Conference Report, May 2001
Highlights of Issues Raised at the AOCM Conference at St. Stephen’s House, 12th May 2001.
Update on AOCM intercollegiate/course/scheme day of worship and reflection:
The Response of speakers to our invitation has been fantastic:
- Archbishop Rowan Williams has agreed to chair the plenary session (”Any Questions Format”), preach at the worship session and celebrate the Eucharist;
- Rev. Nicky Gumbell will be speaking about Evangelism;
- The Revd. Prof. A.E. McGrath, “Loving God with Heart and Mind: The Role of Spirituality in Theological Education”;
- Fr. David Houlding, Master of SSC: “A Catholic Vision of the Church of England”;
- The Revd. Stephen Conway, Chair of Affirming Catholicism: “”I’m packed for the journey, but where am I to go? Reflections on a spirituality for ministry in a new century”;
- Rev. Dr. Robert Beckford, “Pedagogy in an Age of Crack Cocaine.”
Our efforts are now concentrated in encouraging the women speakers we have invited to accept, who we hope to include Canon Lucy Winkett, and Monica Furlong.
This is shaping up to be a very exciting and innovative day.
Issues Raised:
- “The Structure and Funding Working Party” set up by the Archbishop’s Council has a remit to review theological education and training with no holes barred. A consultative letter was published in the C. of E. Newspaper, but ask your rep. for more details and respond to the invitation to give your views.
- Housing both for ordinands and for curates: several reports of poor housing being offered. Please tell us of other cases known to you.
- To explore a link with the MSF Trade Union to increase the effectiveness of AOCM representation.
- The representation of Courses and Schemes in AOCM. Please send us your ideas of how the representation of courses/schemes can be improved.
- Ordinands trained for stipendiary ministry being asked to take up NSM positions. Please report to us any cases of which you know.
- NSM Ordination grants: variability between diocese as to whether a grant is given and as to its amount. Please report on known cases.
- Special Educational Needs: improving the care and support for candidates with SEN at all levels: selection, training and move to title parish.
- Process of being given a first title: problems relating to release dates; delays in being interviewed. Please report more cases.
- Staffing levels at colleges: shortages in three colleges at present and effect on pastoral care of students.