Methodist Church Ordination of Presbyters

for 2 hours
Bradford Cathedral
Stott Hill Bradford, BD1 4EH, United Kingdom

Join us for the Methodist Church Ordination of Presbyters

This is one of the supreme moments in the life of the Church and an act of the Conference. The Conference alone has the authority to ordain on behalf of the whole Methodist Church in Britain. All ordinations therefore take place at the Conference. We are all here as part of the Church, taking part in an act to ordain these people to the presbyterate in the one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We are here because these people have answered a call. It came to them by various means – words from the Bible, words in the mind, words of another person – and took root in their hearts as a call from God. We are here because the Church answered that call from God, testing repeatedly whether it judged the person’s sense of call to be well-grounded and supported by the qualities (the ‘gifts and graces’) needed to fill the office of a presbyter. Without knowing all the ordinands individually we can confidently say that they are worthy to be ordained, taking on trust the judgement that the Church has made on our behalf.

Three people take part in the actual laying on of hands at a Methodist service of ordination to the presbyterate. This action represents the real personal and spiritual connections that are both remembered and made anew.

The Assisting Minister, chosen by the ordinand, has been personally significant to them in their journey to this point.

The President (either the current or a former President of the Conference) embodies the Conference’s authority to ordain.

The World Church Representative (a presbyter from another country) represents the global Communion of which our Connexion is a part.

This is a solemn but deeply joyful service. Its words and music are largely traditional in nature, affirming our links with two thousand years of spiritual continuity. It culminates in the celebration of Holy Communion, that most profoundly joyous act when we rejoice in what Jesus Christ has done and does for us. Christians of any tradition are welcome to share communion and receive the bread and wine.

The service booklet can be downloaded from the Bradford Cathedral website at https://bradfordcathedral.org.uk/2024/06/27/methodist-ordination/

You can also join us online at https://youtube.com/live/sAR9_G2FxfA

More info

Bradford Cathedral

Bradford's beautiful Cathedral is a hidden jewel waiting to be discovered. Set in tranquil gardens the Cathedral is alive with a sense of story from its thirteen centuries at the heart of the city.


This, the third church on the site, is over 500 years old, with twentieth century additions. Bradford's most ancient place of worship is friendly, peaceful and fascinating, with many special features.


The parish of Cathedral Church of St. Peter Bradford is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Leeds’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.
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Bradford Cathedral

1 Stott Hill
Bradford
W Yorks

BD1 4EH
01274 77 77 20

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Methodist Church Ordination of Presbyters

for 2 hours
Bradford Cathedral
Stott Hill Bradford, BD1 4EH, United Kingdom

Join us for the Methodist Church Ordination of Presbyters

This is one of the supreme moments in the life of the Church and an act of the Conference. The Conference alone has the authority to ordain on behalf of the whole Methodist Church in Britain. All ordinations therefore take place at the Conference. We are all here as part of the Church, taking part in an act to ordain these people to the presbyterate in the one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We are here because these people have answered a call. It came to them by various means – words from the Bible, words in the mind, words of another person – and took root in their hearts as a call from God. We are here because the Church answered that call from God, testing repeatedly whether it judged the person’s sense of call to be well-grounded and supported by the qualities (the ‘gifts and graces’) needed to fill the office of a presbyter. Without knowing all the ordinands individually we can confidently say that they are worthy to be ordained, taking on trust the judgement that the Church has made on our behalf.

Three people take part in the actual laying on of hands at a Methodist service of ordination to the presbyterate. This action represents the real personal and spiritual connections that are both remembered and made anew.

The Assisting Minister, chosen by the ordinand, has been personally significant to them in their journey to this point.

The President (either the current or a former President of the Conference) embodies the Conference’s authority to ordain.

The World Church Representative (a presbyter from another country) represents the global Communion of which our Connexion is a part.

This is a solemn but deeply joyful service. Its words and music are largely traditional in nature, affirming our links with two thousand years of spiritual continuity. It culminates in the celebration of Holy Communion, that most profoundly joyous act when we rejoice in what Jesus Christ has done and does for us. Christians of any tradition are welcome to share communion and receive the bread and wine.

The service booklet can be downloaded from the Bradford Cathedral website at https://bradfordcathedral.org.uk/2024/06/27/methodist-ordination/

You can also join us online at https://youtube.com/live/sAR9_G2FxfA

More info