Chaplain to the General Assembly Moderator
A unique craft project aiming to celebrate 鈥渢he wonderful diversity of the whole Church鈥� will be shared with every United Reformed Church congregation this autumn.

听The 鈥淓ver Joyful鈥� patchwork banner is the vision of the Revd Samantha Sheehan, chaplain to the General Assembly Moderator, the Revd Neil Thorogood. She hopes that the large, quilted artwork will contain 15 panels, made up of fabric squares from each congregation 两性色午夜 the UK. Launching the initiative, Neil presented the very first square to the outgoing Moderator, Catriona Wheeler, at this year鈥檚 General Assembly, held in Swanwick, Derbyshire (pictured).

Packs, including the fabric squares, will be sent out in October with an invitation to decorate a single square with words or an image that reflects whatever 鈥渕akes you joyful in the life of your congregation鈥�.

Additional tips and information will be included, with a pre-addressed envelope for returning squares to Northern Synod Office by 1 December. It is hoped that the final artwork will first go on display at General Assembly 2027.

For more information, contact Samantha Sheehan rev.s.sheehan@gmail.com

Offices of General Assembly
The Revd Dr Phil Wall, the new Head of Ministries: Learning and Development, enjoyed a few days touring the UK 鈥� and beyond! 鈥� to learn about the incredible work our churches and chaplains are engaging with in very different contexts.

A day spent with Padre Stuart Turner MTh CF, chaplain to the famous ‘desert rats’, opened his eyes to the blessings and challenges of ministry in the armed forces, whilst his time on Holy Island with Special Category minister, Kay Blackwell, allowed him to learn from all that the ‘thin place’ had to offer…including the chance to swim with seals (can you spot one in the photo?).

His time with CRCW Fliss Barker and elders from Wooler 两性色午夜 saw him make a new acquaintance in Woolly the sheep, whilst some annual leave on the Isle of Man enabled him to catch up with ecumenical minister, Catherine McFie – seen here enjoying some rare Manx sunshine!

Visits to college chaplain, Carole Marsden, and minister of Word and Sacrament, Ruth Wilson, completed the set and gave him cause to give thanks to God for the breadth of ministries in the United Reformed Church.

Southern Synod
With thanks to and blessings from God, Trinity Church in Willingdon has welcomed, Derek, a new member into its congregation.

The Revd Memona Shahbaz said: 鈥淲e pray that he will feel loved, supported and truly at home among us. May God richly bless him, strengthen him in faith, and use his gifts and talents to bring encouragement and blessing to others.鈥�

Elsewhere 两性色午夜 Southern
Trinity United Reformed Church in Wimbledon is working towards a Gold Eco Church award, building on its bronze accreditation in 2016 and subsequent silver award.

Led by church administrator and Green Group leader Elizabeth Scharinger, the church is taking action 两性色午夜 worship and teaching, buildings and energy, land and nature, community engagement and lifestyle.

Among its initiatives are services dedicated to the environment, a prayer tree for the climate crisis, a NEST heating system to reduce energy use and Perspex fitted over the church鈥檚 windows to improve insulation. Its Mansel Road Centre uses LED lighting, recycles and has milk delivered in glass bottles. The centre also offers a reusable party kit for local events.

Trinity works with Sustainable Merton to host an annual eco winter pop-up market, promoting EcoLiving and Fairtrade products and hosting clothes swaps while raising funds for the charity.

Elizabeth said community engagement was an important part of the church鈥檚 environmental work, helping build local connections while responding to the impact of the climate crisis.

Commitment for Life
Many schools in parts of Africa operate without first aid kits, trained staff or reliable emergency response systems.

During his sabbatical, the Revd George Kalu received a grant from Commitment for Life and partnered with the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society to help change that reality.

With his wife Nnenna, George delivered seven first aid kits to church-related schools serving less privileged communities in Zimbabwe, where government funding is limited.

Eastern Synod
Basildon 两性色午夜鈥檚 Buzz and Bloom toddler group celebrated nature and caring for the environment during the Great Big Green Week, held in early summer.

The toddlers spent the morning taking part in a variety of fun and educational activities including a mini bug hunt, leaf printing, and creating colourful nature-inspired artwork using leaves collected from around the garden.

To round off the day’s activities, the children enjoyed a teddy bears’ picnic, bringing together outdoor play, friendship, and a love of nature in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

North Western
There were cheers all round at Fairhaven 两性色午夜, aka The White Church, after it won first prize in its category at the local 鈥淐lub Day鈥� procession.

鈥淏uilding for the future鈥� was the church鈥檚 theme. The congregation collected and creatively wrapped cereal boxes to make 鈥榖ricks鈥�, while two artistic members created the focal point of the display 鈥� a model of the church tower.

Members of the church and friends joined others to walk the 1.5-mile route through Lytham.

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The call came during a recent Public Issues webinar exploring how churches can connect community engagement with worship and faith. Mike Hart, Transformation Director for North Western Synod, highlighted the experience of churches involved in the Warm Welcome Spaces campaign, which showed how opening church buildings could build on existing hospitality while creating opportunities for deeper engagement with local people.

He also challenged churches to see worship and community outreach as part of the same witness to faith in Jesus Christ, rather than separate activities.

A community centred on Jesus

Keynote speaker Nigel Adams, author of Communities of Hope, shared his experience of founding Hope Nottingham 16 years ago. Growing from work based at a former 两性色午夜 building, the charity developed into a network of community hubs offering activities including a caf茅, food bank, community meals, benefits advice and a job club.

Nigel said the most important outcome was not the activities themselves but the community that developed around them.

鈥淭he most precious thing about all of this wasn鈥檛 the different services that were provided. It was the fact that we were coming together as a community, growing and living and loving around the person of Jesus Christ.鈥�

The community鈥檚 activities were rooted in prayer. At the caf茅, people were invited to a short time of Bible reading, reflection, silence and prayer before opening. Nobody was required to participate, but the practice made it clear that Jesus was at the centre of the community.

Nigel said this created natural opportunities for conversations about faith. People who initially came for practical support sometimes went on to explore Christianity through shared life, prayer and relationships. He stressed that this was not about imposing faith, but creating an environment where people understood what the community stood for and an opportunity for them to engage in it.

Starting small

Nigel encouraged churches to establish a consistent rhythm of prayer and Christian activity alongside community work, using informal activities such as crafts and conversation to help people explore faith.

He emphasised listening to local people and finding approaches suited to each community. Churches do not need to recreate an established community hub overnight: they can start small, work consistently and seek support from peers and local partners.

Priesthill 两性色午夜: a church at the heart of its community

Alice Gilbert, a Church Related Community Worker, described the experience of Priesthill 两性色午夜 in Glasgow. With just nine members and two adherents, the church nevertheless sees its building as a hub for the community.

In an area facing significant deprivation, the church runs a weekly caf茅, ladies鈥� group and Girls鈥� Brigade, while partnerships have enabled a wider range of activities.

