Strategy for Justice, Dignity and Solidarity
A day for worship, conversation and questions on matters of equality, diversity and inclusion led by President of Conference, Rev Sonia Hicks
Ministers and lay people from across the district gathered at High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon on Tuesday 12 October 2021 for a day of reflection and forward planning on the issues of justice, dignity and solidarity as agreed by the Methodist Conference of 2021. This strategy includes mandatory actions for local churches, circuits, districts and the Methodist Council, designed to embed a culture of justice and respect for all, as equal partners in the Gospel.
Rev Sonia Hicks, the first black female President of Conference, spoke with passion and eloquence, giving countless examples from her own experiences as a British-born black woman of routinely being treated badly and thoughtlessly.
Geoff Bond of the Learning Network spoke of his personal story and the difference made by church members reaching out to support and encourage him at a young age.
The day was planned and led by Deacon Ramona Samuel as the district's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer and she led opening worship.
The day concluded with a panel comprising Sonia, Geoff and Ramona answering questions from the floor.
The strategy includes attention being paid to equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of the life of the church including visual and hearing impairments, accessibility of buildings and events, mental and physical health, gender, marital status, safer recruitment, safeguarding and more.