Justice, Dignity and Solidarity
The Methodist Conference of 2021 agreed a wide-ranging strategy to ensure Justice at every level of the Church, where everyone was treated with Dignity, and to stand in Solidarity with those who are marginalised in society. You can read more about the strategy and why it is important.
As part of this strategy, the Church committed to a number of things:
This scheme, to capture good practice and encourage churches to develop how they are inclusive is being piloted in the Bedfordshire, Essex & Hertfordshire District. Click Affirmations Scheme for more information and to get involved.
Training
The Methodist Church has published free training for leaders at all levels in Unconscious Bias and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Please click on training for full details.
Solidarity Circles
Solidarity Circles are a way for the Methodist Church to support people in different diversities in church life and raise relevant concerns with other Church leaders.
Resources
The Methodist Church has published resources to equip local churches to work towards Justice, Dignity and Solidarity. These include an Equality Impact Assessment, an Inclusive Language Guide and a Personal Responsiblity Commitment.
Theology
Theology underpins all the work of the Church as the Body of Christ. You can read the Methodist Church's theological statements on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
The Experience of Deaf/BSL users in the church
The district's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Rev Andrew Brazier, interviewed members of Norwich Deaf Church in a special online event, 'Sound Off?' To view a recording of this event, please click video.
Get involved
There is so much more to the strategy. To get involved, or for more information, please contact the District EDI Officer, Rev Andrew Brazier, at andrewbrazier@hotmail.com.