The 10th world assembly of Methodist and Uniting Church Women has completed its meetings at Loughborough University in halls decorated with hangings contributed by member groups around the world. The Irish contribution of mobiles drew particular attention.
The theme of the assembly was "go in faith and share God's healing grace". It was introduced by the president of the assembly, the Rev Khushnud Azariah of Pakistan, and developed in seminars, workshops and plenary sessions. A four-foot candle, representing light and hope, burned throughout the assembly.
The World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women is particularly good at arranging symbolic action. At one point in the assembly, delegates contributed an offering of pieces of cloth, representing the lives of women all over the world. These were then sewn into a wall-hanging, symbolising their unity.
The World Methodist Council and Conference met in Brighton during the past two weeks. In the course of sectional and plenary sessions, it heard reports from member churches throughout the world and addressed issues of current political, social and moral concern.
The Rev Dr Joe Hale retired at this assembly from the general secretaryship of the council, having served with distinction for 25 years. His successor is the Rev George H. Freeman.
The Rev Ralph Young has retired from the Geneva European office of the council, where he has served 18 years. His successor is the Rev Dr Denis Dutton, who was Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia, and successively secretary and president of the council of churches there. More recently, he has served in pastorates in the US.
In between the meeting of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church of Women and the World Methodist Council, the World Methodist Evangelism Institute met at Hove.
It was addressed by Bishop Sundo Kim of South Korea, Bishop Lawi Imathiu of Kenya and Dr Dunnam of the US. Presiding was the Rev Dr Eddie Fox, WMC world director of evangelism, who is remembered in Ireland for leading Bible studies at the Irish Methodist Conference and leading a seminar on evangelism in Dublin a few years ago.
Concern about the present situation in Sierra Leone led to the organisation of a special meeting at St Albans, prior to the meeting of the World Methodist Council. It was addressed by the Rev Francis Nabieu, president of the Methodist Church in that country.
The Edgehill College building has been closed for redevelopment. While building is in progress, work will be carried on in part of the premises of Fisherwick Presbyterian Church.
In addition to training Methodist ministers, the college's lay training development department will continue to offer full-time, and part-time courses in a variety of subjects. The church's department of youth and children's work also offers courses for people working with children and youth. These deal with safety, worship, practical organisation, crafts, etc.
The president of the church, Rev Harold Good, who has returned from the World Methodists conference, will visit the churches in Newcastle and Dundrum tomorrow. On August 12th, he will preach in the Presbyterian Church in Ballycastle, Co Antrim.