|
|
|
THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Minutes of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church 2003
Tuesday, 8th July 2003 First SessionThe Chaplain led opening worship; Bible study was led by the Revd Lance Stone.
National Synod of Wales
The National Synod of Wales made its presentation.
Inter-faith Relations
Mrs Daphne Beale, Convener of the Inter-faith relations Committee, presented the committee’s report, and invited the Moderator to greet guests from other faith traditions:
Mr Shadi Bashir, Research and Documentation Committee, Muslim Council of Great Britain;
Mr Mohammed Zaman, Jamia Mosque, Portsmouth.
The Moderator invited Mr Bashir to address the Assembly.
Mrs Beale moved adoption of Resolution 23:
Resolution 23 Inter-Faith Relations
Assembly urges local churches, Districts and Synods to establish good relations with Muslims in the community and to enhance their understanding of the world of Islam and Muslim attitudes towards Christianity and the West.
After brief discussion, Resolution 23 was carried.
The Moderator greeted the retiring Convener of the Inter-faith Relations Committee, Mrs Daphne Beale.
He noted the retirement of the Convener of the Training Committee, the Revd John Proctor, and asked that the Assembly’s appreciation of his service be noted.
The Revd Elizabeth Welch took the Chair.
The Revd Alan Paterson, seconded by the Revd John Young, moved adoption of Resolution 4:
Resolution 4 The National Synod of Scotland
General Assembly mindful that in recent decades military technology has developed substantially, that definitions and terminology for various acts of warfare have been evolving, and that the politics of conflict has moved into a new, post-Cold-War era, asks its Church and Society Committee to explore and prepare a report on the ethics of warfare for the twenty-first century.
The report should take account of;
a) an understanding of terrorism, suicide bombing and state sponsored assassination
b) weapons of mass-destruction, including nuclear, chemical, biological and multi-kiloton [conventional] bombs
c) weapons which continue to cause death and suffering in a post-conflict era, e.g. land-mines, unexploded cluster-bombs, depleted uranium dust.
d) the argument that a perceived threat is justification for a pre-emptive attack, or that “regime change” is a legitimate objective for armed aggression.
e) other matters germane to the concept and practice of ‘Total War’
In whatever methodology it adopts the Committee is encouraged to take account of past General Assembly resolutions and to work ecumenically and internationally.
After debate, Resolution 4 was carried.
The Revd Alasdair Pratt resumed the Chair.
Yorkshire Synod
The Revd Arnold Harrison, seconded by Mr John Seager, moved adoption of Resolution 5:
Resolution 5 Yorkshire Synod
General Assembly asks its officers, through the Churches Main Committee, to continue discussions with appropriate government agencies with a view to:
i) obtaining adequate assistance with the extra costs or securing a more equitable distribution of the grant aid already made available for the maintenance of historical church buildings and
ii) securing a relaxation of the regulations surrounding the granting of “change of use” for redundant places of worship.
Resolution 5 was carried.
Mission Council
Mr Eric Chilton, on behalf of mission Council, moved adoption of Resolution 14:
Resolution 14 Budget for the year 2004
General Assembly accepts the budget for the year 2004, set out in Appendix 6 to the Book of Reports.
Resolution 14 was carried.
Mr Chilton, formally seconded by the Assembly Clerk, moved adoption of Resolution 35:
Resolution 35
General Assembly noting the advice of its Actuaries requests that the trustees of the United Reformed Church Minister’s Pension Fund take appropriate action to increase the contribution of members of the United Reformed Church Minister’s Pension Fund by 1.25% to 4.5% as from 1 January 2004.
Resolution 35 was carried.
Maintenance of Ministry
On behalf of the maintenance of Ministry Sub-committee, Mr John Ellis formally moved adoption of Resolution 24:
Resolution 24 Plan for Partnership in Ministerial Remuneration
General Assembly approves and adopts, as an addition to the Plan for Partnership, Appendix E:
APPENDIX E – NATIONAL MANSE GUIDELINES
1 Background
1.1 Review of Ministerial Remuneration
During the Review information was sought from Synods about their policies for manse provision. The conclusion was that it would benefit ministers and those responsible for providing manses if there were clear nationally agreed guidelines based on current best practices; recommending a list of benefits that should be included in such guidelines. This Appendix seeks to address that issue.
