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This Committee plans and budgets for General Assembly Committee Members
1 Assembly 2004 1.1 The committee brings a resolution that the Assembly of 2004 should be held at the University of Glamorgan from July 3rd to 6th. 2 Venues for General Assembly 2.1 The choice of Glamorgan reflects the importance of visibly affirming that we are a church in three nations. As this year we are privileged to visit Scotland, thus underlining the place of the Synod of Scotland within the URC, so the same applies to Wales, which we have not, in fact, visited since 1987. Our return is overdue. 2.2 Ideally, we would like to be able to hold Assembly in successive years in different parts of the British Isles. There are, however, relatively few venues in the three countries that can accommodate the numbers and provide the facilities we need. Factors that have to be taken into account include the size of the assembly hall, accessibility to halls of residence, facilities for disabled members and rooms for exhibitions as well as fringe meetings. So far no site has been found without some limitations. 3 Fringe Meetings 3.1 Following the very successful introduction last year of informal gatherings and presentations, the opportunity has been extended this year, when we will be making available two evenings. This will allow for repeat presentations so that people have the opportunity of attending more than one event. 4 Remaindered business 4.1 Those attending York in 2001 were aware that business on the last day was overloaded and too much had to be taken 'at a canter'. The committee recognises that the purpose of Assembly is to allow representatives sufficient time to consider thoroughly issues before the church. In order to be fair, committee business should begin at the scheduled times. This means that sometimes the completion of the previous business has to be deferred. To avoid a build-up of remaindered business on the last day, this year we are planning for time at the end of each day to return to uncompleted business in the hope that this will prevent problems in the final session. 5 Alternate year reporting 5.1 The policy of committees reporting only to alternate Assemblies completes its first cycle this year. It will need another two years before the committee can fully assess its effectiveness. The system was adopted to allow greater time for committees to do their work, to share their priorities and to set out their overall objectives to the wider church. If urgent business requires a decision in the year a committee is not due to report, then the committee can ask for time to bring a resolution. Normally, however, in that year the fringe meetings and display areas allow more informal opportunity for concerns and information to be shared. 6 An inter-active Assembly 6.1 The introduction last year of a more sophisticated and extensive Assembly Hotline web-site was a great success, with many favourable comments received - both at the time of Assembly and later. For users at home it meant that information about Assembly proceedings was available - complete with pictures - shortly after each session. Those at home who wished to follow the business almost as it happened could do so, and many did. Picture diaries and longer items completed the flavour for those who wished to look back on the day. An interactive forum allowed users to post comments and questions on Assembly business and to receive responses. 6.2 The statistics for the web-site indicate that usage increased by more than 80% during the course of Assembly and remained high during the following days. A similar service will be available this year which, it is hoped, will be widely advertised in the period leading up to Assembly. 7 Preparation for Assembly 7.1 Once again we would urge Synods and Districts to ensure that their representatives, especially those attending Assembly for the first time, are adequately briefed about procedures and given an opportunity to discuss the reports together prior to travelling. 8 Convenership 8.1 The Committee wishes to thank Alasdair Pratt for his caring and thoughtful convenership upon retiring from that role at this Assembly. The officers of Assembly have greatly valued his wisdom and expertise. We welcome William McVey from Eastern Synod in his place. Resolution 27 General Assembly 2004 General Assembly agrees that General Assembly in 2004 will meet at the University of Glamorgan from July 3rd - 6th. |
assembly arrangements resolution
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