr Ted Awty
The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 107, directed that the
following twenty other autonomous conferences, other Methodist churches
and united churches in which Methodists have joined be invited to appoint
a representative to be an associate member of the 2016 Conference:
Europe: United Methodist Church (UMC) – Northern Europe Conference,
United Methodist Church (UMC) – Central and Southern Europe Conference,
United Methodist Church (UMC) – Germany Conference, Opera per le Chiese
Evangeliche Metodiste in Italia, Igreja Evangelica Metodista Portuguesa
Africa: Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Methodist Church Kenya,
Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, Iglesia Metodista de Guinea Ecuatorial,
Eglise Méthodiste du Togo
Americas: MCCA, Iglesia Evangelica Metodista Argentina, Iglesia Evangelica
Metodista de Nicaragua, Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en Bolivia, Iglesia
Metodista de Chile
Asia-Pacific: Church of North India, the Church of Bangladesh, United
Mission to Nepal, China, Methodist Church in Fiji
The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 105(1A), approved the
following rota for diaconal representation at the Conference of 2016:
Wales Synod, Birmingham, Darlington, East Anglia, Leeds, Liverpool,
Manchester and Stockport, Newcastle, Lancashire, Northampton,
Southampton, London. Reserves: Cornwall, Sheffield
The Council, on behalf of the Conference, appointed the following to
accompany the President and the Vice-President as its representatives to
the Irish Conference: the Revd David Gamble, Mr David S Walton
The Council appointed Carolyn Lawrence as World Federation of Methodist
and Uniting Church Women Area Officer for the quinquennium 2016-2021.
The Council appointed Liz Marriott, Anne Browse and Alison Judd as the
representatives of Methodist Women in Britain to the World Assembly of
the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women.
15.2.29
Joint Covenant Advocacy and Monitoring Group – Appointment of Methodist
members [MC/15/57]
57/1. The Council received the report.
57/2. The Council appointed Mr David S Walton to be the Methodist co-Chair of
the Joint Covenant Advocacy and Monitoring Group and the Revds David
Gamble and Michaela Youngson to be its other two Methodist members.
15.2.30
Faith and Order Committee [MC/15/59]
59/1. The Council received the report.
15.2.31
One Mission Forum [MC/15/61]
61/1.
61/2.
The Council adopted the proposals in the report for establishing the One
Mission Forum in accordance for Standing Order 1001.
The Council delegated to the Strategy and Resources Committee its
authority to make additional appointments to the Forum under Standing
Order 1001(2)(a)(iv).
15.2.32
Southlands College and the Southlands Methodist Trust [MC/15/63]
63/1. The Council received the report.
15.2.33
Guidance on Regulated Activity (under the Lobbying Act) [MC/15/64]
64/1. The Council noted the guidance produced.
15.2.34
Ecumenical Associate Members of the 2016 Conference [MC/15/65]
65/1. The Council received the report and noted the addition to the list of
churches and Christian bodies eligible to be invited to appoint associate
members of the Conference as detailed in paragraph 2.2.
65/2. The Council recommended to the 2015 Conference those churches and
Christian bodies listed in paragraph 3.1 as those to be invited to appoint
associate members of the 2016 Conference.
15.2.35
Committee Appointments [MC/15/43]
66/1. The Council appointed Mrs Suzie Long, Ms Janet Arthur and Mr John
Monkhouse to the Connexional Allowances Committee, with effect from 1
September 2015.
66/2. The Council appointed Mrs Alison Butler to the Methodist Heritage
Committee.
