The Methodist Church adopted the Strategy for Justice, Dignity and Solidarity in 2021. The aim of the Strategy is to help churches to become as fully inclusive as possible and address matters of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), recognising this to be a crucial witness to the Gospel of God’s love for all in Christ.
The South-East District, in order to support and implement various strands of the Strategy, has appointed Daniela Warr Schori in a voluntary role. Dan will help churches, circuits and the district to uphold EDI values of dignity, respect, inclusion and love for all, and promote good relations and practices in the life of the church. Through this role, the District will also shape the culture of the churches to become a place of belonging and inclusion for everyone and celebrate diversity.
Daniela (Dan) is based at Trinity Methodist Church, Woking in the Wey Valley Circuit. She is the church administrator, and coordinator for the Foundry project, supporting community development activities. The project is part funded by the District.
Dan has an interest in the language of Gender, and has worked in EDI roles for many years.
If you’d like to get involved with our work please contact Dan on email: edi@methodistsoutheast.org.uk
How to engage with and embed EDI in church life and the communities we serve:
Celebrate diversity and become a church of acceptance and welcome
Participate in EDI forums led by District EDI Officer or by your church/circuit to deepen your knowledge and understanding of this topic
Take part in the mandatory EDI training if you are within Methodist Leadership
Become part of the District EDI Steering Group
Pray for the work of Justice, Dignity and Solidarity
Put EDI on the agenda of Church Council and Circuit meetings
Familiarise yourself with the key resources (see box below)
Mandatory EDI Training :
Training in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is now mandatory for many Methodist roles, including all ministers, lay employees and stewards.
Details can be found at Mandatory EDI Training (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion). (methodist.org.uk).
This training includes a Foundation Module on MCBX, the Methodist Church's new online learning platform MCBX (theology.com). The training can be completed individually. However, it is most powerful when people have an opportunity to discuss their reflections and the implications for their church roles. The training takes approximately 2-4 hours to complete on MCBX.
Key Resources:
Strategy for Justice, Dignity and Solidarity User Guide: The User Guide offers ways to pray about the work of the strategy for Justice, Dignity and Solidarity; gives an overview of what is in the report adopted by Conference 2021 and helps you use the guide individually, in worship, in small groups and in conversation.
You may access the User Guide here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/the-methodist-church/the-inclusive-methodist-church/strategy-for-justice-dignity-and-solidarity/user-guide/
The Methodist Church Inclusive Language Guide: This Guide has been put together to help with conversations and with learning and understanding people from different communities than your own. It offers some general principles and examples on trying to avoid negative language, be open to corrections and be aware of varied expressions. It also provides guidance on using language more consciously in our spoken and written communications.
You may access the Guide here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/the-methodist-church/the-inclusive-methodist-church/resources-events-and-support/resources/the-methodist-inclusive-language-guide/
Dedicated Inclusive Methodist Church webpage: There is a dedicated webpage on all aspects of the Justice, Dignity and Solidarity strategy including resources, events and support, personal responsibility commitment and helpful training available.
You may access the webpage here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/the-methodist-church/the-inclusive-methodist-church/
Click here to be taken to the powerpoint presentation that was delivered at the Representative Synod which was held on Saturday, 30th April 2022:
