Friday 30 March 2007

Bibliography on Mission in South Africa

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Author: Rev. Wessel Bentley
Date: Presented at the October 2006 meeting.
Context: Resources for mission are not well known. Rev. Bentley compiled a bibliography of relevant material relating to mission in Southern Africa.

Stipends within the MCSA

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Author: Rev. Alan Storey
Date: Presented at the May 2006 meeting
Context: The MCSA is debating the current stipend system. Rev. Storey proposes a biblical model of the sharing of resources that balances justice and equality.

DODGING THE DOGMATISMS: METHODIST REFLECTIONS ON ABORTION

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Author: Rev. Prof. Neville Richardson
Date: Submitted at the May 2006 meeting
Context: The MCSA's stance on abortion has been questioned. In this paper, Rev. Prof. Richardson explores the theological and ethical considerations relating to this issue.

Thursday 29 March 2007

Surrogate Motherhood

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Author: Rev. Ken Carr
Date: Presented at the May 2007 meeting.
Context: Considering the debate on adoption and parenthood, Rev. Carr explores the theological and ethical considerations for surrogate motherhood.

A theological consideration of the ‘Covenant relationship’, between the MCSA and Ministers ordained by (and in full connexion with) the MCSA

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Author: Rev. Tim Attwell
Date: Presented at the May 2007 meeting.
Context: The debate concerning stipends in the MCSA has raised questions about the covenantal relationship between the church and its ministers. In this paper Rev. Attwell explores the historical and theological meaning of this relationship.

An ecclesiology with particular reference to the mission of the Church as it concerns the Apostolate of the laity

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Author: Rev. Tim Attwell
Date: Presented at the May 2007 meeting.
Context: The MCSA recognises the importance of every-member ministry. Rev. Attwell describes the relationship between clergy and the laity as it relates to their specific expressions of ministry.

Ordained Deacons and the Sacraments in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa

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Author: Rev. Dr. Dion Forster
Date: Presented at the May 2007 meeting.
Context: The Order of Deacons requested permission to dispense the Elements in places where there is insufficient ministerial oversight. In this paper, Rev. Dr. Forster argues that the ordination of Deacons is very specific and would be devalued if the Ordination for Sacrament were included in their definition of Ordination.