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The Revd Dr Mark Wakelin has been elected
president designate of the Methodist Conference for 2012-2013
and Mr Michael King has been elected vice-president designate.
The results of the elections were announced at the annual Methodist
Conference in Southport today.
Dr Wakelin is described
by his nominators as "an inspirational and energetic speaker who
speaks directly to people in ways which they can apply to their own
lives and the Church." He brings to the role of
President a wide experience of circuit ministry, chaplaincy,
youth work and strategic leadership. He was formerly the national
secretary of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs and is
currently Connexional Secretary for Internal Relationships for the
Methodist Church in Britain. He lives in Oakwood with his
wife Judith and has three children and three
grandchildren.
"Now is a good time to be in the Methodist Church," Dr
Wakelin. "We have a real opportunity to become a more
confident and effective discipleship movement again. We need to be
brave, creative and more focused on God's loving purpose for us and
our world. The presidency can help the Church find and catch a
vision that will play a part in God transforming Methodism for the
next generation and of Methodism playing its proper role in
transforming our society and world."
Michael King is a Methodist local preacher, church steward and
former circuit steward in the Enfield Methodist circuit. He has
been leader of the Church's World Church Relationships team
for 11 years, and is chair of the European Commission on
Mission. Prior to 2000 he spent most of his working life
teaching is Sierra Leone and UK comprehensive schools.
Mr King describes himself as 'glocal', with a passion for
thinking globally and acting locally. He said: "I want to see God's
love shared with all people. I want to see Christians deepen their
understanding of what it means to welcome others, offering genuine
hospitality and inclusion. I long to see our overseas partners
taking part and making decisions at all levels of church life
in this country. I want to see our church enriched and invigorated
by people from all over the world."
Michael is married to Isabel, has two married children and
a six-month-old grandson.
Dr Wakelin and Mr King, who both live in the Enfield
Circuit, will be inducted as President and Vice-President as
the first items of business at the 2012 Methodist Conference in
Plymouth.
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