The Initial Ministerial Education Phase 2 (IME2) Cohort, those in their second phase of formation with the Scottish Episcopal Institute, gathered together at the Conforti Centre (Xaverian Missionaries UK) in Coatbridge between 15 – 17 May 2026 for their annual residential weekend. Rev. Godwin Chimara, Assistant Curate at St. John’s Episcopal Church Aberdeen and St. James’ Episcopal Church Aberdeen shares his reflections of the weekend below.
‘From 15th – 17th May 2026, the Initial Ministerial Education Phase 2 (IME2) family of the Scottish Episcopal Church gathered for their annual residential weekend at the Conforti Centre (Xaverian Missionaries UK) in Coatbridge – a weekend of fellowship, reflection, learning, cross-learning and worship. To borrow a phrase from Rev. Liz Crumlish, IME2 gatherings (online or physical) are a time to “gather around the well” and be refreshed, coined from John 4:1-42.
At this residential weekend, we had Dr Siân Jones as our guest speaker. Dr Siân is a senior lecturer in Psychology and Education, as well as the programme lead for Master of Arts in Special and Inclusive Education at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. Dr Siân spoke about disability in society and the Church, and we creatively explored how our churches might become more inclusive and accessible to everyone.
This particular residential weekend was quite significant for me in so many ways. First, it wraps up my IME2 journey. IME2 is a three-year programme designed to support Lay Readers, Deacons and Priests within the Scottish Episcopal Church during the first three years of their ministry. Secondly, this residential weekend brings to an end a six-year IME journey (IME1 and IME-2) provided by the Scottish Episcopal Institute on behalf of the Scottish Episcopal Church. It is both an ending and a beginning, as it opens the way for intentional and continuous ministerial development.
Thirdly and more importantly for the Scottish Episcopal Church, this weekend marks the first full 3-year cycle of the IME2 programme since it was transformed from being a diocesan programme to being a provincial programme. Previously known as IME4-6, the programme was offered only by dioceses that had sufficient participant numbers to support it. Consequently, Lay Readers, Deacons and Priests serving in dioceses without sufficient numbers were unable to benefit from the programme. It was during my time in IME1 (then IME 1-3) that I took the proposal (request) on behalf of the Student Chapter to the Scottish Episcopal Institute Council as the elected Student Representative to transform the then IME 4-6 (now IME2) from a diocesan programme into a provincial programme. This was approved by the Institute Council, College of Bishops and the Provincial Standing Committee respectively, and led to the appointment of an IME2 Officer, Rev Liz Crumlish, to oversee the programme. In my three-year experience, Rev Liz has continuously improved the programme year after year via the feedback system. Long may this continue.
I look back on my IME2 experience with a gratitude, and my appreciation goes to the Scottish Episcopal Church for demonstrating its capacity be an adaptive and continuously improving Church, committed to forming and equipping people appropriately for ministry in this place, at this time, and into the future.’
Image Description: IME2 students gathered around a table full of crafting supplies, all engaged in an activity – some people drawing, some cutting pictures out of magazines.
