Resolution 1: North Western Synod
General Assembly expresses concern about the shortage of places
in residential care and domiciliary support for the elderly and other vulnerable
people, following legislation regulating provision of such care, and instructs
the Church and Society Committee to consider the matter and take appropriate
action. Proposed: Revd Eileen Sambrooks Seconded:
Dr Roger John 1. Widespread public concern has been expressed,
both nationally and in the North West, about the consequences of the Care
Standards Act 2000, which had come into effect in April 2001. Although the
Department of Health indicated that flexibility could be exercised in
implementing the Regulations and Standards, many care homes for older people
have had to close because of the costs involved. For financial reasons, further
closures may well be expected. This has had an effect, also, upon people having
to remain for care in their own homes. Preliminary enquiries for Lancaster
District Council showed a substantial local problem which was likely to occur
elsewhere in the country. The district churches and the synod
were asked to note that: a) This issue affects residential
services (not restricted to those for older people) in all parts of the country b)
The fewer the number of residential places the more emphasis will be needed in
ensuring adequate domiciliary care c) Standards are important
but, in a transitional period, flexibility in implementation is essential d)
Social work professionals have provided useful sources of information (e.g. a
programme of training for volunteers in advocacy on behalf of individual
residents). The pastoral care provided by the churches is valued e)
The respective responsibilities of the National Health Service, local
authorities, and voluntary and private sectors need to be understood f)
It is essential that this subject is reviewed not only by providers of care but
also from the point of view of present and potential clients. At
its meeting in March 2004, the Synod recognised that the issue affected many
communities and justified attention by the General Assembly leading to
appropriate action on its behalf by the Church and Society Committee.
Resolution 2: Northern and North Western Synods
General Assembly agrees to transfer the Local Churches at
Bewcastle; Brampton; Carlisle; Silloth; Wigton; Cockermouth; Harrington;
Workington; Penrith & Penruddock and Whitehaven from the Northern Synod to the
North Western
Proposed: Rosalind Fearon Seconded: Ruth Clarke 1.
General Assembly in 2002 received a report from visitors to Northern Synod who
asked the Northern and North Western Synods to consider a change of boundaries
so that Cumbria was no longer split between two synods. At a series of meetings
this was discussed by representatives of the Synods and the Cumberland and
Lancaster Districts, some meetings being attended by representatives of the
Methodist Cumbria District. It was accepted that since the United Reformed
Church structures were set up in 1972 the creation of the County of Cumbria has
resulted in a greater feeling of self-containment. A number of ecumenical
initiatives could be strengthened if the United Reformed Church had a unit
similar to those of the Methodist District and the Church of England diocese. 2.
Discussion at Cumberland and Lancaster District Councils, with the comments from
local churches, indicated general support for such a District, particularly for
the ecumenical potential. It was agreed that the new Cumbria District should:
be part of the North Western Synod for reasons of political links and transport
convenience, and because the proposed pattern fits better with current moves for
the organisation of structures in North Western Synod. exercise the functions of the United Reformed Church District Council plus some
of those currently expected of the Synod
-
be divided into localised groupings for fellowship, support and
mission strategy
be geared for ecumenical mission strategy
with the Methodist Cumbria District and the Diocese of Carlisle be served by a leader/minister with no or limited local pastoral
responsibilities.
3. At their March meetings, the Northern Synod
and North Western Synod overwhelmingly approved that this resolution be sent to
General Assembly.
Resolution 3: Yorkshire Synod
General Assembly invites Local Churches and Church Members to
adopt Sunday 3rd October, or such other date as may be more suitable, as a Day
of Repentance and Rededication in which they may repent of their shortcomings
and recommit themselves to Christ, the eternal Word of God made flesh. Proposer:
The Revd Paul Breeze Seconder: The Revd Ray Stanyon This
Resolution is based upon the following resolution passed by the Yorkshire Synod
on 6 March 2004,
“ The Yorkshire Synod of the United Reformed Church calls on General
Assembly to set aside a suitable date, preferably 3 October 2004, as a Day of
Repentance and Re-dedication in the United Reformed Church, during which
individuals and congregations can repent of their shortcomings and recommit
themselves to follow Christ and Him alone.” 1. ‘Catch the
Vision’ can only be successful as a process if there is a sense of spiritual
change within the United Reformed Church as a whole and a day of repentance and
recommitment would be a fine way to stimulate this. 2. The
timing of this resolution fits well with this stage of consideration of the
Vision Statement and churches’ responses to it.
3. This would help us place the Vision as God-centred rather than person
or church-centred.
4. It would enable us to face up to our failures and shortcomings and
move forward with renewed commitment and vigour. 5. To hold a
re-commitment service in each Synod would be a revitalising task and experience. 6.
It could be said, and indeed was said during the debate, that every service
every Sunday should include repentance. However, it would be good for us as a
denomination to do this collectively. 7. This could enable us to
lift our eyes from our local church perspective and offer the process to God in
a simultaneous and concentrated way.
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