Methodist Districts:
- Bristol
- Birmingham
- Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury
Church of England Dioceses
- Bristol
- Birmingham
- Coventry
- Gloucester
- Hereford
- Lichfield
- Worcester
Covenant Champions
The Revd Mary Austin
I am a supernumerary minister having ‘sat down’ three years ago. Prior to that I had been superintendent of the Kidderminster and Stourport Circuit during which time I worked very closely with Anglican colleagues involving setting up two local ecumenical partnerships.
I currently live in the village of Tibberton which is between Worcester and Droitwich with quick access to the M5 and am part of the SW Worcestershire Circuit. As such, on retirement, I moved from the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District into the Birmingham District. I am getting to know Birmingham and have a good knowledge of Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury having served there for sixteen years.
My interests focus on bringing people from different traditions together to enhance both and as such am a Methodist Trustee on the Faith at Work in Worcestershire LEP and am secretary to the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum. I have worked to build ecumenical relationships wherever I have served and am excited about this new phase in the Covenant although realistic when I meet those who have never heard of it!
Mr David Carter
david@carterbristol.eclipse.co.uk
I am a local preacher in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire circuit. I am a retired teacher, having worked for two schools and the Open University, teaching History and Religious Studies. I have also, since my undergraduate days, felt called to work for the unity of Christ’s Church and have served on the British Methodist-Roman Catholic Committee and have acted as secretary for the Theology and Unity Group of Churches Together in England. I am now 73, but continue active in writing on ecumenical topics. My wife, Caroline, is a supernumerary minister in the circuit and our daughter, Judith, is currently training for presbyteral ministry at Queen’s, Birmingham. I live in Downend, on the north-eastern edge of Bristol.
The Revd David Lavender
david.lavender@methodist.org.uk
Recently retired Methodist Minister. Spent most of my ministry with some ecumenical involvement, including 10 years in the Central Telford Ecumenical Partnership (10 Anglican and Methodist Churches) and 13 years as Ecumenical Dean of Telford. Currently a trustee/director of Churches Together in England.
Married to Pamela with two grown up daughters. Interests include cooking, photography and detective stories.