It should be stressed that having sought information from Synods, most do have guidelines. It also has to be recognised that in seeking to set guidelines it is important to offer some flexibility to take account of local circumstances. For example, it is felt that a garage should be provided and indeed that should be seen as a requirement. But it has to be recognised that this is not always a practical possibility.
Within that flexibility Synods should take care to ensure that standards are maintained when considering the provision of manse accommodation.
1.2 Plan for Partnership
A responsibility is placed upon District Councils (para. 6.3.1) – taking advice from Synod – to take note of the condition and facilities of the manse or, if alternative arrangements are to be made, should approve the details of the arrangement before concurring in Calls and regularly thereafter.
2 Process
2.1 Location
This will depend on many factors but churches may wish to seek a location so that the minister is within walking distance of the church; or one of the churches in the pastorate.
A manse adjoining the church should be avoided in the exercise of pastoral care for the minister.
The purchase of a manse is a substantial investment and the church would be wise to consider locating in an area where property values might be expected to be maintained (or may appreciate). Consideration should be given to other factors e.g. proximity to schools and shops and availability of public transport.
2.2 Type and Structure
Care must be taken where an older property is considered to ensure that the costs of bringing the house up to a reasonable standard – and costs of further maintenance – are not excessive.
A full professional survey must be obtained prior to the purchase and this should be carefully assessed. It is important to give consideration to the condition of the roof, walls, gutters, wallplaster, glass, drainage, water supply, gas & electricity installations, ventilation and woodwork. Internal decoration may present less of a problem if the structure is sound. Poor external decoration may point to structural problems e.g. rotting woodwork and this should be looked at with great care.
Redecoration work may be relatively inexpensive – but to remedy structural defects can be very costly.
2.3 Standard
The manse is the minister’s ‘office’ as well as being a home for the minister and his/her family. The Plan (para. 6.3.2) does seek to ensure that as far as possible the minister has use of a separate room as a study at the manse. The manse should be suitable for a wide range of ministers and their families – and this requirement for flexibility should be carefully considered when the manse is purchased. In the case of smaller modern properties care should be taken that there is adequate accommodation for interviews when the study itself is not large enough for that purpose. Churches should avoid as far as possible the need to change a manse each time a minister is called – although there may be circumstances when this may be necessary.
3 Requirements
3.1 Accommodation
This should include:
Lounge
Dining Room (separate if possible)
Kitchen
Hall (large enough to provide for cloaks)
Study (downstairs is recommended)
Bedrooms: at least 3 good size rooms – 4 if possible
Bathroom and Toilet
Downstairs toilet is seen as essential
Garage and/or adequate parking
Grounds – paths, gate and fences in satisfactory repair, garden of manageable size.
Storage space
3.2 Facilities and equipment
The manse should have:
Full Central Heating
Water heating system
Bathroom fitted with modern equipment including a shower
Kitchen of reasonable size with adequate space for larger electrical appliances
Double Glazing is desirable
Adequate number of power sockets throughout the house
Telephone points – including the study
Security locks on external doors – and windows where possible
Smoke detectors
Curtain rails and light fittings in all rooms.
3.3 Heat conservation
It is important to have regard to heat conservation for economy purposes and for the comfort of the occupants. Give consideration then to e.g.
Roof insulation
Lagging of pipes and water cistern
Double glazing
4 On Going Responsibility
4.1 Maintenance
This is very important and an annual inspection should be undertaken to ensure provision is made for a programme of maintenance. This is for the benefit of the minister and his/her family and is also to ensure the value of the asset is protected. Synods should ensure there is a mechanism in place to monitor the way District and the local church exercise their responsibility for maintaining the property in good order. The church should identify who is to be responsible for ensuring the procedure for maintenance of the property is followed. It is normal practice for the church building to be surveyed on a regular basis, normally every 5 years. The manse should be included in such a review.
4.2 Services
Servicing of main appliances and boilers are essential.
