Minutes of a Meeting of the Methodist Council Held on 5-7 April 2014 at Woodland Grange

Minutes of a meeting of the Methodist Council held on 5-7 April 2014 at Woodland Grange, Leamington Spa

Present:The President, the Vice-President and 46 voting members

Apologies:The Revd David Gamble, Mr Graham Illingworth, The Revd Loraine Mellor, The Revd Dr Mark Wakelin, Mr Ian White, Mr Arfon Williams, Mr John Chastney, The Revd Gareth Hill, Mr Nick Moore

Observers:The Revd David Grosch-Miller (URC Observer), Ms Jude Levermore (member of the senior leadership group of the Connexional Team), the Revd Nicola Price-Tebbutt (Secretary, Faith and Order Committee), Mr Andrew Maxfield (maternity cover for Officer for Legal and Constitutional Practice)

In attendance:Anna Drew (Media Team), Jane Bates (Minutes), Louise Taylor

In the absence of the Chair of the Council, it was agreed that the meeting should be chaired by the President, the Vice-President and the Ex Vice-President respectively.

14.2.1Letters

The Council agreed to send letters of greeting to David Gamble, Mark Wakelin, Graham Illingworth, Ian White and Nick Moore, who were unable to be present at the Council.

14.2.2Minutes of the Methodist Council

The minutes of the Methodist Council held on 29 and 30 January were agreed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

14.2.3Matters Arising [MC/14/29]

29/1. The Council noted the report.

14.2.4Wesley Study Centre at St John’s College, Durham – the way forward [MC/14/30]

David Matthews presented MC/14/30. The Council noted the revised text for paragraph 5, which was printed on the corrections sheet.

30/1.The Council adopted the recommendations set out in Section 5 of the report and directs the Connexional Team to undertake such further work as may be necessary to give effect to the recommendations.

30/2.The Council delegated to:

(a)The Strategy and Resources Committee responsibility for agreeing the final terms of the Memorandum of Understanding based on section 5 of this report;

(b)The Chair of the Council authority to sign a revised Memorandum of Understanding based on section 5 of this report and following the approval of the Strategy and Resources Committee.

14.2.5Connexional Allowances Committee Report to the Conference [MC/14/31]

The Council welcomed Roy Swanston and Brian Oakley (members of the Connexional Allowances Committee) to presentthis and the following item.

31/1.The Council received the report and recommended it to the Conference.

14.2.6Recommendations on Stipends Allowances and Fees [MC/14/32]

The Council agreed to refer recommendations 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 and 20 back to the Connexional Allowances Committee (CAC). It asked that the CAC undertake further work on these recommendations, taking account of the conversations at the Council and other responses which had been received, with a view to consultation with the wider Connexion including presbyters and deacons.

The Council declined recommendations 5 and 6.

The Council agreed recommendation 7.

14.2.7Equality Act update

Gareth Powell gave an oral update to the Council on the work being undertaken to determine the impact on the Methodist Church of this Act.

The Councilnoted the complexity of this work and that it is unlikely that a full report will be ready for the Conference. It is hoped that a further report will be brought to the October meeting of the Council.

14.2.8Secretary of the Conference/General Secretary

The Secretary of the Conference/General Secretary announced his intention to leave the appointment at the end of the connexional year 2014/15.

14.2.9Minutes of the Strategy and Resources Committee (SRC) held on 5-6 March 2014

The Chair of the SRC drew the Council’s attention to the following items:

• Minute 14.1.3a – the SRC had agreed to wider membership of the Churches Mutual Credit Union;
• Minute 14.1.6 – the SRC had held a conversation about the work of the Team, and asked for headlines from each cluster to be included in the General Secretary’s report to the Conference;
• Minute 14.1.8 – significant building work is beingundertaken at Cliff College and the Queens Foundation.

The Council noted the minutes of the SRC.

14.2.10Report from Senior Leadership Group (SLG)

Martyn Atkins reported on the difficulties of working without Gareth Hill (head of the Mission and Advocacy cluster), who has not been well since the beginning of the calendar year. The Council noted that the SLG is undergoing training for team-building.

14.2.11Report from Connexional Leaders Forum (CLF)

Martyn Atkins gave a report from the March meeting of the Connexional Leaders’ Forum. The Council noted that the following matters had been considered:

• what it means to be a learning church, with presentations from Chris Blake and David Hewlett;
• budget proposals;
• a review of the CLF and Chairs’ Meeting, concluding that the current frequency and pattern is about right, but that greater coherence between meetings and agendas would be helpful;
• the Youth President shared the highlights of her year;
• an update of statistics for mission and the future priorities for collecting statistical information;
• releasing buildings for mission;
• material on foodbanks, presented by JPIT.

