World Development & Relief is a department of the Methodist Church in Ireland (MCI) established in the early 1970s. It undertakes work to tackle poverty & injustice through community development. Each member of MCI is directed to give 1% of their income (post-tax) to WDR. Such a level of giving continues to be an aspiration for MCI. Annual service material shares stories of work on the ground, educates about development practice and encourages financial giving.

WDR believes that true partnership is the best way to achieve effective community development. WDR considers partners in the process to include the World Development & Relief Committee, organisations that implement plans on the ground, supporters, and beneficiaries who contribute skills, knowledge and time; as well as any other relevant bodies and individuals. Effective and mutually beneficial partnerships are built upon trust, transparency, accountability and friendship.

That every person’s God-given potential is fulfilled.

WDR is an expression of our Christian values as Methodists; faith, justice, compassion, equality and solidarity.

The logo represents our desire to walk alongside others, including the materially poor themselves, who are committed to changing the world for those living in poverty or suffering injustice.

WDR seeks to be effective by following good development practice whilst retaining our Methodist values and motivation.

The work that WDR is involved in is:

• Long-term and sustainable
• Driven by and empowering for local people
• Transforming for whole communities
• Tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice
• Innovative

The pie chart below shows spending in 2015.
63% of income on long-term development

28% of income on emergency relief

9% on fundraising, governance and education. 

The main focus for WDR is long-term development with its various partners. Appeals are sometimes made during emergencies when funds are channelled through appropriate partners or sister agencies in order to provide short-term relief.

Team

Mr Tim Dunwoody is the World Mission and Development Officer for the Methodist Church in Ireland. Laura Kerr is responsible for Communications and Administration.

Committee

• Convener – Rev. David Nixon
• Treasurer – Mr Jonny Best
• Secretary – Mr Malcom Johnston
• Mr. Ivan Kirkpatrick
• Rev. Dr. John Parkin
• Ms. Pat Jamison
• Mrs. Wendy Losty
• Mr. Anton Scheele
• Mr. Patrick Mercer
• Rev. Louise Monroe
• Rev. Dr. Laurence Graham
• Mr Tim Dunwoody - World Mission and Development Officer