November 4, 2015
All We Can has welcomed the agreement of the Methodist Council to continued discussions about how the relationship between the charity and the Methodist Church in Britain might be deepened and strengthened.
Maurice Adams, Chief Executive of All We Can, commented: “All We Can and its predecessor organisations have always had a special relationship with the Methodist Church, which has evolved over time. Over the last two-and-a-half years we have been exploring how we might deepen and strengthen this relationship. We feel that working together more closely and purposefully will be beneficial for the Methodist Church, for All We Can, and for those who we seek to serve.”
The October meeting of the Methodist Council received a report on these conversations, presented jointly by All We Can and the Connexional Secretary, Doug Swanney. The Council welcomed the discussions, gave its approval to the continuation of more detailed work, and agreed to a set of principles which will guide the development of practical proposals.
“We are pleased that the Methodist Council welcomed the discussions,” said Maurice. “Now that a closer collaboration has been agreed in principle, we look forward to working with others to develop practical proposals about how it will be outworked in governance, strategy and practice.”
“Contrary to some reports, this should not be seen as being about “marriage” or merger – the two organisations are already inextricably linked, by history and constitutional arrangements, though have distinct roles and responsibilities – but about how All We Can can be of greater service to Methodists, both in Britain and internationally, so that the church might have a more active and focused response to issues of international relief and development.”
The full paper presented to Methodist Council is available here.