14.2.12Connexional Team workplan

Doug Swanney reported that further work is being undertaken concerning the workplan, and this will be shared with the SRC. The Council noted the report and wished the Team well in its work.

14.2.13Complaints and Discipline – Reconciliation

Gareth Powell gave an oral report to the Council, explaining that the 2012 Conference had asked the Council to undertake a review of reconciliation opportunities in Part 11 of CPD. The Council appointed a working group to undertake this work, and the working group has concluded that there are already sufficient opportunities for reconciliation throughout the complaints process. However, the group has concluded that there should be a change to Standing Orders to stipulate that the connexional reconciliation group should in future be chaired by someone appointed under SO231. The Council agreed to recommend this change.

14.2.14Connexional Liaison Officer Post for Scotland Review [MC/14/62]

Sandy Laurie drew the Council’s attention to the background to this paper and the hard work which has been done to reach the point which the paper represents.

62/1. The Council received the report.

62/2.The Council appointed the working group as follows:

The Revd Jeremy Dare, the Revd Dr David P Easton, the Revd Gareth J Powell, Mr Doug Swanney.

14.2.15Review of Pay Structure and Grading Process for Methodist Council Employees and Terms of Reference for Grading and Remuneration Sub-Committee of the Council [MC/14/33]

Peter Howdle presented MC/14/33.

33/1.The Council received the report.

33/2.Noting an amendment as printed on the corrections sheet, the Council approved the Terms of Reference for the Grading and Remuneration Sub-Committee.

33/3.The Council approved the membership of the Grading and Remuneration Sub-Committee as follows: The Revd David Goodall (Chair), the Revd Sue Keegan von Allmen, Mrs Sue Jakeman, Mr Norman Mann, Mr Keith Webster.

14.2.16 Commission of the Covenanted Churches in Wales[MC/14/43]

Stephen Wigley presented MC/14/43.

43/1.The Council received the report.

43/2.The Council commended the report to the Conference.

Thanks were expressed to the Ecumenical Officer and the Secretary of the Faith and Order Committee, for their support and work on this.

14.2.17Accessibility to the Conference [MC/14/45]

45/1.The Council appointed the working party as follows: Mr John A Bell, Mr Sam Taylor (Co-Chairs), the Revd Ashley R Cooper, the Revd Jennifer M Dyer, Ms Tamara Wray.

14.2.18Inter Faith[MC/14/44]

Doug Swanney presented MC/14/44, conveying his thanks to those who had served on the reference group.

The Council was asked to offer direction as to where the priorities should be placed, and it indicated that the focus should be on strengthening the network, with some money available for training.

44/1.The Council received the report.

44/2.The Council directed the Connexional Team to undertake further work based on the priorities identified through the discussion at the Council.

14.2.19MDO Budget Provision and Office Location [MC/14/68]

Peter Howdle presented MC/14/68.

68/1.The Council received the report.

68/2.The Council adopted the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee and directed the Team to take the necessary steps to implement sections 5, 6 and 7 of the report.

68/3.The Council:

(a)agreed to the sale of 26 St James Road;

(b)subject to the wishes of the Connexional Manse Trustees agreed to the sale of 27 St James Road (should the Connexional Manse Trustees so wish);

(c)directed that the proceeds of the sale of 26 St James Road should be designated to provide funding for the Methodist Diaconal Order.

14.2.20Complexity and Strategy: Ministry [MC/14/42]

Gareth Powell presented MC/14/42.

42/1.The Council received the report as the basis of its report to the 2014 Conference in respect of motion 204 (2013).

14.2.21Working Party on Civil Partnerships and the Legal Definition of Marriage [MC/14/34]

Gareth Powell presented the update report, MC/14/34.

34/1.The Council received the report.

34/2.The Council appointed the Revd Olufemi Cole-Njie, Mr Mike King and Mr Eric Watchman to undertake scrutiny on the composition and membership of any working party, should it be recommended that the Conference appoint a working party to undertake further work arising out of recommendations made by the working party on Civil Partnerships and the legal definition of marriage.

14.2.22The President and Vice-President

The President and Vice-President offered some reflections on their year of office.