4.3 Insurance
The property should be adequately insured at all times. Do check the insurance cover if the property is empty to ensure that all risks are fully covered.
1.1 The Report on Ministerial Remuneration received and endorsed by Assembly in 1999 said the Review Group ‘concluded that it would benefit both ministers and those responsible for providing manses if there were clear, nationally agreed, guidelines based on current best practice.’
1.2 Consultation has taken place with all Synods, many of which have guidelines in place. Those guidelines vary little in substance and so setting National Guidelines will not greatly affect existing patterns within Synods but will bring together best practice.
1.3 The housing market varies widely across the United Reformed Church and so the guidelines include sufficient flexibility to be of practical application within individual Synods.
During debate, an amendment was proposed that the second paragraph of 2.1 be deleted from; ‘A manse adjoining… ’
The amendment fell
The Revd Kenneth Forbes proposed that the heading ‘Requirements’ of section 3 be deleted.
A number of members indicated their willingness to second.
The amendment was carried.
Resolution 24, as amended, was carried.
Resolution 24 Plan for Partnership in Ministerial Remuneration
General Assembly approves and adopts, as an addition to the Plan for Partnership, Appendix E:
APPENDIX E – NATIONAL MANSE GUIDELINES
1 Background
1.1 Review of Ministerial Remuneration
During the Review information was sought from Synods about their policies for manse provision. The conclusion was that it would benefit ministers and those responsible for providing manses if there were clear nationally agreed guidelines based on current best practices; recommending a list of benefits that should be included in such guidelines. This Appendix seeks to address that issue.
It should be stressed that having sought information from Synods, most do have guidelines. It also has to be recognised that in seeking to set guidelines it is important to offer some flexibility to take account of local circumstances. For example, it is felt that a garage should be provided and indeed that should be seen as a requirement. But it has to be recognised that this is not always a practical possibility.
Within that flexibility Synods should take care to ensure that standards are maintained when considering the provision of manse accommodation. 1.2 Plan for Partnership
A responsibility is placed upon District Councils (para. 6.3.1) – taking advice from Synod – to take note of the condition and facilities of the manse or, if alternative arrangements are to be made, should approve the details of the arrangement before concurring in Calls and regularly thereafter. 2 Process
2.1 Location
This will depend on many factors but churches may wish to seek a location so that the minister is within walking distance of the church; or one of the churches in the pastorate.
A manse adjoining the church should be avoided in the exercise of pastoral care for the minister.
The purchase of a manse is a substantial investment and the church would be wise to consider locating in an area where property values might be expected to be maintained (or may appreciate). Consideration should be given to other factors e.g. proximity to schools and shops and availability of public transport.
2.2 Type and Structure
Care must be taken where an older property is considered to ensure that the costs of bringing the house up to a reasonable standard – and costs of further maintenance – are not excessive.
A full professional survey must be obtained prior to the purchase and this should be carefully assessed. It is important to give consideration to the condition of the roof, walls, gutters, wallplaster, glass, drainage, water supply, gas & electricity installations, ventilation and woodwork. Internal decoration may present less of a problem if the structure is sound. Poor external decoration may point to structural problems e.g. rotting woodwork and this should be looked at with great care.
Redecoration work may be relatively inexpensive – but to remedy structural defects can be very costly.
2.3 Standard
The manse is the minister’s ‘office’ as well as being a home for the minister and his/her family. The Plan (para. 6.3.2) does seek to ensure that as far as possible the minister has use of a separate room as a study at the manse. The manse should be suitable for a wide range of ministers and their families – and this requirement for flexibility should be carefully considered when the manse is purchased. In the case of smaller modern properties care should be taken that there is adequate accommodation for interviews when the study itself is not large enough for that purpose. Churches should avoid as far as possible the need to change a manse each time a minister is called – although there may be circumstances when this may be necessary.
3.
3.1 Accommodation
This should include:
Lounge
Dining Room (separate if possible)
Kitchen
Hall (large enough to provide for cloaks)
Study (downstairs is recommended)
Bedrooms: at least 3 good size rooms – 4 if possible
Bathroom and Toilet
Downstairs toilet is seen as essential
Garage and/or adequate parking
Grounds – paths, gate and fences in satisfactory repair, garden of manageable size.
