Methodists question 'obscene levels of reward among corporate hierarchy'

The Methodist Conference, meeting in Wolverhampton, yesterday called for dialogue with corporations and companies 'about the quite obscene levels of reward among the corporate hierarchy.' A motion was passed noting that a church committee and the board: 'appeared to be operating within the mindset of the present global market system, which is felt by many to be increasing poverty and inequality, and causing growing damage to the environment. 'This is clearly incompatible with the aims of the Methodist Church, Conference therefore urges the Committee and the Board to consult more widely with those working against the negative effects of globalisation and to be much more robust in its dialogue with companies and corporations about these negative effects, and about the quite obscene levels of reward among the corporate hierarchy.' The motion which was proposed by the Revd Alan J Robson, Lincoln and Grimsby District and seconded by the Revd David A Haslam, London SE District. The Conference also decided to have 'new look' General Secretary from 2003 who would combine its two essential elements of leadership - as a faith community and as a mission organisation. The President of the Conference is the most senior ordained minister in the Methodist Church in Britain and is elected annually. The Conference accepted a report: 'Leadership in the Methodist Church', which recommended the appointment of a General Secretary. It said: "We believe it is now right to give to that person the distinctive role and task of unifying these elements, holding the circle, becoming the crucial link between the Methodist Church as a faith community and as a mission organisation."