Working with Urban Roots, the church restored its community garden, creating opportunities for gardening, art projects and further partnerships. Other organisations have helped provide a weekly breakfast, Christmas hampers, a daytime disco for over-50s and an International Women鈥檚 Day event attended by more than 90 women.

Alice stressed that this work takes time.

鈥淭ake your time, get to know what your assets are as a church and what it is you can offer,鈥� she said.

Alice also encouraged churches to explore their neighbourhoods, listen to residents and identify existing organisations that could become partners.

Making faith visible without pressure

The webinar also considered how churches can make their Christian identity visible without making people feel pressured. Suggestions included prayer trees and prayer boxes, and inviting people to pray with the church rather than the church simply offering to pray for them.

Contributors also highlighted the value of volunteers who are available to listen and build relationships. Community activities do not have to be explicitly faith-based to create opportunities for conversations about Christianity.

Creating spaces鈥� without a church building?

Helen Snashall shared the experience of Waverley 两性色午夜, which went to extreme lengths to connect with the community: they sold their aging, costly building and began to meet in the Focal Community Centre in Huddersfield. It had a transformative effect on how the congregation engages in mission and enabled the church to focus on the people they were called to be with.

This difficult decision, leaving a building that had been a centre of worship for generations of worshippers, won鈥檛 be the right step for every church, but it demonstrates that it is possible to radically rethink how we invest our time and resources, and the fruit of it might surprise us!

Everyone has something to offer

The webinar encouraged smaller and older congregations to start with what they can realistically sustain. People unable to undertake practical tasks can still offer friendship, prayer or a listening ear, while churches can share resources and volunteers with neighbouring congregations and local organisations. Alice advised churches to reach out to their synod office to enquire if a Church-Related Community Worker (CRCW) based elsewhere in the synod might be able to offer occasional advice and support 鈥� 鈥榖orrow a CRCW鈥� and avail of their training and experience.

The overall message was simple: churches do not need all the answers or resources to create something on a large scale. They can look at what they already have, listen to their communities and take one small step forward.

Churches do not need to recreate the examples they have heard about. As one contributor put it, 鈥淒o the great things you鈥檙e already doing with your community, but make sure you give them opportunities during the week to experience something of the faith that you hold. A simple time of prayer (spoken or silent) before and after an activity could be the start of a journey of faith for the people in your neighbourhood.鈥�

Details of the next A Church With People at the Margins webinar are as follows:

Webinar 4: 16 November – Community Organising

In an increasingly individualistic and hostile society swayed by the loudest and the most privileged, how do we buck the trend and recapture the joy of collaboration and community? How can a community speak and act together to make a positive difference? And what has the church to offer into the mix?

. The webinar starts at 7pm.

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that in Stourbridge, 19 homes have been completely destroyed, while West Midlands firefighters continue to tackle hotspots 两性色午夜 open grassland in seven areas. There have been 54 casualties 两性色午夜 eight fires in the region, with 19 people taken to hospital for treatment.

We pray

May we hold in our hearts all those in the West Midlands and beyond who are facing the raw, unrelenting force of fire鈥攖hose who have lost their homes, their belongings, and the quiet rhythm of their daily lives.

May we feel the weight of their grief, the fear that lingers in the air, and the courage it takes to begin again when the world feels as though it is burning around them.听 We remember those in cities, towns, villages, and rural areas from Stoke-on-Trent to Stourbridge, from Sheldon Country Park to Salford Prior.

We lift up the fire services 鈥� our firefighters, emergency responders, and volunteers 鈥� who stand not only against the flames but against the exhaustion of body and spirit. May they know rest, support, and the gratitude of a community that sees their sacrifice. Grant them strength, wisdom, and protection as they face the dual crises of fire and climate.

Let us remember the land itself 鈥� the scorched fields, the air thick with smoke, the animals displaced, and the ecosystems strained by a climate pushed to its limits by our choices. May we awaken to the urgency of healing our planet, so that no community is left to face such devastation alone.

May compassion guide our actions. May solidarity move us to demand change 鈥� cleaner air, safer homes, and policies that honour both people and the Earth. May we find ways, big and small, to ease the burden of those affected and to build a future where fire does not ravage with such ferocity. May we acknowledge our own reluctance to accept the changes needed to combat the climate emergency and grant us the courage to speak out against those profiteering from the fossil fuel industry.

We ask for healing鈥攆or the West Midlands, for the firefighters, and for our shared global home. May we rise from this moment with open hearts, determined hands, and a renewed commitment to care for one another and the planet we all depend on.

Amen.

Image: Matt C/Unsplash.

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The RJAs are also backing an open letter signed by 70 public figures supporting the Windrush Justice Community Collective (WJCC) campaign for a radical overhaul of the Windrush Compensation Scheme. The scheme was set up in 2019 to compensate people, mainly Black Britons, who, over decades, were incorrectly stripped of citizenship rights and classed as illegal migrants.

Members of Hillsborough Justice, which represents survivors of the 1989 stadium disaster and relatives affected by it, along with Grenfell United, which represents survivors of the 2017 London tower block fire and bereaved family members, .

calls for victims of the scandal to be provided free, independent legal support; the creation of a new, independent Windrush Redress Authority backed by legislation; a full public inquiry into the scandal and its ongoing impact; and for all victims to be granted citizenship or indefinite leave to remain, with all tests waived and any paid fees returned.

鈥淭he government is failing to honour its promise,鈥� said the Revd Zaidie Orr, Convenor of the 两性色午夜鈥檚 RJA network: 鈥淭his scandal has already caused irreparable harm to thousands of Black Britons and their families. People have died waiting for compensation. It is simply outrageous that the 两性色午夜 Office continues to delay compensation and, in many cases, denies it.鈥�

shows that by January 2026, 11,475 claims had been received by the scheme. Of these, 9,224 had concluded and only a third, 3,148, resulted in a payout, while 56% of the claims, 5,203, received no award. The remainder of the claims were classed as either ineligible or withdrawn. The 两性色午夜 Office attributes this to 鈥渁pplications from people who successfully applied to have their legal status confirmed through the Windrush Scheme but did not suffer any financial detriment, or people who have experienced other detrimental treatment, impacts or losses that are not covered by the Windrush Compensation Scheme鈥�.

Pat Poinen, an RJA based in Darlington, said: 鈥淭he fact is that many commonwealth migrants came to the UK with British passports.

鈥淩ipping away a person鈥檚 identity, citizenship and right to belong causes profound harm. Families have been split apart for decades and, in some cases, individuals have been forced to return to countries which they left as children and no longer have any connection with. People have lost homes and livelihoods.

鈥淩egardless of whether a victim suffered financial detriment, compensation should be paid. There is no monetary value that can be placed on positive mental health or the right to family life. Any compensation can be regarded as a token attempt to right the injustice caused by this scandal, yet the attempts continuously fail.

