Methodist Conference in Birmingham

The 2023 annual national Methodist Conference is taking place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel this week (Thursday 22 to Thursday 29 June inclusive. The Conference is the governing body of the Methodist Church, carrying responsibility for the government, discipline, management and administration of the life of the Methodist Church. 306 representatives and 24 associate members form the governing body. Alongside its extensive business sessions, the Methodist Conference is also a place for worship, conversation and fringe events. Twelve people will be ordained at a service at Coventry Cathedral on Sunday afternoon (25 June). Ecumenical representatives to the Conference include Fr Jan Nowotnik (National Ecumenical Officer for the Roman Catholic Church), the Right Revd Matthew Parker (Bishop of Stafford in the Church of England) and Revd Dave Ellis (Heart of England Baptist Association).

The incoming Vice-President of the Conference for the year 2023/2024 is Birmingham-based Deacon Kerry Scarlett. Kerry has a passion for justice and seeks to enable and amplify the voices of others. She founded the ADAVU anti-trafficking charity and has participated in regional network and anti-trafficking campaigns. Following her election to the role of Vice-President, Kerry said, ‘It is an honour and a privilege to have been elected Vice-President Designate. I am very much looking forward to working with (Conference Chair Revd) Gill Newton, and am very grateful for the opportunity to serve the Methodist Church in this way.’ Kerry has served the Methodist Church in a number of ways, including theological education, the Learning Network, a variety of committees including the Candidates Committee and has contributed to and facilitated complex reviews. The role of President of the Methodist Conference is reserved for ordained ministers and that of Vice-President for lay people or deacons.

Full details of the 2023 Methodist Conference can be accessed HERE. Read more about the ADAVU ant-trafficking charity HERE.