 |
|
Pastoral Reference
The purpose of the
Pastoral Reference Committee is to consider the cases of ministers which
are referred to it by Mission Council, synods, district councils, or their
committees or by moderators of synods. (See GA 1999 reports p.122). 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 David Jenkins
Secretary: Revd John Waller
Revd Tony Burnham, Revd Jean Forster, the Revd Arnold Harrison,
Dr Anthea Kaan, Mrs Joan Staples, the Honorary Treasurer
the Convener of the Welfare Sub-Committee
1 It is important that the
Church should maintain the highest standards of pastoral care at every
level. At Assembly level this committee deals with the pastoral needs of
particular ministers who have been referred to them. Sometimes advice and
action has to be offered and taken by the committee officers but in most
cases the skills and experience of all committee members are brought to
bear upon the particular problems of the individuals concerned. The
committee continues to operate in a spirit of careful listening,
sensitivity and confidentiality.
2 The Committee is grateful
for the practical work of the Welfare Sub-Committee as its members deal
wisely and generously with many requests for assistance.
3 The Committee commends to
Assembly the pastoral care offered by Synods and District Councils and
especially pays tribute to the work of Synod Moderators who carry a major
responsibility in this regard. The Committee is sometimes called on for
advice rather than intervention and is glad to offer its services in this
way.
4 Two Committee members
complete their terms of service and special appreciation is offered to
them. Jean Forster and Joan Staples have brought skill and great wisdom
and the committee will miss their contributions.
Welfare Sub-Committee
Convener: Revd Nelson Bainbridge Secretary: Mrs Judy Stockings 1.1 One of the main
concerns of the Sub-Committee during the last year has been the assistance
given to ministers facing major problems of debt. We have consulted with a
debt advisor from the Citizens Advice Bureau who was able to give us
helpful advice as to how ministers experiencing serious financial
difficulties could be supported and guided through their problems. This is
being followed up in consultation with agencies which specialise in such
matters, as a result of which it is hoped to make advice and support
available as necessary.
1.2 During the last year
gifts amounting to £139,500 were made. Included in this figure was £9,700
given to spouses of ministers following bereavement and £48,500 by means
of Christmas gifts to widows, widowers and their dependants. £53,900 was
sent to ministers for assistance in the education of their families.
1.3 The Sub-Committee would remind ministers and
CRCWs of the funds which are available to provide assistance for general
welfare purposes and in some respects for education. Details of these were
circulated in 1998 and a revised issue of this paper is being considered
for later in the year; in the meantime information may be obtained from
the Committee Secretary at Church House. Applications for grants of a more
routine nature (e.g. on the birth of a child or for education purposes)
should be made direct to the Committee Secretary. Other
requests for assistance should be
made in the first instance through Synod Moderators, whose advice and
co-operation are of invaluable help to the Sub-Committee in its work.
|