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Assembly opens with a call to pilgrimage
The Revd John Marsh, inducted as Moderator, called members to pilgrimage. He identified three pilgrimage aims: to be catholic, orthodox and reformed. The Church needed to be future-focussed as well as historically rooted, he said.
New general secretary urges Church to stand tall
General Secretary, the Revd Roberta Rominger, said we should face the future with confidence. “While I share the commitment to walk in unity with other churches, I believe God still has a purpose for the United Reformed Church” she said. “We have the flexibility, the openness, the experience of reformation, to respond to the challenges of a new day.”
Warning of Zimbabwe ‘implosion’
Assembly expressed dismay at the gradual “implosion” of Zimbabwe and condemned tactics employed by the ruling party. Local congregations were encouraged to offer hospitality and support to Zimbabweans living among them.
Missing minister remembered
A minister from Wales who disappeared three weeks before assembly was remembered in prayer. The Revd David Fox, clerk to the Synod of Wales and minister at Penarth, vanished while on a walking holiday in Slovenia.
Agreement on black minority ethnic representation
A long-running debate about black minority ethnic representation was concluded. It was resolved that each synod be asked to include at least one black minority ethnic member in their group of representatives to assembly.
Church agrees to back decent pay
Assembly agreed that where possible all church employees should be paid a minimum “living wage” of £7 an hour (£7.20 in London). This is in support of a Church Action on Poverty campaign.
Two new moderators chosen
Two co-moderators of General Assembly were elected to serve together for two years from 2010. The Revd Dr Kirsty Thorpe is currently minister in Bolton; she is moving in September, to be minister of Morley Green and Wilmslow churches in Cheshire. Val Morrison is a lay preacher and synod clerk in Yorkshire, and is also an industrial chaplain in a local steel works.
Housing for those most in need
Assembly accepted more stringent guidelines on providing housing for retired ministers, reflecting major challenges to Church finances. In future the most needy and those who have served longest in ministry will receive most help.
Other good things
Adults heard the views of children attending their own assembly. Spiritual directions on the theme of pilgrimage were led by the Revd Dr Jane Leach. Worship was led by moderator’s chaplain, the Revd Mary Buchanan.
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