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The purpose of the Pastoral Committee is to consider the cases of ministers which are referred to it by district councils or provincial synods their officers or committees. (See GA 1983 Reports, pp 5 and 6). By a Welfare Sub-Committee, it also deals with all welfare and emergency matters including the use of welfare funds. Because of the nature of many of the cases, it is a confidential committee which reports in general terms only, directly to the General Assembly.

Committee Members

Convener: Revd John Johansen-Berg Secretary: Revd John Waller

Revd Tony Burnham, Revd Jean Forster, Revd John Humphreys, Dr Anthea Kaan, Mrs Joan Staples and the Convener of the Welfare Sub-Committee.

1 The Committee has continued its work with individual ministers as need has arisen. It seeks on behalf of the Assembly to respond to each situation with sensitivity and pastoral care. Assembly is well aware of the confidential nature of the work so it will expect no more than a general reference to this aspect. The committee continues to commend to your prayers all those ministers and their families who face pressures in the home and work situation.

2 The Churches’ Ministerial Counselling Service continues to be helpful in certain cases and it is good to have this confidential resource. Close co-operation with provincial Moderators, the Welfare Sub-Committee and the Counselling Service enables us to have a positive role in complex situations.

3 Time has been spent considering the remit of the Committee in the light of the new disciplinary procedures and it is likely that a revised remit will be presented next year.

4 Thanks are expressed to the Revd John Waller for his work as Secretary and to Shirley Paton who convenes the Welfare Sub-Committee.

Covener: Mrs Shirly Paton Secretary: Mrs Judy Stockings

1.1 This is a sub-committee of the Assembly Pastoral Committee and as such carries out its duty in accordance with the remit as laid down by that Committee.

1.2 The welfare work of the Church has continued and the committee has been able to give assistance to ministers and their families, especially those who fall outside other areas of Church’s care.

1.3 In consultation with the Trustees, the sub-committee has been permitted to rationalise the funds in its care into two main groups, those concerned with ministers’ welfare and those concerned with schooling.

1.4 Ministers Welfare Gifts from this fund of some £11,406 have been made to ministers and their dependants and to ministers’ spouses following their bereavement. The Christmas gifts to widows/ers have been increased from £60 to £65 and from £30 to £35 in respect of dependant children. In total, at Christmas 1997, gifts of £34,950 were made.

1.5 Assistance with schooling From the group of funds available in this area, gifts totalling some £22,769 have been made towards the cost of school uniforms, equipment and school fees.

1.6 There is a small fund which is available to lay persons from which gifts totalling £5,000 have been made.

1.7 The guidance and support of the Provincial Moderators to this sub-committee has been greatly appreciated.