The Methodist Church has announced that a website dedicated to children of the Church will be launched on 1 September. The Methodist Church in Britain will give children aged 0-12 a chance to have their say about what is important to them in church life and social issues.

Children will be given a chance to discuss their experiences and beliefs with one another through message boards and there will be regular polls to find out their opinions on many issues.

The site will allow children to post their pictures on the site for display in the photo gallery, explore ‘the Methodist Story’ online and read an animated storybook. The website will also advise children on serious issues such as staying safe on the Internet.

A section will also appear on the site for children’s workers, with resource links and information about training courses and events. A message board will also be included, so a network of leaders can be formed to give them an opportunity to express their concerns and challenges, give advice, and benefit from one another through by sharing experiences and new ideas.

Through online surveys on the website, the Methodist Church hopes to improve communication with children and children’s workers. The surveys aimed at children ask them about various topics such as their favourite worship songs, why they go to church in the first place and what they do in church.

The survey for leaders is focused on their needs and asks about the support that is available to them and is also aimed at getting a better idea of what kind of provisions exist for children within the churches and what kind of training has been received by children’s workers.

The survey results will be brought to the Methodist Conference. They will provide a clearer picture of the children’s work that is going on in the church.

“The riches that children have to offer often go unnoticed within the Methodist Church as elsewhere and this initiative gives a chance for children's voices to be heard talking about what’s really important,” said Steve Pearce, Children’s Secretary for the Methodist Church.

“The Church needs to listen to children, not just so that it is better able to meet their needs, but also so that it is better able to 'turn and become as a child' itself. The Church is dedicated to supporting both children and those who work with them and the website and new logo are just one of our resources for reaching and helping them. The website will grow and develop with time as we become more aware of the needs of Methodist children and children’s workers, so let us know what you think.”