鈥淚 urge as many people as possible to sign the WJCC petition.鈥�

In the report, NAO says: 鈥淭he 两性色午夜 Office told us the scheme was designed to be accessible without the need for legal representation.鈥�

However, according to the legal reform charity , victims from other compensation schemes 鈥� such as several relating to the Post Office Horizon Scandal, the Infected Blood Scheme, and the Lambeth Children鈥檚 两性色午夜 Redress Scheme 鈥� have all been eligible for legal representation.

In comparison, up to 拢1,500 only is offered by the Windrush Compensation Scheme, for probate legal costs only.

: 鈥淟awyers who helped Windrush Scheme claimants suggest the attitude of 两性色午夜 Office caseworkers is designed to put off claimants and limit awards. The 两性色午夜 Office claims the process is simple and that individuals do not need legal help to apply. Yet lawyers describe the scheme as 鈥榯ortuous鈥� and 鈥榤isery on top of misery鈥�, with a pervasive 鈥榗ulture of disbelief鈥� causing delays and unreasonable refusals.鈥�

The charity also highlights 鈥渢he complexity of the application process, where rules and guidance extend to over 200 pages鈥� 鈥� this before the case even begins. Research by the charity also shows that 鈥渙ne claimant went from being refused any compensation to being awarded 拢295,000 with legal assistance; another had her award go from 拢20,000 to 拢170,000 once she had charitable legal support鈥�.

Karen Campbell, 两性色午夜 Head of Global and Intercultural Church, leads on the issues of racial justice and responses to the legacies of transatlantic slavery, and commented: 鈥淲e need to ask why the government has denied free, legal assistance to Windrush victims as compared to those of other high-profile scandals.鈥�

She added: 鈥淭here is only one solution 鈥� to truly right the injustice of the scandal itself and the subsequent injustice of denying victims free legal support as with other scandals, the Windrush Compensation Scheme must be taken out of the government鈥檚 hands and placed, as called for by the WJCC, into the hands of a new, independent Windrush Redress Authority. I urge members of the 两性色午夜 to back the WJCC鈥檚 petition.鈥�

.

Image: Steve Eason/Flickr

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North Western Synod

The Revd Dr Gilbert Esambe is encouraging others not to give up on their calling after completing a Doctor of Ministry degree while serving in the Lancashire South East Missional Partnership.

After earlier setbacks and delays to his studies, Gilbert continued learning alongside ministry, studying during evenings, days off, and annual leave. His research explored innovative approaches to mission and ministry within the 两性色午夜.

Reflecting on the achievement, Gilbert says the degree represents more than academic success鈥攊t is a reminder that delayed dreams need not be abandoned. His message to others is simple: trust God’s timing and persevere.

Gilbert said: 鈥淎s I reflect on this achievement, I do so with gratitude to God, to my family, friends, colleagues, church members, and all those who have encouraged me along the way. I also give thanks to the 两性色午夜 within which I have had the privilege to serve and grow.

鈥淢y prayer is that this story will encourage others who are pursuing a calling, a dream, or a vision that seems distant today. Keep going. Trust God鈥檚 timing. Stay faithful to the task before you. The harvest may take time, but it will come.鈥�

Elsewhere 两性色午夜 North Western

Aftab Alexander Mughal, Director of Minority Concern (UK) and a member of Westbury Gardens 两性色午夜 in Blackburn, led a delegation to Lambeth Palace on 16 June for a special prayer service and meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally.

The delegation, comprising Pakistani Christians from different church traditions, presented a petition highlighting the ongoing issue of the forced conversion and forced marriage of Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan. They also raised wider concerns about the human rights challenges faced by religious minorities in the country.

Following the meeting, the Archbishop expressed her support for their advocacy and assured the delegation of her prayers.

Aftab said: 鈥淲e found her Grace to be a humble, compassionate, and deeply concerned church leader who is committed to promoting peace and justice. We are grateful for her time, for arranging this special prayer service, and for demonstrating her concern for human rights around the world, including in Pakistan.鈥�

Minority Concern (UK) hopes the meeting will help increase international awareness of the challenges facing religious minorities in Pakistan and strengthen efforts to promote equality, freedom of religion, and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Thames North Synod

The minister of Newland 两性色午夜, the Revd Naomi Young-Rodas, joined civic and faith leaders on 24 June for a series of inter-faith visits 两性色午夜 Luton led by the Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Atkinson OBE.

The programme, organised by Grassroots Luton, the Luton Council of Faiths and the Near Neighbours Programme, brought together Christian, Sikh and Muslim communities to strengthen relationships and promote understanding.

Newland Church was formed in 2023 when five 两性色午夜 congregations in the Luton and Dunstable area 鈥� churches in the Luton & Dunstable Cluster, Bury Park 两性色午夜, Edward Street 两性色午夜, St Katherine of Genoa 两性色午夜, St Ninians 两性色午夜, and Wigmore Church (两性色午夜/Methodist) 鈥� voted to unite as one church serving two locations. Naomi was inducted as minister of Newland Church and St Albans 两性色午夜 in May 2026.

During the visit, the group toured several places of worship, including Guru Nanak Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) and Bury Park Jamia Masjid, which now occupies the former Bury Park 两性色午夜 building, where there was discussion about plans for a community garden and environmental improvements, demonstrating how faith communities can continue to serve local people in new ways.

Participants also reflected on shared values of hospitality, peace, compassion and mutual respect.

Naomi said: 鈥淚t was heartening to witness everyone鈥檚 shared commitment to community cohesion in Luton. Together, we reflected on shared values such as hospitality, service, peace, mutual respect, and compassion for all, while also acknowledging the important role faith communities play in supporting social cohesion.鈥�

National Synod of Wales

The National Synod of Wales is continuing to place creation care and climate justice at the heart of its mission. Awarded an Eco Synod Bronze Award in 2023, the Synod has taken significant steps in areas including carbon reduction, biodiversity, ethical investment and environmental education.

Working alongside A Rocha UK, Climate Cymru and other partners, the Synod has supported churches through an Eco Church roadshow, webinars, practical resources and guidance on reducing carbon footprints.

Churches 两性色午夜 Wales have embraced a range of initiatives, from installing solar panels and improving energy efficiency to creating wildlife habitats, hosting eco-themed worship, running community environmental projects and campaigning for climate justice.

The Synod鈥檚 efforts are yielding results. Wales is now home to two Eco Church Gold Award winners, four Silver Award churches, twelve Bronze Award churches and eleven more congregations registered with the scheme.

Looking ahead, the Synod hopes to build on the momentum of recent years, helping more churches care for creation and embed environmental action into every aspect of church life.

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Senior members of the denomination said: 鈥淭he premature closure of a faith event in the UK due to a 鈥榗redible threat鈥�, such as the Ijtima at Shrubland Hall at the weekend, is alarming.

鈥淭he United Reformed Church General Assembly, meeting in 2024, expressed deep concern over the unacceptable rise of Islamophobia in our communities and wished to extend a hand of solidarity to our highly valued Muslim neighbours.