66/3. The Council appointed representatives to ecumenical and other bodies
with effect from 1 September 2015 as follows:
Methodist members of the Methodist-Anglican Panel for Mission in Unity:
The Revds John Hellyer (Co-Chair), Graham R Kent, Neil A Stubbens; Deacon
Stephen F Roe; Mrs Jenny Easson, Mr David J Phillips, Mrs Heather Shipman
Methodist members of the Methodist-United Reformed Church Liaison
Group: The Revds Richard Teal (Co-Chair), Christopher Collins, Kavula J John,
Neil A Stubbens; Mr Dudley Coates
Methodist members of the British Methodist-Roman Catholic Dialogue
Commission:
The Revds Dr Neil G Richardson (Co-Chair), Dr David M Chapman (CoSecretary), Marian J Jones, Dr Timothy Macquiban, Ian S Rutherford, Neil A
Stubbens, Peter G Sulston, Dr Stephen D Wigley; Mr David Bradwell
Ecumenical Stakeholders’ Forum (in addition to the ex-officio members):
Sister Eluned Williams (Chair), Mr Roy Crowder, Mr Mike King; the Revds Dr
David P Easton, Dr Ian D Morris, Richard Teal, Dr Stephen D Wigley
Methodist Representative to the General Synod of the Church of England
(July 2013 – February 2016): The Revd Dr Roger L Walton
Methodist Representative to the United Reformed Church General Assembly
(2016): The Revd Dr Keith Davies
The Commission of the Covenanted Churches in Wales: The Revds Catherine
Gale, Jennifer A Hurd, Delyth A Liddell
The Free Churches Group: The Revds John Howard, Neil A Stubbens
Churches’ Legislation Advisory Service: The Revd Gareth J Powell; Mrs Louise
Wilkins
66/4.
66/5.
Women’s World Day of Prayer National Committee for England, Wales and
Northern Ireland: Dr Elizabeth Burroughs
The Council appointed the Revd Marian J Jones to the British MethodistRoman Catholic Dialogue Commission with immediate effect.
The Council appointed the Revd Kenneth G Howcroft to chair the One
Mission Forum for a period of six years from September 2015 under
Standing Order 1001(2)(b).
15.2.36
Safeguarding Guidance for Single Congregation (Methodist/Church of England)
Local Ecumenical Partnerships [MC/15/67]
67/1. The Council approved the practice guidance for single congregation Local
Ecumenical Partnerships.
15.2.37
Terms of Reference for the Cliff College Committee [MC/15/68]
68/1. The Council adopted the Terms of Reference for the Cliff College
Committee.
15.2.38
Disciplinary and Grievance Policies [MC/15/69]
69/1. The Council adopted the Disciplinary Policy.
69/1. The Council adopted the Grievance Policy.
15.2.39
Releasing Property for God’s Mission [MC/15/43]
Martyn Atkins presented MC/15/43.
43/1.
43/2.
15.2.40
Mission Rediscovered – Developing a Strategic Plan for World Church
Relationships as the global expression of One Mission [MC/15/44]
Martin Ashford presented MC/15/44, and the Council discussed the questions in
groups.
44/1.
15.2.41
The Council received the report.
Report of the Working Group on ‘Fellowship Groups’ [MC/15/46]
Martyn Atkins presented MC/15/46.
46/1.
46/2.
46/3.
15.2.42
The Council received the report.
The Council, affirming the general direction of the report, directed that a
further group of the Council continues work on the recommendations, and
reports to the Council no later than January 2016.
The Council received the report.
The Council affirmed the recommendations set out in the report,
commended them to the Conference and proposed that further work as
indicated in the report is overseen by the One Mission Forum.
The Council directed the Secretary of the Conference to oversee
consideration of the recommendations in paragraph 7.2 of the report.
Larger than Circuit [MC/15/47]
Loraine Mellor presented MC/15/47.
47/1.
The Council received the report and directed the Coordinating Group to
bring detailed proposals to the Methodist Council no later than January
2016 to enable the Council to undertake scrutiny of any proposals and for a
detailed report to be made to the Conference in 2016.
15.2.43
Recording Pioneering Fresh Expressions [MC/15/49]
Nicola Price-Tebbutt and Leo Osborn presented MC/15/49, a report of the Faith and
Order and Ministries Committees.
49/1.
49/2.
49/3.
49/4.
15.2.44
The Council received the report.
The Council directed that a facility be set up for Circuits and Districts to
record Fresh Expressions that would not otherwise be included among
returns for Local Churches.
