SUMMIT OF SENIOR WEST MIDLANDS CHURCH LEADERS Meeting at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre – Selly Oak, Birmingham 1st – 2nd October 2023

 The West Midlands Senior Church Leaders group of Salvation Army, Baptists, Methodists, Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Quakers, and Pentecostals - met together for the second time this weekend for this annual residential.   We were accompanied by Bishop Mike Royal, the General Secretary of Churches Together in England who shared highlights of his recent visit to Rome with thousands of Christians from various denominations from around the world.  We were also lead in reflections, by Revd Dr. Christine Dutton, on the narrative of abundance and enough rather than the usual narrative of lack which we often tell ourselves.  The richness of our ecumenical gathering that represents a myriad of theological emphases, reminded us of our gospel of a generous, self-giving God who reaches out to us in Jesus Christ for the healing and flourishing of humanity and creation.

Matters such as confidence to share the gospel, a just economy, the small acts of kindness, integrity and truthfulness, faith and young people, welcoming the stranger, poverty at the centre, peace-making, and environmental justice were amongst our discussions over our twenty-four hours together.  Looking towards the next twelve months that will include a national general election, the Church Leaders encourage churches to offer space, ecumenically, for local politicians and the community, including young people, to come together to debate their commitment to the common good of all.

Our prayers are with the management and staff of the Woodbrooke Study Centre, which is due to close at the end of October 2023.  The whole church extends our thanks for the years of hospitality and study research space that Woodbrooke has offered to the church of all denominations over many years.  Grace and peace to all involved in the discernment for the future use of that space.

 Revd. Novette Headley

Chair – Birmingham Methodist District