Innovative ecumenical partnership for NWCT
In a national first, the United Reformed Church (URC) Eastern Synod and the East Anglia Methodist District have created a joint Denominational Ecumenical Officer (DEO) role for Norfolk and Waveney.
Rev David Ely, a Methodist Superintendent for three districts and the Methodist DEO, has been appointed to a new joint role of DEO for the Methodist and URC churches in Norfolk and Waveney. David has been undertaking this role in an informal capacity for some time, and the churches have now agreed to formalise the arrangement.
Rev Lythan Nevard, Moderator of the United Reformed Church Eastern Synod, says: “David has already demonstrated his heart for ecumenism in his work across Norfolk and Waveney. He is a person of deep faith and vision who brings energy and enthusiasm to all that he does. The Eastern Synod of the United Reformed Church is thankful to both David and the East Anglia District of the Methodist Church for enabling this to happen. I see this as an exciting exploration into what it means to be ecumenical.”
The Rev Canon, Julian Pursehouse, Chair of the East Anglia Methodist District, is fully supportive of the move, adding: “David is an experienced Methodist presbyter who instills confidence and trust in ecumenical partners - this is testimony to his deep commitment to partnership in the Gospel for the sake of the world. I commend him for this new role and will pray for him in his ministry amongst our URC colleagues.”
On his appointment David said: “I have been in Methodist Ministry since 2003 and am currently Superintendent Minister for Three Circuits in the District. Before entering into Methodist ministry, I worked for a time in Derby Cathedral Shop and was immersed in all things Anglican as well as Catholic through the range of things that we sold. As a child I attended a Baptist Church for a while through the Boys’ Brigade. I have always seen the positive possibilities of working ecumenically.
“Currently, I am the minister of Diss URC as they, along with the Methodists in Diss, have been worshipping together for a number of years. It has been interesting and exciting to explore what it means to be a minister in a URC context which is different to that of a Methodist one. As the Methodist DEO for Norfolk & The Waveney Valley, I see this opportunity to represent The URC as a sign of what can be possible across denominations. There is no reason I can see that should prevent us from sharing together in what we do to make the message of the Gospel known. It is a message of God’s love that is as rich and varied as our denominations are. I look forward to formally filling this long-standing vacancy.”
Nationally a number of churches appoint Denominational Ecumenical Officers (DEOs) through their Dioceses, Districts, Synods, Baptist Associations and so on. DEOs work as a team with the County Ecumenical Officer (CEO) in their area. Together, they encourage local ecumenism (churches working together), offering advice and resources. They work towards the goal of visible unity which is both God's gift and calling. Working with the CEO and other ecumenical officers, DEOs encourage, sometimes initiate, ecumenical consultations, projects, ecumenical partnerships and the sharing of resources. They also help to disseminate useful advice on ecumenical issues like sharing buildings, constitutions, applying for joint finance and shared worship.
Dr Ian Watson, County Ecumenical Officer for NWCT, said: “Churches Together in Norfolk and Waveney is fully behind and supports David’s appointment. By coming together in this way, the URC and Methodist churches offer an innovative ecumenical solution, not only to resolve a long-standing vacancy, but to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to Church Unity. David has already developed excellent relationships with the URC in undertaking his Methodist DEO and pastoral responsibilities, so the solution provides continuity and, as far as I am aware, is a national first!”
To contact Rev David Ely, email: david.ely@methodist.org.uk
Photo from David’s LinkedIn profile