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Equal
Opportunities
The Equal Opportunities
Committee was formed in 1994 to:
a) develop detailed
equal opportunities policies
b) have oversight of
training programmes in equal opportunities
c) monitor the
implementation of the equal opportunities policy
d) report annually to
the General Assembly on the implementation of the policy.
Committee Members
Convener: Revd Nanette Head Secretary: Miss Ruth Norton
Revd Susan Armitage, Revd Wilf Bahadur, Mr Hilary Gunn (staff
link),
Revd Derek Hopkins, Mrs Lucille King, Ms Georgette Margrett, Miss
Stella Salmon.
‘WE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST’
1.1 During the last year we
have continued to listen, observe and monitor the implementation of the
Equal Opportunities policy to which the United Reformed Church is
committed. This is not an easy task as the life of the church is diverse.
The example and teaching of Christ shows us care and love for the
individual - any policy should seek to ensure that we are involved with
and concerned for individual people, not faceless groups.
1.2 It is very easy to
speak about inclusive language, ethnic minorities, the disabled because
these are people in a mass and they don’t worry us, even though we know
that every day in our society individuals are being discriminated against.
1.3 This year, once again
we emphasised the importance of monitoring, although this meets with
resistance in some areas of the church. We were very grateful to the 415
members of the 590 on the Roll of Assembly who returned their completed
questionnaires at last year’s General Assembly, particularly those who
did so reluctantly. The results showing 31% more men than women still
suggest that it is easier to get to Assembly if you are a man, but across
the sexes the age grouping, ethnicity and disability have virtually the
same proportions:
1.4 Members of Assembly returning questionnaires:
Men 233
Women 178
Ages: Men Women
Under 25 27 12 15
25-59 240 138 101
60-65 74 45 27
65+ 72 37 34
Ethnic Origin: Men Women
White 402 224 174
Black Caribbean 3 1 2
Black African 5 3 2
Black other 1 1 0
Irish 3 3 0
Other 1 0 0
Men Women
Not Disabled 368 209
156
Disabled 38 20 17
1.5 We declared in 1994
that ‘the church will behave as an equal opportunity organisation and
not discriminate on grounds of race, gender or disability’. We may not
want to, but we have to recognise, whether it is intended or not, that
some people experience discrimination. If each of us as individuals,
churches, districts and synods keep equal opportunities high on our
agendas and thinking these instances will diminish.
1.6 Our continuing
priorities are:
a) to establish appropriate
methods of monitoring the appointment, representation and position of
women, black people and people with disabilities in the church. In 1996 a
questionnaire went out to the churches with the intention of repeating the
exercise periodically. We hope to do this again later this year. In 1996
66% of churches responded – we hope for an even larger response this
year, and would also appreciate comments as there may be other questions
we should be asking.
b) to encourage churches to
take advantage of the booklet published by ‘the churches main
committee’ on the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Churches must
respond to this legislation which cannot be ignored and we are planning to
hold consultations at which local churches can share together their
experiences and questions on the issues contained in the Disability Act
regarding facilities and services. We hope that churches and Districts
will support such consultations, and may even volunteer their premises.
c) to help churches
understand the implications of the equal opportunities policy presented to
Assembly in 1996. This is essential reading for all areas of church life,
particularly local churches, where responsibility for implementing it
lies. We receive some information as to how churches are tackling the
issues and would welcome more stories which can be shared with the wider
church.
d) to support the work of
the Multi-Racial, Multi-Cultural Development Worker and the Racial Justice
advocates.
e) to encourage the work of
the committees of the church, particularly those involved in Nominations
where we have every reason to believe that both nationally and at Synod
level they try to take on a balanced representation.
f) to encourage Districts,
particularly in their pastoral work with churches to keep on their agenda
equal opportunities issues.
g) to help new ministers
understand the policy and issues involved by updating and issuing a
leaflet.
1.7 Equal Opportunities is
not an option for Christians, it is a moral, and getting to be a legal,
imperative. Equal opportunities is about valuing individuals, getting the
best person for the job. Being the body of Christ.
1.8 One of the joys of our faith is surely hearing and listening for God’s word. In the life of the church we see the most unexpected people responding to the call to serve in the church’s life. Should it surprise us? Not if we are a church that recognizes we are all one in Christ!
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