鈥淛ust over a week ago, our General Assembly 鈥榳armly (commended) the journey towards a joint Christian-Muslim declaration鈥� and the work of the Interfaith Enabling Group. We pray that these efforts further encourage our local churches to reach out that hand of solidarity, and we recommend Churches Together in Britain and Ireland鈥檚 resource Reaching Out in Love to this end.

The resource is available for free, at .

Image: Andrew Hill/Wikimedia/

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Eastern Synod

Four-legged friends and creatures who have shared the hearts and homes of their owners have been celebrated at a special service in Norfolk.

In partnership with Rackheath Vets, a pet remembrance service was held in June at Wroxham & Hoveton 两性色午夜 and was led by the church鈥檚 minister the Revd Tina Wilson.

Tina said: 鈥淭hey greet us without judgment, comfort us without words, and leave a space in our lives that is impossible to fill when they are gone.鈥�

The pet remembrance service included the lighting of candles and the placing of photos and keepsakes. A space was also given for reflection and thanksgiving.

An attendee said: 鈥淚t was a beautiful event and space, including calm music and caring words.”

The service will now become an annual fixture in the life of the Norwich Area 两性色午夜 Mission Partnership.

Tina said: 鈥淲hether you are recently bereaved of a beloved companion or simply wish to pause and give thanks for a life well lived and well loved, you will find a warm welcome waiting.鈥�

Elsewhere 两性色午夜 Eastern

South Cambridgeshire District Council鈥檚 Cabinet has agreed to progress the award of a 999-year lease to Northstowe Church Network for the first of Northstowe鈥檚 four Faith and Community Land sites.

The Northstowe Church Network, a local ecumenical partnership between the 两性色午夜, Church of England and Baptists in close collaboration with Northstowe Muslims.

The proposal grew out of everyday life in Northstowe and years of listening to residents鈥� suggestions about 听what the growing town needed.

Revd Beth Cope, Northstowe鈥檚 Pioneer Minister, said: 鈥淥ne of the most encouraging things about this process is that Northstowe already has residents, faith groups and community organisations ready to put time, imagination and love into the future of the town.

鈥淎s we take forward the first Faith and Community Land site, we recognise the hope, passion and local commitment brought by others, including Hindu Samaj Northstowe and local Hindu residents, and look forward to ongoing friendship and practical collaboration.鈥�

As part of Pride, Abbey Lane 两性色午夜 in Saffron Walden, Essex, held a dedicated coffee morning and in the process raised money for Stonewall UK and the LGBT Foundation. Alison Jiggins, Elder, said the coffee morning was a great opportunity for the church to show support for the local LGBTQAI+ community and share the message that “everyone is welcome”.

North Western Synod

The Lancashire South East Missional Partnership marked its inaugural Global Mission Day on 13 June 2026, bringing together people from 两性色午夜 the region and members of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon from around the UK. The event was attended by Catriona Wheeler, Immediate-Past General Assembly Moderator Catriona Wheeler.

Focused on celebrating Cameroon, the day featured cultural displays, presentations, traditional food, and lively worship led by the Cameroonian Christian community. Guests learned about Cameroon鈥檚 history, culture, and the witness of the Church in the country.

Organisers hope the day will become an annual opportunity to strengthen global partnerships, encourage mutual learning, and deepen understanding of the worldwide Church. The event highlighted the richness of Christian fellowship 两性色午夜 cultures and a shared commitment to God鈥檚 mission locally and globally.

West Midlands Synod

Penn 两性色午夜 has welcomed three new members. Congratulations on your new membership!

.

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The Revd Neil Thorogood, Minister of Thornbury and Trinity-Henleaze 两性色午夜s听in听South听Western听Synod, who will serve as General Assembly Moderator 2026-2027, called the role an听鈥渉onour鈥�.听听

Born in Sydney, Australia,听while his parents were serving as missionaries in the Cook Islands, Neil was ordained in 1992 at the age of 28. He served in local churches in Halifax and Welwyn Garden City before serving as Director of Pastoral Studies and then Principal of Westminster College in Cambridge.听听

A听visual artist and writer,听Neil听returned to local ministry in Bristol and Thornbury in 2020.听

He regularly contributes to the 两性色午夜鈥檚 Daily Devotions,听the听annual听两性色午夜听Prayer Handbook, and听Reformed听magazine. During the Covid lockdown, Neil made small sketches each day and published them on Twitter (now X). These pictures were the basis of his book听, published by the 两性色午夜 in 2023.听听

He was inducted听as Moderator at the 两性色午夜鈥檚 2026 meeting of General Assembly, the denomination鈥檚 key-decision making body,听held at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick,听Derbyshire, on听3鈥�6 July.听

Neil said: 鈥淚’m very conscious of the privilege of being elected Moderator of the General Assembly and hope I can fulfil this new chapter of ministry in ways that can be a blessing for everyone I share with.鈥�听

A theme he hopes to explore throughout his term in office is “Christ’s conspiracy of goodness”.听听

Neil explains: 鈥淚t is inspired by a book about mission written by an American Methodist which has spoken to me ever since reading it in the 1990s.鈥澨齌he book takes inspiration from rural French Christian communities who protected Jews from the Nazis during the听Second听World听War; undermining evil with faithful goodness.听

As well as听representing听the 两性色午夜 at significant ecumenical and national events and gatherings, Neil听adds: 鈥淚听aim to visit many parts of the 两性色午夜 and discover more of the amazing mosaic of faith and action that is our life together.鈥澨�听

The Revd Dr Susan Durber,听a 两性色午夜 minister听who serves as President of the European Region of the World Council of Churches,鈥痺as elected听as听General Assembly Moderator-Elect听and will听serve听in the role from July听2027-2028.听

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The Revd Dr Peter Green, Dean of Chapel at Lincoln Bishop University, led a second Bible study, this time on the story of the Syrophoenician woman who asked Jesus to deliver her daughter.

Fully accepting the great difficulty of the passage, Dr Green that when we cannot understand something in the New Testament it is often because we fail to understand the Old Testament background, and he outlined the connection with the story of Elijah and the Gentile Widow of Zarapheth.

Dr Green asked members of Assembly whether they 鈥� like Jesus here 鈥� had we been confronted with a request for help, and said, 鈥榃e can鈥檛 help these people, we have other priorities.鈥�

Dr Green reflected on the way that worshippers in the Church of England have traditionally been invited to use the Syrophoenician woman鈥檚 words in Holy Communion, in the prayer known as 鈥楾he humble grumble鈥�: 鈥�We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table鈥�. He said he has come to see the wisdom of inviting all people to say those words. In this chapter of the Gospel, Jesus has been condemning hypocrisy and the woman is the one without a shred of it. We must put aside hypocrisy and instead accept our solidarity with perpetrators of evil.