14.2.23Releasing Buildings for Mission [MC/14/35]

Martyn Atkins presented MC/14/35, which the Council discussed in groups.

14.2.24Appointments and Nominations [MC/14/47]

47/3.The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 340A, nominated to the Conference the following persons as Oversight Tutors:

Hartley Victoria College, Manchester: *The Revd Dr Andrew Pratt, The Revd Dr Susan Rowe

Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham: *The Revd Helen Cameron, Deacon Eunice Attwood, The Revd Gary Hall, The Revd Sam McBratney, The Revd Dr Judith Rossall, Deacon Kerry Scarlett, Ms Rachel Starr

South East Institute for Theological Education: The Revd Cameron Kirkwood

South West Ministry Training Course: The Revd John Henry

Southern Theological Education Training Scheme: The Revd Margaret Jones

Wales Training Network: Mr Luke Curran (Director)

47/4.Pursuant to SO 212(7), the Methodist Council nominated to the Conference the following persons to the following:

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland: Annual General Meeting

Mr Michael King

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland: Senior Representatives’ Forum

Mr Michael King, The Revd Neil A Stubbens

Churches Together in England: Enabling Group

The Revds Richard J Teal, Neil A Stubbens

Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS): Members’ Meeting:

The Revd Dr David P Easton,Mr Sandy Laurie Alternate: Mr David Easson

Cytûn (Churches Together in Wales): Enabling Group

The Revd Jennifer A Hurd Proxies: The Revds Dr Ian D Morris, Philip A Poynor

47/5.The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 213(2), nominated to the Conference the following persons as members of the Strategy and Resources Committee of the Council:Professor Peter Howdle, Mr Adrian Burton, The Revd Eden Fletcher, The Revd David Goodall, Dr Daleep Mukarji, Mrs Heather Shipman, Mr Robert Harrison, The Revd Susan Keegan von Allmen, Mr Andrew Gibbs, Mr Ted Awty, Ms Helen Woodall, TheRevd Anne Brown, The Revd Stuart Jordan. Non-voting members: The Revd Dr Martyn D Atkins, The Revd Gareth J Powell, Mr Doug Swanney, Ms Jude Levermore, Mr Nick Moore, The Revd Gareth Hill

47/8.The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 116B, appointed the Revd Ian J Worsfold to be the Precentor for the Presbyteral and Representative Sessions of the 2014 Conference.

47/9.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 2014 Conference.

47/10.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 2014 Conference: Dr Evelyn Wibmer, Bishop Amos Ndhlumbi.

The Council further noted that the list of conferences and churches to be represented at the 2014 Conference has changed, and is now as follows: UMC Central Conference of Northern Europe – Nordic and Baltic, UMC Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe, UMC German Central Conference Evangelisch-methodistiche Kirche, OPCEMI (Italy), Igreja Evangelica Metodista Portuguesa, Methodist Church in Kenya, Eglise Méthodiste du Togo, Methodist Church Sierra Leone, Methodist Church Rwanda, Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, Iglesia Evangelica Metodista Unida del Ecuador, Iglesia Metodista en Cuba, The Korean Methodist Church, Methodist Church Hong Kong, Church of Pakistan, Methodist Church in Samoa, Uniting Church in Australia.

47/11.The Methodist Council, acting under SO 138(1) appointed the Memorials Committee for the 2014 Conference as follows:Mr David Walton, The Revd Kenneth Howcroft, Mrs Gill Dascombe, The Revd Dr Martyn Atkins, Mr Doug Swanney, Mr Martin Harker, Mr David Pendle, The Revd Bruce Thompson, Mrs Chris Thompson, Mrs Susan Smith, The Revd Leslie Newton, Mr Peter Holt, Dr Stephen Leah, The Revd Martin Wellings, Mr Henry Curtis, The Revd Andrew Letby, Miss Jane Dansie, Miss Margaret Faulkner.

47/12.The Methodist Council, acting under SO 136A, appointed the Financial Committee for the 2014 Conference as follows: Mr Andrew Gibbs, Mr Doug Swanney, the Revd Paul Smith, the Revd David Goodall, Mrs Heather Shipman.