Storage space 3.2 Facilities and equipment
The manse should have:
Full Central Heating
Water heating system
Bathroom fitted with modern equipment including a shower
Kitchen of reasonable size with adequate space for larger electrical appliances
Double Glazing is desirable
Adequate number of power sockets throughout the house
Telephone points – including the study
Security locks on external doors – and windows where possible
Smoke detectors
Curtain rails and light fittings in all rooms. 3.3 Heat conservation
It is important to have regard to heat conservation for economy purposes and for the comfort of the occupants. Give consideration then to e.g.
Roof insulation
Lagging of pipes and water cistern
Double glazing
4 On Going Responsibility
4.1 Maintenance
This is very important and an annual inspection should be undertaken to ensure provision is made for a programme of maintenance. This is for the benefit of the minister and his/her family and is also to ensure the value of the asset is protected. Synods should ensure there is a mechanism in place to monitor the way District and the local church exercise their responsibility for maintaining the property in good order. The church should identify who is to be responsible for ensuring the procedure for maintenance of the property is followed. It is normal practice for the church building to be surveyed on a regular basis, normally every 5 years. The manse should be included in such a review. 4.2 Services
Servicing of main appliances and boilers are essential. 4.3 Insurance
The property should be adequately insured at all times. Do check the insurance cover if the property is empty to ensure that all risks are fully covered.
1.1 The Report on Ministerial Remuneration received and endorsed by Assembly in 1999 said the Review Group ‘concluded that it would benefit both ministers and those responsible for providing manses if there were clear, nationally agreed, guidelines based on current best practice.’
1.2 Consultation has taken place with all Synods, many of which have guidelines in place. Those guidelines vary little in substance and so setting National Guidelines will not greatly affect existing patterns within Synods but will bring together best practice. 1.3 The housing market varies widely across the United Reformed Church and so the guidelines include sufficient flexibility to be of practical application within individual Synods.
The General Secretary moved adoption of Resolution 34:
Resolution 34 Church Related Community Workers
(Assembly 2002 Resolution 34)
General Assembly agrees to make the following changes to the Basis of Union:
• a) Add to the sentence at the end of paragraph 20:
“and in the case of church related community workers be termed commissioning.”
• b) Insert the following paragraph after paragraph 21 and renumber the existing paragraphs 22-25 as 23-26:
• 22. Some are called to the ministry of church related community work. After approved preparation and training, they may be called to be church related community workers in a post approved by the United Reformed Church, and are then commissioned and inducted to their office to serve for a designated period. This commissioning and induction shall be in accord with Schedules D & F.
Church related community workers are commissioned to care for, to challenge and to pray for the community, to discern with others God’s will for the well-being of the community, and to enable the church to live out its calling to proclaim the love and mercy of God through working with others in both church and community for peace and justice in the world.
• c) In the footnote to the paragraph currently numbered 24, which will become paragraph 25, replace “The provisions of paragraph 24” with “”The provisions of paragraph 25”
• d) In the note at the start of Schedule B, replace “22” with “23”.
• e) Add a new Schedule F as follows:
SCHEDULE F (see clause 22 in the Basis of Union)
Affirmations to be made by church related community workers at commissioning and induction.
NOTE: The service will also include the reading of the Statement contained in Schedule D, and provision will be made for a statement to be made concerning the circumstances of the call. Church related community workers may also make a personal statement about their faith and sense of calling
After the statement has been read the presiding minister shall then ask one of the following sets of questions:
Either: VERSION I
1. A.B., Do you confess anew your faith in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
I do.
2. Do you believe that the Word of God in the Old and New Testaments, discerned under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is the supreme authority for the faith and conduct of all God’s people?
I do.
3 Do you believe that Jesus Christ, who was born of Mary, lived our common life on earth, died upon the cross, and who was raised from the dead and reigns for evermore, is the gift of God’s very self to the world? Do you believe that through him God’s love, justice and mercy are revealed and forgiveness, reconciliation and eternal life are offered to all people? And will you faithfully proclaim this Gospel?
By the grace of God this I believe and this I will proclaim.