Session eight听

Paper G2 鈥� Nominations 鈥� List of Committees
The Convenor or the Nominations Committee, Ms Victoria Blunt, spoke to Paper G1 鈥� the Nominations Committee鈥檚 Report to General Assembly, which had been passed in the en bloc papers. Victoria wished to speak to two matters and to bring forward two further names as committee appointments.

1. Victoria said that the process of recruiting Assembly-level committee members is now set up. She said there had been issues to iron out, but that the process is working well in the majority of cases. All roles at Assembly level must follow this process.
2. She also spoke to the process of recruiting members of the newly-formed Church Life Fund (CLF) committee. General Assembly 2025 had directed that the committee should include a representative from each of the 两性色午夜鈥檚 13 synods, and that it should reflect the diversity of 两性色午夜鈥檚 membership. Synods were asked to provide two names each, from which one would be selected in order to form a diverse group. However, Victoria said that of the 26 names put forward, only one nominated person was from a global heritage background.

General Assembly has instructed Nominations Committee to co-opt two more members to the CLF committee from a global heritage background in order to try to reflect the diversity of the denomination. But Victoria asked: Given Assembly鈥檚 discussions about Legacies of Slavery and anti-racism, how do we reflect our diverse memberships and heritages in our committee structures?

Assembly then vote on Resolution 16: the Revd Darren Holland appointed as a member of the FiA committee; and Resolution 17: Catriona Wheeler was appointed to serve as a director of the United Reformed Church Trust from 7 July 2026 to 6 July 2030.

Remaindered Business听

A2 鈥� Business Committee – A Fitness to Practice (remaindered from Session 4)
General Assembly welcomed the report of the Ministerial Disciplinary Working Group and affirmed the direction of travel towards a 鈥楩itness to Practice鈥� process. A working group is developing a new process to replace the current ministerial disciplinary arrangements, aiming for a clearer, fairer, more consistent and legally robust system.

The work has widened from discipline alone to a broader 鈥楩itness to Practice/Fitness to Minister鈥� approach, so that disciplinary, capability, competency and health-related concerns can be handled appropriately. Further policy and rules work has been commissioned from Ed Morgan KC, including a review of ministries policies and a revised draft framework to support a coherent new process.

鈥淚t鈥檚 right to do this right rather than at top speed, even though this is urgent,鈥� John Bradbury, General Secretary, said before a presentation delivered by Dr Morgan.

Dr Morgan said that introducing a fitness to practise process is not about importing a secular disciplinary system into the Church, but about enabling the Church to fulfil its own mission with integrity. He stressed that ministers occupy positions of trust, and the Church must be able to demonstrate that it upholds the standards of behaviour it proclaims, protecting both those who raise concerns and those against whom allegations are made through fair, transparent and consistent procedures.

His speech highlighted how the nature of misconduct has evolved beyond traditional safeguarding issues to include online behaviour, financial exploitation and abuses of pastoral relationships. He warned that churches now face increasing scrutiny from regulators, insurers and the nation鈥檚 charity commissions (in England, Wales and in OSCR in Scotland), and that making robust governance is essential, not only to reduce the legal risk but also to preserve public confidence and the Church’s witness.

The proposed framework is intended to provide confidence, transparency, resilience and proportionality. It would establish clear procedures, ensure allegations are investigated fairly and evidence-based, safeguard the rights of both complainants and ministers, and reinforce that ministry is a privilege carrying accountability.

Ultimately, Ed said, such a process strengthens rather than restricts the Church’s mission by ensuring it lives out the values it proclaims.

Before adoption, the proposals will go through wider consultation and testing with Ministers, Church Related Community Workers (CRCWs), Moderators, Safeguarding Officers and others to identify issues and unintended consequences. Implementation, governance arrangements, guidance, training, support, transitional and adoption is now likely to be sought from General Assembly next year.

Paper I2 鈥� Synod Safeguarding Reviews
Introducing Paper I2, Roger Jones, Convenor of the Safeguarding Committee, said the proposals would introduce a programme of safeguarding reviews 两性色午夜 the 两性色午夜’s synods to strengthen safeguarding policy and practice. He said similar quality assurance processes have become standard 两性色午夜 churches, charities and social care organisations over the past decade and noted that both the Makin Review and the IICSA report had recommended robust systems of independent scrutiny, audit and learning. The proposed reviews are intended to embed those recommendations and support continuous improvement in safeguarding 两性色午夜 the denomination.

Kerry Baker, Policy Development Officer for Safeguarding, acknowledged that the reviews would place additional demands on synods but said the process had been designed to strike a balance between gathering meaningful information and keeping the workload manageable. Drawing on two pilot reviews, she said the process would continue to be refined in response to feedback, with work already underway to streamline self-assessments, clarify expectations and improve scheduling. She also reassured Assembly that the process would reflect the different safeguarding legislation and policy framework in Wales. Kerry said the reviews would strengthen both safeguarding practice and the Church’s accountability.

During the information stage, Tim Crossley, Yorkshire Synod Clerk, sought clarification on whether General Assembly could “instruct” synods, whether the proposals would alter the Basis of Union by placing additional responsibilities on synods, and whether the financial implications understated the workload for already stretched synod staff. The Clerk of Assembly, Sarah Moore confirmed that the wording of the paper was in order.

During the discussion phase of the paper, members voiced support for the proposals. Graham Jennings informed that East Midlands was the first synod to take part, and although there was a lot of work, it was of benefit to the synod taking part.

Following a vote, Resolution 39 was carried. Before Assembly voted on Resolution 40, the Revd Dr John Bradbury, General Secretary, clarified that General Assembly has oversight of the synods and that its role in monitoring safeguarding policy and practice is explicitly set out in the Church’s governance. The resolution was passed.

In the Sunday Worship sermon at the 2026 两性色午夜 General Assembly, the Revd Geoff Felton, Moderator of the Mersey Synod, challenged delegates to reflect on what the Holy Spirit has been saying during the Assembly, and encouraged them to carry that vision back to their local churches.

While much of the work of the Assembly reflects on the church’s past, Geoff urged the church to look to the future with hope. He said that reports of the church’s decline are exaggerated. He cited the projects shared as part of the Community Project Awards as examples of how the church is flourishing.

Drawing on Jesus’ words in Matthew, he emphasised that the church’s future rests not on human leadership, management or strategy, but on the identity and lordship of Jesus Christ. Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah is the foundation upon which Christ promises to build his church. The church’s calling, therefore, is not to build a larger institution but to be a faithful one. 鈥淐hill out! 鈥� Size doesn鈥檛 lead to faithfulness, but faithfulness leads to size.鈥�

The sermon encouraged a broader understanding of the church. Although many congregations in the UK are closing, this should not be seen as the death of the church. Christianity continues to grow 两性色午夜 much of the Global South, and local church closures can be reframed as a mission that has been “completed” rather than one that has failed. There are even some 两性色午夜鈥檚 that are growing.

