British Methodist Cleric to Speak at Aurora University April 16

AURORA, Ill.--Rev. Dr. John Newton, a prominent British Methodist minister, will discuss "Methodist Spirituality in Charles Wesley's Hymns" from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, at Aurora University.

The public is invited to hear Rev. Newton in Perry Theatre in the Aurora Foundation Center for Community Enrichment at 1305 Kenilworth Place in Aurora.

Admission is free. The sponsor is AU's Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action. Martin Forward, AU professor of religion and executive director of the center, will moderate.

A retired Methodist leader, Rev. Newton teaches at the Methodist seminary in Bristol, England. Additionally, he is a guest lecturer and preacher at Methodist, Anglican and Catholic churches in the United Kingdom and other countries.

Rev. Newton led the British Methodist Church from 1981 to 1982. A distinguished church historian, he taught at universities and seminaries in England and in Kenya.

After serving as principal of the Methodist seminary in Bristol, England, Rev. Newton was superintendent minister (chief pastor) of the West London Mission and later was bishop of the Methodist Church's Liverpool district.

Rev. Newton has been actively involved in ecumenical relations with other churches. He  served as moderator of the Free Church Federal Council in the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth II named him a Commander of the British Empire.

For more information, call 630-844-4885.

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