4. Do you believe that the Church is the people gathered by God’s love to proclaim the reconciliation of the world to God through Jesus Christ?
I do.
5. Are zeal for the glory of God, love for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to the Holy Spirit and a desire for the salvation of the world, so far as you know your own heart, the chief motives which lead you to enter this ministry?
They are.
6. Do you promise to live a holy life, and to maintain the truth of the gospel, whatever trouble or persecution may arise?
Relying on the strength of Christ, I do.
7. Do you promise to care for, to challenge and to pray for the community, to discern with others Gods will for the wellbeing of the community?
Do you promise to take your part in the councils of the Church and to enable the church to live out its calling to proclaim the love and mercy of God through working with others in both church and community for peace and justice in the world?
By the grace of God, I do.
8. Do you promise as a church related community worker of the United Reformed Church to seek its well-being, purity and peace, to cherish love towards all other churches and to endeavour always to build up the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church?
By the grace of God, I do.
9. Will you undertake to exercise your ministry in accordance with the statement concerning the nature, faith and order of the United Reformed Church?
I will, and all these things I profess and promise in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Or: VERSION II
1. A.B., will you confess anew your faith? I confess anew my faith in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit I believe that the Word of God in the Old and New Testaments, discerned under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is the supreme authority for the faith and conduct of all God’s people. I believe that Jesus Christ, who was born of Mary, lived our common life on earth, died upon the cross, and who was raised from the dead and reigns for evermore, is the gift of God’s very self to the world. I believe that through him God’s love, justice and mercy are revealed and forgiveness, reconciliation and eternal life are offered to all people. And by the grace of God I promise to proclaim this gospel faithfully. I believe that the Church is the people gathered by God’s love to proclaim the reconciliation of the world to God through Jesus Christ.
2. What leads you to this ministry? So far as I know my own heart, I believe that zeal for the glory of God, love for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to the Holy Spirit and a desire for the salvation of the world, are the chief motives which lead me to enter this ministry Relying on the strength of Christ, I promise to live a holy life, and to maintain the truth of the gospel, whatever trouble or persecution may arise.
3. Will you faithfully fulfil the duties of your charge? By the grace of God I promise to care for, to challenge and to pray for the community, to discern with others God’s will for the wellbeing of the community. I promise to take my part in the councils of the Church and to endeavour to enable the church to live out its calling to proclaim the love and mercy of God through working with others in both church and community for peace and justice in the world. As a church related community worker of the United Reformed Church I promise to seek its well-being, purity, and peace, to cherish love towards all other churches, and always to build up the one holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I undertake to exercise my ministry in accordance with the statement concerning the nature, faith and order of the United Reformed Church. All these things I profess and promise in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Resolution 24 was carried.
Mr John Ellis moved adoption of Resolution 25:
Resolution 25 Ministers’ Pension Fund
General Assembly amends the definitions of the Rules and the Rules of the United Reformed Church Ministers’ Pension Fund by the addition of the words in italics in the Rules shown: Add a new Definition 27 to read 27. CRCW means any commissioned Church Related Community Worker. Add a new rule 12.6 to read 12.6 Commissioned Church Related Community Workers (CRCWs). Add a new rule 14.1.1.4 to read 14.1.1.4 From 1 August 2002 any CRCW under the age of fifty five years at the date of commissioning to stipendiary service remunerated under the Plan for Partnership in Ministerial Remuneration, may become a contributing member of the Fund. His/her contribution shall commence from the first day of the month following such commissioning. Amend Rule 14.1.2 to read 14.1.2 If a contributing member serving full-time reduces his/her commitment to that of part-time service whilst under normal pension age, the Pension Trustee may raise the Pensionable Service to the level applicable to a full-time minister or CRCW having regard to the length of any previous full-time service, to the age and health of the member, to the fraction of basic stipend being paid and to the purpose and pensionability of any other employment and shall in such cases allow full membership of the Pension Fund, contributions then being payable on the full basic stipend. Amend the first paragraph of Rule 20 to read 20. Ill-health Retirement In the event that a member retires before normal pension age on account of incapacity to undertake the duties of a stipendiary minister or CRCW due to ill-health duly certified to the satisfaction of the Pension Trustee, he/she shall be entitled to an immediate pension which shall be calculated as provided in Rule 18 but with the substitution of the date of retirement for the attainment of normal pension age provided always that when the period of pensionable service completed up to the date of retirement is less than twenty years, the amount of pension will be calculated on the basis of:
Resolution 25 was carried.
