Rev Dr Inderjit Bhogal, former President of the Methodist Conference, writes…
In 1983, the recently formed Community and Race Relations Committee of the Methodist Church (CRRC) supported the appointment of a Methodist Secretary for Race and Community. In 1984 Ivan Weekes took up this role, and worked with and serviced the CRRC for the following ten years. In 1991 Ivan was elected Vice President of the Methodist Conference.
Ivan Weekes pioneered, developed and promoted racial justice work with unrelenting passion and professionalism. Fiercely determined, Ivan worked closely with others to develop constructive ways forward. He became an inspiration, mentor and role model for many of us, and promoted black leadership. Ivan brought clarity, conviction and wisdom to all work and relationships. He was an elder statesman of the Methodist Church, always immaculately dressed, and carried an air of dignity and authority. Scarred by the racism he personally endured, he only revealed his bruises to a few trusted friends, and remained resilient.
Ivan retired in 1995, his work had covered a decade of growing racist rhetoric and “riots” across the UK, much of which had arisen from the targeting of black youths (particularly of Afro-Caribbean backgrounds). It was a decade of deep anger at what was seen as Police racism and violence.
Tackling racism was the priority for Ivan, beginning with social, structural and theological racism within the church. Ivan was the driving force behind the seminal strategic report of the Methodist Conference (1987) entitled Faithful and Equal. With this, the Conference adopted a programme for tackling racism and action for racial justice including: all ordinands undertaking racism awareness training; encouraging all Black Methodists to offer themselves for all the ministries of the church; every church council considering what action it has taken or will take to combat racism. This work laid the ground for subsequent work for racial justice in the Methodist Church.
Ivan travelled the length and breadth of the Methodist Connexion, addressing Synods and Congregations challenging Methodists to put the recommendations of Faithful and Equal into practice. His wisdom was sought in all aspects of Methodist work, and indeed ecumenically.
Ivan was worked hard in the work of developing and promoting black leadership. The first meeting of Black Methodist Ministers took place on 29 May 1985. The meeting was convened by Ivan, and was held in his office in Westminster Central Hall. With Ivan’s support we committed ourselves to meet regularly for mutual encouragement and education in order to play an effective role in the life of the Methodist Church. And with this the Black Methodist Ministers Group was founded. On Wesley Day 2025, we marked our fortieth anniversary, and honoured Ivan’s legacy.
Ivan was deeply devoted to his family. He was a loyal supporter of the West Indies Cricket team. Ivan had a great sense of fun and humour. He always loved a good laugh, a good meal. If Ivan got angry at the Church, it was only because of his care and commitment. Sometimes Ivan was misunderstood by the Church. But he was undaunted in upholding Christ and his Gospel. Ivan sought to make Christ real in the many facets of everyday life. He has been a great presence, friend and colleague.
Photo credit: The Methodist Church