47/13.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 2015 Conference:Eglise Protestante Méthodiste du Bénin, Methodist Church Ghana, Methodist Church Nigeria, Methodist Church Sierra Leone, United Church of Zambia, MCCA, Iglesia Evangélica Metodista en El Salvador, Methodist Church in Brazil, Iglesia Metodista de Colombia, Iglesia Metodista del Perú, Church of South India, The Methodist Church in Malaysia, The Methodist Church Sri Lanka, Methodist Church in Fiji, The United Church in the Solomon Islands, Opera per le Chiese Evangeliche Metodiste in Italia, Igreja Evangelica Metodista Portuguesa, United Methodist Church (UMC) Central and Southern Europe Conference, United Methodist Church (UMC) Germany Conference, United Methodist Church (UMC) Northern Europe Conference

47/14.The Methodist Council, acting under Standing Order 105(1A), approved the following rota for diaconal representation at the Conference of 2015:Wales Synod, Birmingham, Channel Islands, East Anglia, Liverpool, Manchester & Stockport, Northampton, Southampton, Scotland, Beds Essex & Herts, London, South East. Reserves:Lancashire, Newcastle.

47/15.The Council appointed Mr Ian White (Chair), Mr James Irving, Prof Roy Swanston, Mr David Quick, the Revd David Westhead as the Listed Buildings Advisory Committee Appeals Committee.

47/16.The Council appointed Dean Sutton and Nigel Fairhurst as members of the Southlands College Liaison Group and the Southlands Methodist Trust for a further year, up to August 2015.

47/17.The Council nominated Ms Lorna Hewitt and Mr Stuart Aldridge to be appointed as Trustees for Westhill Endowment.

14.2.25Appointments [MC/14/48]

48/1.The Council appointed David A Quick to the Methodist Church House Management Committee with immediate effect. The Council noted that Richard Barrett has withdrawn from the Management Committee.

48/2.The Council appointed Mrs Helen Woodall as Chair of the Connexional Grants Committee, for an initial period of three years from 1 September 2014.

48/3.The Council appointed Mr Bala Gnanapragasam to the Connexional Grants Committee, for an initial period of three years from 1 September 2014.

48/4.The Council appointed Dr Daleep Mukarji to the Connexional Grants Committee, for an initial period of three years from 1 September 2014.

48/5.The Council agreed to recommend to the Conference, pursuant to SO 315(4), that the Revd Dr Stephen Skuce be stationed to serve the Connexional Team for an initial period of five years from 1 September 2014.

The Council noted that the membership of the Diaconal Candidates and Probationers Oversight Committee for the remainder of this connexional year is as follows: The Revds Sheryl Anderson (Connexional Team), William Anderson, Jennifer Impey (Chair), Donald Pickard, Deacons Margaret Cox, Susan Culver (Warden of the MDO), Claire Gill, Anthony Martin, Mrs Rosemary Harrison, Miss Marion Mear, Dr Malcolm Stevenson.

14.2.26Insurance Arrangements for staff, office holders and volunteers travelling overseas [MC/14/49]

49/1.The Council noted the outcomes of this review.

14.2.27Faith and Order Committee Report [MC/14/50]

50/1.The Council received the report.

14.2.28The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee and Architecture [MC/14/51]

51/1.The Council agreed to recommend to the Conference that the Conference amends SO 336 as set out in paragraph 2 of the report.

51/2.The Council agreed to recommend to the Conference the adoption of the transitional and permanent EDI Architecture as set out in paragraph 3 of the report.

14.2.29Releasing Money for God’s Mission Working Group [MC/14/52]

52/1.The Council appointed the working group as set out in the report.

14.2.30Equal Opportunities Monitoring [MC/14/53]

The Council received the monitoring information.

14.2.31Connexional Allowances Committee Proposal to sell 24 Long Acre, Swansea [MC/14/54]

The Council noted the amendments to the text of the report printed on the corrections sheet.

54/1.The Council:

a)agreed to 24 Long Acre, Murton being sold;

b)agreed to the net proceeds of the sale to be deposited in the Methodist Medical Benevolent Fund for its general use including recuperative breaks.

54/2.The Council delegated responsibility for the sale of 24 Long Acre, Murton to the Connexional Allowances Committee.

14.2.32Right to Request Flexible Working [MC/14/55]

55/1.The Council delegated to the Strategy and Resources Committee responsibility for considering and approving a revised scheme for considering flexible working requests such as may be required consequent upon the Children and Families Bill becoming law.

14.2.33Methodist Academies and Schools Trust [MC/14/56]

56/1.The Council received the report.

56/2.The Council nominated, for appointment by the Conference, for the period 2014-2017: Barbara Easton, Julie-Ann Hewitt, Robert Jelly and Lesley Brookbanks as members of the Methodist Academies and Schools Trust.