3.1 In 1998, at the Nottingham
Assembly, the committee was asked to consider possible alternative
arrangements affecting the frequency of meetings and the conduct of
business at General Assembly. A full review has been carried out.
Consultations involved Assembly committees, synods and districts
that were asked to respond to questions about:
i) Whether Assembly should meet
annually or biannually;
ii) The size of Assembly;
iii) The relationship between
Assembly and other councils, particularly, local churches. Initial
responses helpfully identified a number of aspects in our present
arrangements that cause concern. They also widened the debate, which
finds its focus not only in matters of organisation but also the
extent to which the business of Assembly is relevant to
congregational life.
3.2 Frequency
3.2.1 Because of the widely expressed
wish for Assembly a) to have more time, b) to allow other councils
longer to consider issues and, particularly, c) to enable committees
more freedom to develop their work, Assembly agreed last year, as
stated above, that they would report in alternate years.
3.2.2 This apparently simple change
will require at least two Assemblies, possibly four, to show how the
new procedures are working. The committee believes, therefore, that
it would be inappropriate, at this point, to proceed with proposals
about the frequency or duration of Assemblies.
3.3 Size
3.3.1 With regard to the size of
Assembly, attempts have been made in the past to allow every
congregation to be represented. This has never been accepted and the
arguments against the proposal remain formidable. Indeed, a strong
case can be made for a much more radical change that would reduce
the size of Assembly significantly. However, there is a separate
working party looking at the Authority of General Assembly and other
councils. This is a detailed review with important theological and
ecclesiological implications. Until that group has completed its
work, we do not feel that it would be right to bring any proposal
about the size of Assembly.
3.4 Relationships
3.4.1 As we have considered the
practical issues, we have also asked what Assembly is for. The basis
of our reformed polity is a theological understanding of the
conciliar nature of the church and how the different parts interact.
This creates and affects the ethos, the sense of community and the
fellowship – in a word, the kinonia – that gives our
denomination its sense of identity and belonging. We have tried to
assess the impact assembly makes on synods, districts and,
particularly, on local churches. This is where issues of
relationships are especially pertinent.
3.4.2 There is evidence of widespread
concern at the gap between Assembly and the local church. There is
also a perceived lack of relevance between the deliberations of the
one and the day-to-day life of the other. It is worth noting,
however, that this view from the local church is also often
expressed with regard to the synod and the district council. The
feeling that ‘they’ do not understand ‘our’ world is a
phenomenon common in many walks of life, not just the church. To
counter it, we believe that communication can be improved in various
ways.
3.5 Improving Communication
3.5.1 Firstly, synods and districts
may need to consider if their agenda do, in reality, relate to the
concerns of local congregations. Secondly, we urge all districts and
synod to review the way representatives prepare for Assembly. At
least one synod offers a choice of two dates for representatives to
meet to consider the Book of Reports. It is precisely to enable such
preparation to happen that this book is published two months in
advance of Assembly.
3.5.2 Encouragement might also be
taken from FURY representatives who often appear to be the
best-prepared, having studied the Book of Reports together
immediately before Assembly meets.
3.5.3 At this Assembly, through the
use of the Internet, way are being sought to make the business more
accessible to people at home. A web-page will be regularly updated
while Assembly is meeting. Fuller details will appear in Reform.
This will give opportunity to those not at York to respond with
comments and questions. It will be interesting to see how widely
this opportunity is taken up.
3.6 Conclusion
General Assembly is the gathering
point for the prayers, discussions and deliberations of the whole of
the United Reformed Church. When, through its decision-making
processes, Assembly says ‘it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit
and to us’ (Acts 15;28) such a conclusion arises out of the
willingness to listen for Gods will, expressed through all the
councils of the church. It is, therefore, authoritative because of
its listening to God – through the life of the church, and as the
council where the whole church is most fully represented. It is
truly representative of the whole church as it listens and speaks to
the life of the church at every level.
