12 October 2020
The Methodist Council has voted to recommend the appointment of the Revd Michaela Youngson as Assistant Secretary of the Conference for an initial period of six years from September 2021.
Michaela has been Chair of the London District since 2012 and will take over the role when the current Assistant Secretary, Revd Ruth Gee steps down next year.
The Assistant Secretary works with the Secretary of the Conference to undertake and deliver the duties and responsibilities of that office as well as overseeing the operation and the development of policy and processes relating to the Ministers of the Church and their covenant relationship with the Conference. The Assistant Secretary is also the Connexional Ecumenical Officer.
Speaking after the Council voted overwhelmingly to recommend the appointment to the Conference Michaela said:
“I’m excited to be serving the Church in this way and working with the Conference and as ecumenical officer. Although I won’t take up my new role until next September, I am looking forward to helping the Connexion in these changing times to work out how we continue to offer the good news of Jesus to the world and what it means to serve in the present age.”
Secretary of the Conference Revd Jonathan Hustler said:
“I’m delighted at Michaela’s nomination as Assistant Secretary of the Conference and am very much looking forward to working with her. Her breadth of experience in many roles within the Connexion and other organisations, her creative skills and the wisdom she displays in her writing and broadcasting mean that she will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Senior Management of the Connexional Team.”
Michaela has a passion for social justice and for developing strong ecumenical relationships and partnerships in the World Church. She is a former President of the Methodist Conference and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2’s Pause for Thought.