Methodist Church in UK launch Equalities and Diversity Project

The Methodist Church in the United Kingdom have launched a major new diversity initiative. According to Christian Today:

The Methodist Conference has received a major report challenging the Church to eliminate discrimination in an increasingly diverse Christian community.

This report is the result of a project initiated in 2004 by the Conference and carried out by the Equalities and Diversity Project, a representative group including members who have experienced oppression due to race, gender, sexuality and disability. The report shows the journey the Church has taken in considering these issues since 2004 and indicates the direction of future developments.

The report was presented for exploration by the wider Church, offering an opportunity for the Church to engage in its first comprehensive dialogue about the broad agenda of equalities and diversity. It addresses the many different kinds of discrimination faced by groups both with the churches but also in wider society including sexism, racism, disablism and homophobia.

It also outlines some of the stories that people in these situations have shared with the group. The stories will be collected into a series of booklets to accompany a further report in 2009.

Alison Parker, Equalities and Diversity Project Worker for the Methodist Church, said: "This is a major step on the road to creating a more inclusive, welcoming and credible Church. The Church as the Body of Christ is an expression of unity in the great variety of God’s creation. This report has offered a challenging and exciting opportunity to hear the voices of the marginalised and those working for change in the Church."

Full story:
Report Challenges Methodist Conference to eliminate discrimination
Click here

Additional coverage:
If you would like more information about this initiative by the Methodist Conference in the United Kingdom, please visit their Equalities & Diversity Project.