We are living at a time of great upheaval and unease. Confidence in traditional structures and institutions has declined, and many feel that promises of education, wealth and better living standards have failed to deliver hope. At the same time, our media is filled with news of war, violence and injustice, while competing voices and confusion around truth can make it difficult to know what to believe or say.

Our challenge is not to shout louder, become divided, or withdraw from the world, but to speak prophetically and courageously.

These notes are offered to help us critique the times we are living in. They do not attempt to address every issue, but to encourage reflection and engagement. The ministry of the Church is to provide pastoral care, pray for our communities and world, proclaim the Good News, and be prophetic in word and action. Like the early Methodists, we will not shy away from the society and world of our time.