The Council directed that, alongside continuing consideration of
ecclesiological, pastoral and oversight issues and drawing on existing work
and other models, the Connexional Team makes a study of how to map
and report these and other associations of Methodist people which do not
fit precisely into existing structures.
The Council directed the Law and Polity Committee and the Faith and
Order Committee to ensure that work is undertaken with regards to the
oversight and governance of Fresh Expressions.
Connexional Allowances Committee [MC/15/51]
John Bell, Chair of the Connexional Allowances Committee, presented MC/15/51
which represented the Committee’s annual report to the Conference. The report
also included the review of fees and allowances above stipend, which had previously
been considered by the Council.
51/1.
51/2.
The Council received the report.
The Council commended the report to the Conference, with the instruction
that paragraph 1.19 concerning the implementation of the living wage
should be strengthened.
The thanks of the Council were expressed to John Bell and the other members of the
Connexional Allowances Committee.
15.2.45
Marriage and Relationships Task Group [MC/15/52]
Ruth Gee presented MC/15/52, an update report of the Marriage and Relationships
Task Group.
52/1.
15.2.46
Clarifying aspects of membership MC/15/53
Louise Wilkins presented MC/15/53.
53/1.
15.2.47
The Council received the report.
The Council received the report.
Risk Register [MC/15/55]
Doug Swanney presented MC/15/55.
55/1.
55/2.
The Council adopted the Corporate Risk Register.
The Council agreed to recommend to the Conference that ongoing
monitoring of corporate risks be delegated to the Council.
The Council noted that the register itself will need to remain confidential, but it can
be made clear that the work has been done.
15.2.48
Accessibility to the Conference [MC/15/54]
John Bell presented MC/15/54.
54/1.
54/2.
15.2.49
The Council received the report.
The Council made the following recommendations to the Conference:
1. It is recommended that the Conference establish a new Working Group,
with wider terms of reference and representation, to examine ways in
which the overall length of the Representative Session might be reduced
without compromising its roles and purposes.
2. It is recommended that district briefings be organised and constituted as
described.
3. It is recommended that the Conference Secretariat give consideration to
enabling reports to be available on the website at the earliest possible
opportunity after the April meeting of the Council, before the hard-copy
publication, and advising Conference representatives accordingly.
4. It is recommended that report authors are directed to complete the
cover sheet/template fully and to include an Executive Summary of their
report.
5. It is recommended that first-time speakers are always given priority and
that their speech time is not shortened.
6. It is recommended that, on (rare) occasions when it is deemed
beneficial, the Conference Business Committee plans the pattern of
input in debates.
7. It is recommended that authors of major reports give serious
consideration to the value of Hearings prior to the main item of
business, and that the Conference Business Committee gives guidance
and encouragement to them as appropriate.
8. It is recommended that the Conference Business Committee exercises
its judgement in advising authors of reports (sometimes bringing the
business the following year) on the appropriate use and pattern of
Workshops as effective instruments for dealing with matters on which
the views of Conference representatives will be valued.
9. It is recommended that, in planning the programme of business, the
Conference Business Committee always considers how such
Groups/Sessions can facilitate the work of the Conference.
10. It is recommended to presenters (with the knowledge and guidance of
the Conference Business Committee) that they use buzz groups
whenever their business would benefit from them.
11. It is recommended that the provision of electronic voting facilities be
referred to the Conference Planning Executive and/or the Conference
Business Committee for further consideration.
12. It is recommended that, in seeking to achieve best practice across the
Connexion, Districts encourage and enable all representatives to
participate in disseminating feedback from the Conference to the
Districts and Circuits in whatever ways are appropriate.
The Journal of the 2014 Conference
The Journal of the 2014 Conference was duly attested.
Thanks were expressed to:
those who were attending their last meeting of the Council;
the Assistant Secretary and members of the Team who had contributed to the work of the Council;
the Secretary of the Conference/General Secretary as he attended his last meeting of the Council;
David Gamble as he completes his term as Chair of the Council.