By Andrew Fox
British Isles Mission Centre president
Primitive Camp, an event for older British Isles youth, had taken place for more than fifty years. But over time Primitive Camp had become less and less “primitive,” until, in 2023, it was decided it was time for a new name. So, that August, the first Discovery Camp was held at Dunfield House.
That camp was advertised as a time to awaken, risk, and discover. Youth and young adults were encouraged to speak out, and staff members were asked to refrain imposing their opinions on topics discussed. Chat times on the church’s Enduring Principles were scheduled each evening. On one evening, discussions went late into the night.
As a result, the camp director handed the next chat time to the campers. They chose to discuss: “What is turning you away from church?” This chat led to the young people lifting the need for better communication and asking for training and mentoring on the purpose of priesthood, youth leadership, and worship preparation. They also wanted to know how to influence change in the mission centre.
Since few young people had attended a business meeting, staff members talked with them about how they worked. Feeling empowered that they could make change happen, the young people started to draft a resolution on priesthood and cohabitation, a topic many felt strongly about. Over the coming weeks, the young people continued to work on this resolution, with help from mission centre leaders, until a final version was ready to be presented to the mission centre.
We are blessed to have youth leaders who encourage young people to speak about what matters most to them, and we are blessed to have youth and young adults who have responded so positively. They have risked something new, and they are discovering what it means to be change-makers.
About this time the youth and young adults indicated they would like to plan and lead a worship service at the upcoming mission centre conference. Mission centre leaders responded by asking them to lead all the worship of the day. They did, providing worship that was uplifting and challenging.
The resolution, presented at the conference, asked for formation of a multigenerational committee to explore definitions of cohabitation and to propose, for discussion, a preferred stance on cohabitation for priesthood members in the British Isles. The resolution also asked for courses to be prepared to promote and protect the sacrament of marriage, whilst simultaneously guarding the Worth of All Persons in all stages of relationships.
Youth and young adults spoke passionately to the resolution. Older members added support, and the resolution passed with little opposition. Conference attendees talked about how inspiring it was to hear and see young people engaging in the mission of the church.
Since then, a multigenerational committee has produced a detailed report on priesthood and cohabitation. It has been discussed by congregations, youth, and young adults. Feedback indicated significant support for proposals in the report. At a conference in March 2025, the mission centre approved a resolution to request a change to current policy for the British Isles Mission Centre, ending the requirement to remove active priesthood status from priesthood members cohabiting in a committed, monogamous relationship.
We are blessed to have youth leaders who encourage young people to speak about what matters most to them, and we are blessed to have youth and young adults who have responded so positively. They have risked something new, and they are discovering what it means to be change-makers.