Foreword

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It is my fervent hope and prayer that clergy and laity will find this eleventh edition of the Laws and Discipline of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa a useful mission tool as we together ‘proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ for healing and transformation’. The purpose of the “Laws and Discipline” is to facilitate the work of those who share the administrative and leadership responsibility in the ongoing life, ministry and mission of the Church. It provides the legislative framework for good governance and defines spiritual truths and practices in keeping with new revelations of God’s Spirit. As indicated in paragraph 11.1 of this edition, the true spirit of Methodist discipline requires that it be exercised in harmony with the grace of Christ, with tenderness, patience and fidelity, seeking rather to win members back to Christ than to discontinue them.

This edition incorporates all the amendments and new legislation enacted by the Conference and/or Connexional Executive since the publication of the 10th edition in June 2000. Most of the General Regulations have been added to the relevant chapters for easy reference. All matters relating to Discipline have been incorporated into one chapter that applies to both members and ministers. The provisions of this chapter take effect on 1 July 2007 to enable Synods to put the necessary systems in place. Organisational constitutions are excluded in this edition in accordance with the Connexional Executive resolution. They are to be published separately as a supplement to this edition, and as always are subject to the authority and discipline of the Church.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Executive Secretary, the Rev Vuyani Nyobole, the Legal Adviser, Advocate Keith Matthee and the Office Administrator/Personal Assistant, Mrs. Heather Fleming for their invaluable input in the preparation of this 11th edition. I am confident that Methodism in Southern Africa will continue to grow as we steadfastly “hold fast both the doctrine, spirit and discipline which they first set out" to accomplish our vision of A Christ healed Africa for the healing of nations.

Ivan M Abrahams
Presiding Bishop
Johannesburg March 2007

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