Turning to Ephesians (where in Ephesus, the church no longer exists), Geoff described the characteristics of the future church. Leadership exists not simply to perform ministry but to equip others for service, creating a community where “everyone gets to play.” Every Christian has gifts to contribute, and leaders should be asking both who they are equipping and how they themselves are being equipped. 鈥淗ow is your equipping going, and let鈥檚 flip that – how are you being equipped? We are called to equip one another.鈥�

He stressed that maturity in Christ comes through growing in the knowledge of Jesus. Such maturity enables Christians to resist being swept along by cultural trends or social media narratives. Geoff contrasted the gospel’s message of hope and identity with popular culture, citing songs like Critical Thinking by the Manic Street Preachers, and Trash by Suede, that reflect cultural confusion, superficiality and hopelessness.

Against song lyrics and messages that people are “trash” or should simply “live their truth,” Christians proclaim that every person is created in God’s image, loved by God and given purpose in Christ. 鈥淓phesians calls us God鈥檚 workmanship鈥� look at you, you may not be as young as you used to be, you might be falling off the conveyer belt, but you are God鈥檚 work of art. However difficult life might be for people, there is a God that loves them.鈥�

In conclusion, he reminded the Assembly that Christ alone is the head of the church. The church belongs neither to governments nor denominational leaders, but to Jesus himself.

Session nine

Paper AB1:听Business/Faith in Action听Committees听–听两性色午夜/Methodist Liaison听
This paper was brought jointly by the Business and Faith in Action Committees. The Convenor of Faith in Action, Sarah Lane Cawte said Resolution 4 builds on existing cooperation between the Methodist Church and United Reformed Church, proposing a consultative meeting of Methodist District Chairs and 两性色午夜 Synod Moderators and directing the Business Committee in consultation with the liaison group to report to the 2027 General Assembly with proposals concerning the vision and shape of future possible collaboration.

She noted that the Methodist and 两性色午夜 offices are now 鈥渉andily located near each other鈥� (both now in Tavistock Place in London) and that there are around 200 Methodist/两性色午夜 Local Ecumenical Partnerships. She added that the discussions would consider how collaboration could be strengthened without making firm commitments, and at a low cost. Sarah said that the paper 鈥減romotes unity, reciprocity and effective stewardship while ensuring that any future proposals are carefully considered and brought back to GA for consideration.鈥�

She added that Methodist Conference passed the same resolution earlier this week.

In discussion, Reuben Watt, East Midland, quoted the Statement Concerning the Nature, Faith and Order of the 两性色午夜, which speaks of the 鈥渧isible unity of the Church鈥�. He said Assembly had been honest about challenges it faces and had acknowledged membership decline; but wondered whether, in speaking about collaboration with the Methodist Church, Assembly was thinking broadly enough. Are we setting our sights high enough? Reuben asked; might 2027/2028 be the year when instead of further collaboration, we ask whether the Methodist Church and 两性色午夜 become one?

The Revd Lindsey Sanderson had represented the 两性色午夜 at this year鈥檚 Methodist Conference. She asked Assembly the same question she had asked there 鈥� a question borrowed from the Australian Churches Covenanting Together Process. 鈥淲hat is possible if we go to the limits of what is permissible.鈥� She said, there is already much that is possible, 鈥渂ut I am firmly of the opinion that there is more that is permissible. So my hope and prayer for this consultative meeting is that we can begin to discern an answer to this question.鈥�

The Revd John Bremnar, Ecumenical Officer for the National Synod of Scotland, spoke of his experience of working with the Waldensian Church in Italy in the 1990s; formally, 鈥渢he Union of Waldensian and Methodist Churches鈥�. Their pact of integration was a not a way of uniting the Churches in a way that erased their identities. The Waldensian Church remains Waldensian, he said, and the Methodist Churches conduct their business in a very similar way to Methodist Churches in Britain. But for all practical purposes they are one Church. He said there was a possibility in the proposal before Assembly that the 两性色午夜 and Methodist Church each retain their identity but be one in ministry and membership.

The Revd Tom Osborne, the Methodist representative, affirmed the benefit of the conversations. He wasn鈥檛 sure that full unity should be on the agenda, but he agreed that what was possible should be fully explored.

The Revd Dr Kirsty Thorpe, a former Moderator, reminded Assembly that 鈥渨e鈥檝e been down this path before鈥�. She said the 两性色午夜鈥檚 Mission Council and Methodist Council had met together in joint sessions 鈥� 鈥渓arge, visionary gatherings鈥� 鈥� and endeavoured to lay foundations for further work. However, 鈥渨e did look at buildings and how they can be used as platforms for mission together, but the other work we hoped to do went into the sand鈥�. Quoting the report, she emphasised that the new proposed conversations should avoid 鈥渂ecoming immersed and lost in process and technicalities鈥�. She also reminded Assembly that the Methodist covenant with the Church of England (CofE) is 鈥渁 complicating factor for all of us鈥�.

The Revd Dr Romily Micklem also pointed out that the Methodist/CofE covenant was most successful at a national level, but his experience was of churches locally that 鈥渂ehaved as if they鈥檇 never even heard of it outside of the [Methodist] circuit meeting鈥�. We have to take the local with us, he said 鈥� it can鈥檛 be something that just happens at Assembly and synod level. 鈥淒on鈥檛 just look at the opportunities; we have to be realistic and open-eyed.鈥�

The General Secretary, responding for the Business Committee, said Reuben had called Assembly to a central point of who we are. But he also said, 鈥淲e鈥檝e done quite a lot of growing up鈥� and asked how we institute the vision of unity. He warned that if we set full unity as our goal, 鈥渨e will do nothing else for the next 20 years鈥�. He said the Waldensian example was a helpful one. He also said that one of the shadow sides of the formation of the 两性色午夜 was that 鈥渨e ripped from underneath people their identities鈥�. He noted that there are cultural differences between the Methodist and 两性色午夜 denominations 鈥� 鈥渁nd those are the things that can trip us up if we鈥檙e not careful鈥�.

Ms Lindsey Brown, Head of Ecumenical Relations and Ecumenism, welcomed the warmth of contributions to the discussion. She spoke of the existing sharing of facilities management and times of prayer between Methodists and the 两性色午夜 in Tavistock Place, but she agreed that there can be complexities at a local level.

Resolution 4 was carried.

Paper P5: West Midlands Synod – Clarifying “pastoral necessity” for lay presidency at the Sacraments听

Presented by the Revd Steve Faber, Moderator of West Midlands Synod, Paper A5, containing Resolution 60, highlights that the 两性色午夜鈥檚 current guidance on lay presidency at the sacraments no longer reflects the realities of ministry. Since General Assembly last reviewed the policy in 2016, the number of churches served by each stipendiary minister has increased significantly 鈥� now an average of 1 to 5, whereas in 2016, it was 3.2 鈥� making it increasingly difficult for ministers to preside at each of the churches they serve where the most common pattern for Communion is monthly, without factoring in ministers鈥� annual or study leave.

