AOCM Conference Trinity College, Bristol UK,
February 1999
A New Executive for AOCM
The new executive was elected, details of who's who available here.
An Excellent Conference at Trinity
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Trinity College, Bristol
(Photo: Meg Gilley)
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Mark Hodge
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Mark Hodge, from the Ministry Division (formerly ABM), spent a very fruitful first session with us talking about financial matters. He explained the training budget, funding for training institutions and student finance. There was a discussion about the pooling system for single ordinands, which has now been operating for a year: however, there are still big variations in the amounts provided to single ordinands.
Other financial issues raised with Mark Hodge:
- Expectations that spouses who do not have childcare responsibilities will seek employment;
- Different approaches to the Resettlement Grant taken by different dioceses;
- The rebate system and the different impact it has on single and married ordinands in different circumstances.
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Left to right: Paul Regan, Secretary 98-99, Meg Gilley, Chair 98-99, Mark Hodge, Ministry Division, Andy Ward, Treasurer 98-99.
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We considered draft guidelines for developing policies on harassment prepared by Marion Morgan of WEMTC, and hope to approve these at the next conference.
There is a need to tighten up the Constitution to reflect the membership of students training for the Church Army and to define AOCM's role and remit more accurately. A form of words will be put to the next conference.
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Reps in full debate
(Photo: Meg Gilley)
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Issues raised by reps:
- Women training for ministry at Oak Hill: there was a discussion about misperceptions. Oak Hill does support women's ministry.
- Timing of ordinations: a perennial issue! When is the best time for ordinations bearing in mind:
- Training is foreshortened by Petertide ordinations – a particular issue for people on two-year courses;
- Moving children to a new school;
- Gap between training grant and stipend.
Joanne Thorns will draw up a short questionnaire.
- Selectors' Reports: Concern was raised about the secrecy of selectors' reports. It was felt that candidates should have a chance to refute or challenge assertions made about them.
- Access for Disabled Ordinands: How easy is it for disabled ordinands to train at theological colleges and courses? Who is responsible for ensuring (and funding) access, whether in terms of building alterations or British Sign Language interpretation?
- Two-Year Training Courses: Most ordinands aged over 30 who train at colleges only receive two years training. Some people are very happy with this, though others feel that
- the 30 year cut off is a bit arbitrary,
- two years' (in practice 20 months) training does not give enough time for reflection or to engage with the issues,
- formation is truncated,
- there is insufficient time to learn to reflect theologically.
Of course, there are financial implications.
If you have a view on any of these matters, please discuss them with your AOCM rep or contact the Chair.
Not All Talk
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Supper time
(Photo: Meg Gilley)
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An AOCM conference is more than just a meeting about issues that affect ordinands. Worship is an important part of the programme and, at the Trinity conference, this was very moving.
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Keith Claringbull, Zoe Brennan and Dan Papworth in the Pub
(Photo: Meg Gilley)
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We also went to a trendy pub, though not everyone was convinced.
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Joanne Thomas and Paul Regan
(Photo: Meg Gilley)
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Cliff and Pamela - not convinced by the trendy pub.
(Photo: Meg Gilley)
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Future Conferences
5 June, All Saints Pastoral Centre, London Colney, St Albans, Herts.
6-7 November, Mirfield
February 2000, St John's Nottingham
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