Ecumenical Committee
The Revd John Rees formally moved adoption of Resolution 20:
Resolution 20 The International Situation
This Assembly, noting the suffering, powerlessness and loss of dignity and hope endured by many people across the world, especially in situations of war, conflict, terror and repression, and that the responses to these situations can themselves be violent and extreme:
• Expresses its support for our partners throughout the world who are facing particular difficulties at this time;
• Welcomes the statements made by Mission Council and the Ecumenical and Church and Society committees, especially in relation to Iraq, Zimbabwe and the Middle East;
• Calls upon the Ecumenical Committee and Church and Society committees to enter into a dialogue with our partner churches in the USA on ways in which we can support one another as we witness to our nations promoting an alternative vision of peace and justice in the world today; and
• Encourages local congregations to make their own witness, promoting understanding, resisting violence and seeking justice for all God’s people locally and globally.
Resolution 20 was carried.
Assembly Pastoral Reference Committee
The Revd David Jenkins presented the report of the APRC.
The Moderator greeted Mr Jenkins, thanking him for his service as he retires as Convener of the APRC.
The General Secretary moved the adoption of Resolution 9:
Resolution 9 Section O Advisory Group
General Assembly agrees to make the following changes to Part I of the Section O Process for Ministerial Discipline: Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1.2. Insert “disciplinary’ after the opening words “Once the “ Paragraph 2 Insert “(whether or not on appeal)” after the words “particular case”. Paragraph 3 Insert the following additional definitions in their correct alphabetical positions and amend the sub-numbering of the other definitions as required: ‘Initial Enquiry’ shall mean the enquiry conducted by the Mandated Group in conjunction with the Moderator of the Synod during the period beginning when it is called in by the Moderator and ending when it serves either a Notice of Non-Continuance or a Referral Notice in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. ‘Notice of Non-Continuance’ shall mean a Notice served on the Moderator of the Synod by the Mandated Group at the conclusion of the Initial Enquiry to indicate that it does not intend to proceed further with the disciplinary case against the Minister.
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4.1 Delete the current paragraph and replace with:
‘Subject the age limit imposed by Paragraph 4.4, appointment to the Commission Panel shall be by Resolution of the General Assembly on the advice of the Nominations Committee (or such other committee as may in the future perform the functions of the Nominations Committee), who shall in considering persons for appointment take into account (i) the need for balance and for a variety of skills and specialisations, particularly in the following areas - experience in ministerial oversight, theology and doctrine, law, counselling, psychology, mental health, experience in conduct of meetings and tribunals, and (ii) the advantages of including on the Commission Panel persons from a variety of ethnic minority backgrounds.
Paragraph 4.2. Insert the words ‘Subject the the age limit imposed by Paragraph 4.4,’ before the words ‘Members of the Commission Panel’ Paragraph 4.4. Insert a new Paragraph 4.4. ‘When any member of the Commission Panel reaches the age of seventy, s/he must forthwith resign from the Commission Panel and shall no longer be eligible to serve on any new Assembly Commission, but any person who reaches his/her seventieth birthday whilst serving on an Assembly Commission in a case in progress may continue so to serve until the conclusion of that case.
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6.4 Delete all and replace with:’ Those charged under this Paragraph 6 with the appointment of the Assembly Commission shall (so far as possible) (i) appoint at least one man and at least one woman onto the Assembly Commission, and (ii) have regard to the nature of the case, the need for balance and the skills, specialisation and cultural understanding of the members of he Commission Panel.’
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7.1.1 Delete all.
Paragraph 7.1.2 Renumber as 7.1. Paragraph 8. Delete all and Insert ‘Procedural matters arising under the Section O Process shall in every case be dealt with in accordance with the Rules of Procedure.’
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11.3. Add a new Paragraph 11.3. ‘ No-one other than the Parties has any right of appeal from a decision of the Assembly Commission.