While paying tribute to the contribution of non-stipendiary and retired ministers, he said many congregations are finding it a harder to secure authorised sacramental presidency and that the need for lay presidency is growing rapidly. The West Midlands Synod鈥檚 Ministry Development Committee is also receiving an increasing number of requests to appoint Authorised Elders.听 Therefore, the paper essentially asks for clearer guidance on what constitutes “pastoral necessity” when authorising elders to preside, so that decisions are transparent, consistent and reflect the realities of ministry 两性色午夜 all synods.

Steve posed questions such as: What defines that necessity? How should we manage a Minister being expected to preside at four or five Easter morning Communions, or Christmas Eve services many miles apart?

Following a brief discussion, Resolution 60 was carried.

Session Ten

Paper A3: Business – Resource Centres of Learning 鈥� Education for Ministry Phase 1
This session followed on from the initial presentations made on Saturday morning, with questions for clarification.

In response to several questions, the Revd Dr John Bradbury, the General Secretary, said:

• The resolution would be taken as a whole, in order to ensure that the package of recommendations forms a coherent whole
• The reason for recommending having two RCLs, not one, derives from the two pedagogical approaches embedded in Luther King Theological College (LKTC) and The Scottish College, and the hope that increased collaboration between the two would strengthen their shared approaches.
• Regarding the future of Westminster College, he said it wasn鈥檛 immediately possible to say whether the 两性色午夜 would continue as 鈥減artners鈥� or 鈥渃ustomers鈥� of the college 鈥� 鈥渘either approach is ruled out鈥�. He said there was good reason to believe that partnership would be ongoing, but that the precise shape of that would have to be worked out. He acknowledged that though the report explicitly deals with EM1, the desire to integrate as many strands of learning as possible suggests that it may also be logical for the RCLs that deliver EM1 to also deliver EM2, but this report does not specify that. He could envisage Westminster College making offerings for EM3. Westminster would continue as an RCL at the moment.

Moving to the discussion stage, the Moderator invited those who have a direct conflict of interest to speak first before recusing themselves.

The Revd John Bremnar, who is on the Board of Trustees of The Scottish College, noted that the difference in the numbers of students at LKTC and the Scottish College was not huge, despite the use of the terms 鈥減rimary鈥� and 鈥渃omplementary鈥� (which he suggested could be misleading). Dr Bradbury said that the main difference between the two institutions was the balance of resources required to maintain them.

Those who have a direct conflict of interest recused themselves before further discussion.

Lythan Nevard, Moderator of Eastern Synod, noted that only one candidate for stipendiary minister would begin training next year. She said that, as a denomination, we have not done enough to raise up potential candidates. She also said that to candidate for stipendiary ministry, an individual has to be under 54 鈥� which of our churches, she asked, has members who are under that age who are being discipled to candidate for ministry?

Simon Cross, Yorkshire, argued that the report was of insufficient quality and detail to be the basis for the Assembly鈥檚 decision-making. He asked: if the assumptions in the report 鈥渁re presented as facts, how can we accept its conclusions?鈥� He said the transitional arrangements are not defined but would be complex; and wondered how Westminster would continue to fulfil its charitable purposes?

Mr Cross proposed an amendment to Resolution 2, Section G: 鈥淎ssembly instructs the Business Committee and Resources Committee to work with Westminster College Governors to bring forward a clear transitional plan that ensure a fair financial settlement and enables Westminster College to continue fulfilling its charitable purposes, including through agreed areas of ministerial training and development, and to continue to play a full part in the Cambridge Theological Federation.鈥�

The proposed amendment was ruled out of order due to its financial implications which had not been discussed with the relevant committee.

In response to questions to date, Dr Bradbury said that the outcomes of this review could alter the balance of the identities that make up the United Reformed Church, and that the Church would have be to be alert to this in a very intentional way.

He argued that financial modelling is different from presenting facts; and he said he hadn鈥檛 heard any inaccuracies pointed to outside of that.

Alan Yates, the 两性色午夜 Treasurer responded to financial questions. He said that while he couldn鈥檛 guarantee that the remaining RCLs would flourish as a result of the proposals, the modelling done so far gave him hope. For the record, he said that there had been a difference of opinion over the modelling, and he also that he was never given any data about Westminster College fundraising.

A member of Thames North Synod feared for Westminster鈥檚 future 鈥� he worried that if the report was accepted, Westminster would soon be recorded in Assembly鈥檚 list of closing buildings.

The Revd Dr Charles Baczyk-Bell, the Church of England representative, thanked Assembly for its courage and realism. He said the CofE is having to make its own difficult decisions about theological institutions and that for too long 鈥渨e鈥檝e had our head in the sand鈥�. He said that he hoped his own Church would learn from the 两性色午夜鈥檚 deliberations.

Pfarrer Martin Henninger, Evangelische Kirche der Pfalz, spoke about his own experience of learning at Westminster. He said Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world 鈥� did the 两性色午夜 want to walk away from that; he said people at Cambridge would be forming the future of the country 鈥� was it not important for the 两性色午夜 to meet those people? In response, Dr Bradbury said that Cambridge鈥檚 reputation did not mean that other institutions didn鈥檛 also give excellent experiences for those training for ministry and for engaging with the public square.

Dr Bradbury agreed with the Revd Liz Adam, who took CRCW and Stipendiary modules at Northern College, that we can鈥檛 ignore the need to make brave choices 鈥� just as we say to local churches they must consider hard choices about moving out of, or closing, their buildings, we should be addressing our RCLs, with their 鈥渟ub-standard accommodation鈥�. She suggested that, from a carbon footprint point of view, Cambridge is the least easy location to reach without a car.

The Youth Moderator-Elect told Assembly that six young people had spoken to him in recent months about their interest in training for ministry but that he couldn鈥檛 say to them that there were flourishing RCLs for them to train at; that he also had to say that they would be training into a very fragile denomination.

The Moderator of Mersey Synod, the Revd Geoff Felton, spoke in part as a governor of Liverpool Hope University, which has recently cut to delivery theological training. He said he was listening hard to the debate and was wavering about how to vote. He was fearful that the 鈥渂readth of our theological education will be diminished鈥�. He said that underlying the paper is a question about discipleship 鈥� why do people no longer eel called to ministry? 鈥� it is a question we need to address, he said. Responding, Dr Bradbury reflected on the contracting theological education. He didn鈥檛 quite believe the contribution of non-conformist training colleges was no longer required. Her referred to comments by the Revd Aled Jones, Thames North Synod, who had been trained in Welsh Independence College 鈥� he said he had preached at its closure in 2022, but he now brought a word of hope. He had recognised that a long season had come to a close; nevertheless, that didn鈥檛 mean God was done with ministerial formation 鈥� training has carried on in another way. However, Dr Bradbury did question the wisdom of relying on universities for a full theological grounding and training for 两性色午夜 ministers 鈥� he wasn鈥檛 convinced this would always be available.听 The Revd Sally Bateman has benefited from the support of all RCLs during her doctoral training. Her concern was that Assembly was being asked to make a decision based on a report with serious issues; that insufficient weight had been given to the location of Westminster College 鈥� she spoke of a 鈥渟oft power鈥� benefit to being associated with Cambridge University. To leave Westminster might also lead to a weakening of ecumenical relations, she believed. She also felt that the criteria included in Paper A3 did not match the criteria set out by 2025 General Assembly; Dr Bradbury responded that the panel鈥檚 criteria accurately incorporated the requirements of the Minutes of 2025 General Assembly.

