Minutes
Tuesday
First Session
8th July 2003
The 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
inter-faith guests:
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 A G M Paterson 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.
Seconded by the Revd John Young
After debate, Resolution 4 was carried.
The Revd Alasdair Pratt resumed the Chair.
Yorkshire Synod
The Revd Arnold Harrison 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.
Seconded by Mr John Seager.
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 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.
Seconded by the Assembly Clerk.
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
Poposed by Peter Flint
Seconded by Michael Hopkins
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.
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 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
Moderator
Revd Dr David Cornick
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. |