Paragraph 12.
Delete all and insert:
12.1 ‘The Appeals Commission for the hearing of each such appeal shall consist of the following five persons:
(a) a Convener who shall be a member of the United Reformed Church (but not necessarily a member of the General Assembly) with legal and/or tribunal experience to be selected by the officers of the General Assembly and
(b) the Moderator of the General Assembly or if for any reason he/she should be unable to serve, a former Moderator of the General assembly to be selected by the officers of the General Assembly and
(c) three other members of the General Assembly to be selected by the officers of the General Assembly. 12.2 ‘The relevant date for ascertaining whether persons qualify for appointment under Paragraph 12.1 is the date on which under the Rules of Procedure the Secretary of the Assembly Commission notifies the General Secretary that an appeal has been lodged against the decision of the Assembly Commission.’ 12.3 ‘In selecting persons for appointment to the Appeals Commission in accordance with Paragraph 12.1(c) the officers of the General Assembly shall, so far as possible, apply the same criteria as are set out in Part I, Paragraphs 4.1 and 6.4, in relation to appointments to the Commission Panel and to Assembly Commissions.’ ’12.4 ‘All persons proposed for appointment to an Appeals Commission, in any capacity, are subject to Part I, Paragraph 7.1.’
Paragraph 18
Delete “shall, if requested to do so, appoint a representative to attend any hearing conducted under the Section O Process for such purpose’ and Insert ‘shall appoint a representative to attend the Hearing for such purpose, unless his/her attendance has been expressly dispensed with by the Assembly Commission or the Appeals Commission as the case may be.
Paragraphs 21 & 22
Delete all and Insert a new Paragraph 21
Save only as provided in Paragraph 21.2, this Part I of the Section O Process is subject to Paragraph 3(1) of the Structure.
21.2 Mission Council acting in the name of General Assembly has authority by single resolution of that Council to make as and when necessary and with immediate effect such changes to Part 1 as are, on the advice of the legal advisers to the United Reformed Church, required to bring the Section O process into line with the general law of the land consequent upon any changes in legislation and/or case law. All such changes to the Section O Process as are made by Mission Council under Paragraph 21.2 shall be reported to the next annual meeting of the General Assembly.
Resolution 9 was carried.
The General Secretary proposed that: ‘In accordance with para 3(1) of the Structure, Resolution 9 be referred to Synods with the 29th March 2004 as the final date for responses to the General Secretary as to whether or not this constitutional amendment be proceeded with.’ The Assembly agreed.
Minutes
The Assembly Clerk moved that:
Assembly receives the minutes of the First Session of 7th July and approves the insertion of the minutes of its closing sessions into the full minutes after review and any necessary correction by officers of Assembly.
Assembly agreed.
Address to the Throne
The Revd John Waller, the immediate past Moderator, presented the Address to the Throne:
To the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty
The General Assembly of the United Reformed Church now meeting in Portsmouth sends loyal greetings to Your Majesty. In this anniversary year of Your Majesty’s coronation we give gratitude to Almighty God for all the service you have rendered to our nation during the fifty-one years of Your Majesty’s reign.
The recent conflict in Iraq continues to cast its long shadow over our proceedings. With other churches and faith groupings in these islands we voiced our grave concern at the wisdom and morality of the military assault on Iraq. We were – and remain – unconvinced that Iraq posed such a threat to world security as to justify military action against it, and urged Your Majesty’s Government to consider war only as a last resort and after all diplomatic efforts to secure a peaceful settlement to the crisis had foundered. We viewed it as a matter of regret both that the weapons inspectors were not allowed to complete their investigations and that the United Nations gave no approval for the use of military force. While we had no desire to see the former regime in Iraq remain in power, we could not condone the use of military action to remove it.
Though there are few grounds for hope amid this crisis we do welcome warmly the publication of the ‘road map’ drawn up to reactivate the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. As a Church we have long been concerned about the plight of people living in the Palestinian Territories, and continue to support practically efforts by Christian Aid and others to improve their quality of life. We have urged Your Majesty’s Government to be energetic and resourceful in following through on this key development so as to achieve a just and lasting peace that will give security to both peoples and greater stability to the region.
