in co-operation with the Methodist Churches in Italy

The Appointment: Director of the Methodist Ecumenical Office, Rome (MEOR)

This appointment is open to an ordained minister of a member of the World Methodist Council.

Location: Via del Banco di Santo Spirito 3, Rome, Italy

Purpose: To develop and build upon the work of the Methodist Ecumenical Office in Rome on behalf of its partners, the World Methodist Council (WMC), European Methodist Council (EMC), the Methodist Church in Britain (MCB) and the Methodist Churches in Italy (OPCEMI) and others, as a resource for the global Methodist family in order to help facilitate Methodist relationships with the wider ecumenical community, in particular with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity of the (PCPCU)

Responsible to: Responsibility for the tasks of the post listed below will be to the MEOR Forum and to the responsible officer of the Methodist Church in Britain to manage the post on their behalf.

Relationships through personal contact and membership of committees where appropriate as follows:

Relationships: OPCEMI (annual consultation) and annual Synod with Internal Roman Catholic Church (PCPCU) and other dicasteries (Culture, Integral Human Development, Inter Religious) The Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy (FCEI) The Anglican Centre in Rome Ambassadors to the Holy See in Rome

Additionally the Director of MEOR will benefit from relationships with local ecumenical partners including: Churches Together in Rome (Roman Catholic and Protestant mostly English language churches) Consulta of Evangelical Protestant churches in Rome (Italian language)

Relationships: World Methodist Council: The General Secretary, the Geneva External Secretary and its Ecumenical Relationships Chair European Methodist Council Ecumenical Officers of the partner organisations Methodist-Roman Catholic Dialogue Commissions

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Main tasks:

1. To develop and build upon the work of the Methodist Ecumenical Office in Rome as a resource for fostering conversation in the wider ecumenical community, including among the members of the World Methodist Council, the European Methodist Council and within Europe: 1.1 theological reflection and writing, in making the work of the centre known in the press, the media and the world of learning 1.2 educational courses and lecturing, both in the Centre, and in other educational institutions e.g. the Angelicum University and the Waldensian Faculty 1.3 other opportunities for dialogue and engagement with partners in Rome, e.g. UISG/USG (Catholic religious orders) and other churches and agencies outside (to offer relevant ecumenical expertise to the Union of Waldensian and Methodist Churches in Italy, and to the other Methodist Churches in mainland Europe and member churches of the WMC as appropriate) 1.4 a ministry of hospitality, receiving visitors and organising pilgrimages.

2. To represent MEOR on the following bodies, by personal attendance and/or the submission of reports on the work of MEOR 2.1 the Ecumenical Relationships Committee of WMC 2.2 the EMC 2.3 Methodist/Roman Catholic Commissions as invited and agreed with the line manager 2.4 other bodies as invited and agreed with the line manager within the constraints of time and travel.

3. To manage the finances and physical resource of MEOR in the premises currently occupied on the fifth floor, including (with additional help) administration relating to courses run, visitors housed in the hospitality programme and domestic arrangements

4. To take responsibility for the training and supervision of any additional staff employed for work in MEOR

5. To take an active part in the worship of a local church

Terms and Conditions of Appointment:

The Director of MEOR will be stationed by the Methodist Church in Britain. The appointment will be subject being granted Recognised and Regarded status in the Methodist Church in Britain (details can be found at https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-ministers-and-office-holders/ministry/ministers-of- other-churches/ )

The appointment is from 1 September 2020 for up to 5 years, which could be extended for a period agreed by all parties.

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A stipend and allowance equivalent to that of a Superintendent Presbyter in the Methodist Church in Britain will be paid by MEOR. (Currently £27,337) Expenses relating to the work of the Director will be paid by MEOR.

Accommodation will be provided in Rome.

The skills and experience needed to fulfil this appointment

It is essential that the person appointed: • is fluent in English and is able to speak or willing to learn Italian, • holds a post-graduate qualification in theology, • has good knowledge and sensitivity about the world-wide family of Methodist and Wesleyan churches, • has a proven track record in ecumenical relations, • is able to work under authority and is also self-motivated, • has good verbal and written communication skills, • is IT literate.

Please send the completed application form to Rev. Ruth Gee ([email protected])

Application must be by completion of the form and must be received by November 29th 2019.

Interviews will take place in January 2020

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