As followers of Jesus seeking the transformation of the world, a General Election is an opportunity to speak to the concerns of those most easily sidelined in our society. The following has been compiled by the Council on Social Responsibility, Southern Executive, of the Methodist Church in Ireland, with input from our World Development & Relief and Youth & Children’s Work Teams.

The Methodist Church in Ireland through its Council on Social Responsibility has released a statement on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which was recently introduced as a Private Members’ Bill in the House of Commons and will be debated on 29th November.

The Church Leaders Group (Ireland) met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn, MP, yesterday (6 November) in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, at what was the Group’s first meeting with Mr Benn since he was appointed in July.

On Monday 14^th October the Principal and Senior Management Team along with Dr Anita Gracie and the Students’ Union President, Andrew Irwin met the Rev Dr John Alderdice, who was making an official visit to Stranmillis College.

Three representatives from The Transferor Representatives' Council (TRC) gave evidence about Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) to Stormont's Education Committee yesterday, Wednesday 9th October.

As the thirtieth anniversary of the Combined Loyalist Military Command ceasefire in Northern Ireland approaches, the Methodist Church in Ireland remembers those affected by the violence across our island, particularly those who suffered the loss of loved ones and those who were significantly injured during the troubles.

This week marks one year from the terrorist atrocity of October 7^th 2023 carried out by Hamas in southern Israel. We pause to remember those who lost loved ones and those who still wait for news of family and friends who were kidnapped. It is a sad indictment of the human condition that violence begets violence no matter how it might feel justified.

The Southern Executive of the Council on Social Responsibility of the Methodist Church in Ireland feels that Budget 2025 could have been used as an opportunity for a more targeted addressing of the needs of the most vulnerable.

The Methodist Church in Ireland is delighted to be hosting the European Methodist Council this weekend (4th - 7th October) as we welcome our friends from across Europe.

Being wholehearted in our embrace of all our neighbours, visibly countering racism through loving action.

The Church Leaders Group (Ireland) recently engaged in a two-day visit to the European Institutions in Brussels.

MCI was present at the National Ploughing Championships last week (17th - 19th September) in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.

MCI are at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois, from the 17th-19th September, 2024.

The Season for Creation (SOC)is celebrated from Sunday 1^st September with a day of prayer for God’s creation and ends on the Friday 4^th October 2024.

The Methodist Church in Ireland is very sorry to learn of the death of Archbishop Noel Treanor.

The Rev Dr John Alderdice, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland (MCI) has issued the following on behalf of the Church in relation to the events surrounding anti-immigration protests; calling for anyone planning to attend further protests or counter protests not to do so.

The Methodist Church in Ireland is appalled by the call for ‘anti-immigrant’ protests planned across Northern Ireland on Saturday 3rd August.

The recent Conference of the Methodist Church in Ireland approved a revised Environmental Policy which is to be implemented by every Church Council in the Connexion, and applied, as far as possible, by all Departments.

The Church issued a statement last month in light of the upcoming elections in both jurisdictions. The following update from the Council on Social Responsibility reflects on the UK General Election.

Throughout 2024/25 the Discipleship Development Group will continue to help us as a Connexion, to focus on “…for the transformation of the world”, alongside the President’s theme.