Agenda Volume 3 - Methodist Conference

59. Memorials to the Conference
Conference to form a policy and process
allowing Managing Trustees to install solar
panels on Model Trust property. Such
installation would be in keeping with the
Methodist Church environmental policy of
reducing carbon footprint and encouraging
eco-congregations.
Reply
The Conference welcomes the commitment
of the Sheffield Synod to encouraging
measures intended to reduce the carbon
footprint of the Methodist Church. In 2009
it directed (Resolution 2009/10/1) the
Methodist Council to resource Districts
and Circuits in their responses to the
report Hope in God’s Future, which was
adopted as a Conference Statement
in 2011. In response, the connexional
Carbon Reduction Project has produced
advice on energy audits for churches (www.
methodist.org.uk/carbonreduction).
The installation of Solar Photovoltaics
(solar panels) on property is one way
of contributing to carbon reduction,
in conjunction with other building
improvements such as double glazing and
insulation.
In response to a number of enquiries on
this subject, a Solar Photovoltaic (SPV)
guidance document has been produced
and is now available on the Methodist
Church website (www.methodist.org.uk/
solarpanels). The purpose and aim of the
guidance is to encourage churches to
explore the benefits and options available
to them, whilst avoiding potential pitfalls.
As with all such projects, consent for
the installation of SPV’s on Model Trust
Property would be required in accordance
with Standing Orders 930 and 931 through
the ‘Consents’ website. The Conference
reminds trustees that they should engage
the appropriate professional advisers
whenever undertaking any property
improvement projects, including the
installation of SPV panels.
Since the introduction of Feed-in Tariffs
a number of Methodist Churches have
installed SPVs. The Methodist Church in
conjunction with ecumenical partners has
submitted a response to HM Government’s
consultation on Feed-in Tariffs for SPVs
(available at www.jointpublicissues.org.uk).
The Conference hence notes that the
request made in the memorial has already
been fulfilled.
M35 Employment for asylum seekers
The South Bedfordshire (34/4) Circuit
Meeting (Present: 69. Voting: 67 for, 0
against) is deeply concerned that those
seeking asylum in Britain or undergoing
the later stages of due legal processes to
obtain leave to remain are not allowed to
undertake employment or claim benefits.
Deliberately making people destitute
puts them at risk: open to the whim of
those operating black market economies
or forced to resort to crime out of
desperation.
The Circuit Meeting therefore requests
the Conference or the Connexional Team
to petition government for changes in
legislation in order that people may work
(thus contributing to our economy via
794 Conference Agenda 2012