Categories: uncategorized
Date: 28 October 2011 09:38:07
I like to go and buy my copy of the Methodist Recorder on a Friday morning from the local newsagent for a couple of reasons. Firstly it is my own little way of letting the shop keeper know that it is worth stocking it; I notice that since I became "a regular" the number of copies in there has increased by one and in buying it I am also supporting my local newsagent. Secondly, it keeps me aware of what is going on in the strange world which is Methodism and finally there is something very quaint about the paper. Sometimes though I get frustrated by the outdated and insular nature of the publication - today has been one of those days.
Just a look at this weeks headlines and a quick comparision with The Church Times, Baptist Times, and The Tablet make it clear that there is something worringly inwardly focused about the paper and some might argue with the Methodist Church itself. However, this gives the wrong impression. Methodism is a faith which is vibrant and involved in loads of really exciting things. It is also seeking to reinvent itself to be more relevant and to train those within it to relate more appropriately with the current world.
Within the current issue of the Methodist Recorder is Martyn Atkins monthly column which is talking about and encouraging people to engage with The Fruitful Field Document. This document is focusing on training, formation and theological education. It's an important document and discussion because the conclusions reached will impact a central part of what the Methodist Church does and a part, in my experience, it does very well. This is an example of good insular reporting by the paper which is seeking to get readers to engage with the outward looking denomination.
Less positive was the one mention the whole Occupy thing got was a photo and caption beneath a letter on a connected but wider issue. The photo was labelled "The anti-capitalism camp outside St. Paul's Cathedral, London". I am going to write a letter in because I think that the paper, living in it's bubble, has gotten quite the wrong end of the stick on the whole Occupy thing and to a certain extent has missed the opportunity for a good story. (Yes, I know I am very biased on this one....but I think the point still holds true).
I want the paper which is currently, proudly celebrating it's 150th anniversary and is proud to be Methodist to carry on for another 150 years - but if it carries on being so out of touch with the wider world and debates I am not sure it is going to be able to do so. Methodism is, was and I hope shall always be an outward looking denomination - let's celebrate that.