As we reflected on the war in Iraq we felt led to suggest that, where conflict and tension abound, lasting peace and stability are more likely to emanate from a dismantling of structures which perpetuate injustice or division than from violence and aggression. We are unconvinced that a ‘war on terrorism’ can succeed without a concomitant war on injustice, and so, through our overseas aid and development programme, Commitment for Life, continue to support vital work in several ‘third world’ countries. One of these is Zimbabwe, sadly still one of the most troubled regions of the Commonwealth. Our commitment to justice also inspires us to campaign for significant changes in the rules governing multilateral trade, for full remission of the debts which continue to weigh down many of the world’s poorest countries, and for the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals with their vision of a world free from the worst excesses of poverty by the year 2015. At this Assembly the Church unanimously passed a resolution pledging support for these targets.
Our concern to bring the ‘good news to the poor’ which Jesus announced also informs our work closer to home. Our churches in inner city areas continue to work with others to foster genuine harmony between people of all religions and races, and we pray that every effort to bring peace and build community in our cities will succeed. Our belief that all people are of equal worth and dignity in the sight of God leads us to stand in prayerful solidarity with those from different ethnic communities, including those seeking asylum, who so often find themselves among the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society.
We pray for the continued health and strength of Your Majesty as you give leadership and service to the United Kingdom and to the Commonwealth.
We have the honour to remain Your Majesty’s faithful and loyal subjects.
Revd Alasdair Pratt Revd Dr David Cornick
Moderator General Secretary
The Assembly approved the address.
Moderator-Elect
The Moderator-elect, the Revd Sheila Maxey, addressed the Assembly.
Vote of Thanks
The Revd Peter Noble thanked the Wessex Synod for its welcome and hospitality, and assured members of a warm welcome to the National Synod of Wales in 2004.
The Moderator thanked those who had been involved in the administration of the Assembly and the presentation of worship; he thanked especially the Chaplain, the Revd Carolyn Smyth and the leader of Bible study, the Revd Lance Stone.
The General Secretary thanked the Moderator for his gracious and gentle conduct of the Assembly’s business.
Closing Worship
The Chaplain led the Assembly in worship which included the induction of the Revd Richard Mortimer as Secretary for Ecumenical Relations and Faith and Order.
The General Secretary formally announced that the Assembly had completed its business and would adjourn to meet as agreed at the University of Glamorgan on 3rd July 2004 or at such other place or on such other date as may be necessary.
Omission from the Book of Reports P.164 and not an official part of the Record
World Day of Prayer – Scotland
1. Scotland dropped "Women’s" from the World Day of Prayer title in 1980 (our Golden Jubilee Year)
in line with the International Committee. We are now fully inclusive, welcoming men to our services.
2. This year’s service "Holy Spirit, Fill Us" was written by the Christian women of Lebanon.
We incorporated the artwork of the Order of Service into a bookmark.
3. Over 750 services were held, throughout the length and breadth of Scotland, of varying sizes.
Small groups took the service to residents in homes for the elderly, sheltered housing and hospitals. Schools held services for pupils. Homeless folk attended at least one service and local women joined male prisoners in at least one prison. Men attended many of our services. Yes we are fully inclusive.
4. Money from the offerings were shared between "Feed the Minds" and the Scottish Bible Society.
5. We will have delegates attending the international meeting in England in the summer and we are
also offering accommodation to anyone wishing to visit Scotland before or after the meeting.
6. We look forward to March 2004 and the service prepared by the women of Panama.
7. Anyone wishing any further details of services in Scotland may contact me at 146 Campbell Street, Wishaw, ML2 8HU (01698 373419)
Miss Elizabeth I M King, United Reformed Church Delegate, World Day of Prayer, Scottish Committee.
|
Dates of Sessions
Saturday 5 July 2003 First Session
Saturday 5 July 2003 Second Session
Sunday 6 July 2003 First Session
Sunday 6 July 2003 Second Session Monday 7 July 2003 Second Session
Monday 7 July 2003 Third Session
Tuesday
8 July 2003 First Session
|