The Revd Dr Susan Durber, who has taught at LKTC and is a former Principal of Westminster College, proposed an additional paragraph (Section H.) to the resolution:

鈥淢indful of the need for our Resource Centres for Learning to have a strong complement of 两性色午夜 staff, encourages the Resources Committee [later amended to read 鈥渞elevant committees鈥漖 and the RCLs to work together to ensure a flourishing 两性色午夜 presence in staff teams and thus a continuing 两性色午夜 contribution to theological education.鈥�

Dr Bradbury said this amendment reflected a concern that had been felt by the panel, and he said the panel would accept Dr Durber鈥檚 amendment, with the change indicated above.

The Revd Dr Romilly Micklem said, 鈥淚f we wait for complete evidence, we may wait a very long time.鈥� He added that that there has always been over-capacity for 两性色午夜 students; and shared his concern about the money that will be required to look after Westminster鈥檚 Grade II Listed Building. Other speakers also contributed their own personal experiences of both training and spaces before the Moderator tested the mind of the Assembly.

On a vote, Resolution 2, including the addition of a new Section H, was passed.

Resolution 3 was also carried.

Both before and following the votes, the Moderator鈥檚 chaplain led Assembly in prayer.

Memorial for Deceased Ministers and听CRCWs
The General Assembly remembered the Ministers, Church Related Community Workers and others who had passed since its last meeting. The Revd Nicola Furley-Smith, Deputy General Secretary (Ministries), read out the names and the Chaplain to the Moderator, the Revd Jane Wade, led prayers.

Peter Digby Ball
Robert John Blows
Colin George Bones
Elizabeth Jean Brown
Janet Calderley
John Mackenzie Chisholm
Malcolm Bernard Clarke
John Cranley Cohen
Kenneth Mervyn Coles
Meryl Court
Peter Charles Cruchley
Graham Herbert Dadd
Robert Francis Damer
Lillian Evangeline Dean
Myra D Dillistone
John Colbeck Durell
Richard Eastman
Alan Frederick Theodore Evans
Mary Elaine Elizabeth Frost
James Ronald Garfitt
Richard Hambly
Kenneth Harris
Keith Leonard Havers
Geoffrey Herickx
Malcolm Hill
Alwyn John Knight
Michael John Lay
Lesley Anne McNeil
Elizabeth Denise Megson
David John Netherwood
Robert Freeland Philip
Barbara Plenderleith
Derek Charles Redfern
Michael James Rigney
Anthony Tony Ritchie
Geoffrey Smith
Michael John Bemrose Spencer
John Alan Stanyon
Brian Sadler Stone
Harold Robert Tonks
Valerie Ann Towler
John Wadhams
James Norman Walker
Robert John Way
Stephen Alexander Wilkins
Alan Frederick Edward Wise
Ambrose David Wright

Giving thanks for the life of churches that have closed
The General Assembly gave thanks for the life of churches that had closed, or had ceased being a Local Ecumenical project, since the last meeting. Prayers for the life and mission of those churches were shared by the Chaplain.

Synod 1 鈥� Northern Synod
St Cuthbert鈥檚 Heaton LEP, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 31 August 2025

Synod 2 鈥� North Western Synod
Edgeley Community Church, Stockport, 14 February 2026
St Peter鈥檚 Church LEP, Manchester, 14 December 2025

Synod 4 鈥� Yorkshire Synod
Lowedges, Michael Church, Sheffield, 28 February 2026
Riddlesden United Reformed Church, Keighley, 31 January 2026

Synod 5 鈥� East Midlands Synod
Trinity United Reformed Church, Lincoln, 31 January 2026
Harrold & Carlton LEP, Bedford, 31 December 2025
Oadby United Reformed Church, Leicester, 29 March 2026
London Road United Reformed Church, Kettering, 31 March 2026

Synod 6 鈥� West Midlands Synod
Baxter United Reformed Church, Kidderminster, 31 August 2025

Synod 7 鈥� Eastern Synod
Southchurch Park United Reformed Church, Southend-on-Sea, 28 March 2026

Synod 8 鈥� South Western Synod
Martock United Reformed Church, Martock, Somerset, 3 August 2025
Curry Rivel United Reformed Church, Curry Rivel, Somerset, 1 June 2025

Synod 9 鈥� Wessex Synod
Hope United Reformed Church, Weymouth, 22 February 2026
Wonersh United Reformed Church, Wonersh, Surrey, 19 October 2025

Synod 11 鈥� Southern Synod
Pagham United Reformed Church, Pagham, West Sussex, 29 November 2025

Synod 12 鈥� Wales Synod
Tabernacle United Reformed Church, Holywell, Flintshire, 30 September 2025
Tabernacle United Reformed Church, Llanvaches, Newport, 7 December 2025

Synod 13 鈥� Scotland Synod
Hamilton United Reformed Church, Hamilton, 28 September 2025
Greenock West United Reformed Church, Greenock, 31 December 2025

Celebrating Jubilee Ministers
The Revd Nicola Furley-Smith, Deputy General Secretary (Ministries), led Assembly in celebrating ministers who have marked significant periods of service:

Celebrating 70 years of ordained ministry in 2026:
Robert William Courtney, Charles Knowlson Meachin, David Stollery Morris

Celebrating 60 years of ordained ministry in 2026:
Clabon James Allen, Robert Andrews, David Batchelor, Michael John Cruchley, David Murray Cuckson, Lesley Gordon Giller, Rosemary Ruth Hartley, Glyn Jenkins, Kenneth William Marsh, Hugh Nixon McKee, Donald William Norwood, Leonard Rees Phelps, David Alistair Pratt, Rodney Alan Ward, Leonard John Wigg, David Wiseman

Celebrating 50 years of ordained ministry in 2026:
Derek Corner, Jack William Dyce, Brian O鈥橬eill, David Raymond Peel, David Trafford, Elizabeth Anne Welch.

Greeting听ministers and CRCWs newly received onto the roll听
Nicola listed those who have been admitted to the Roll of Ministers of the Word and Sacraments, 1 April 2025 to 30 April 2026

By ordination and induction: Margaret Elizabeth Dexter-Brown, Susan Ann Knight, Clare Nutbrown-Hughes, Maurice Philips Omorojie, Tina Louise Wilson

By transfer from other Churches: Packiaraj Asirvatham (Church of South India), Juan Cruz (Presbyterian Church in the Philippines), Nomaqhawe Marambi (United Church of Zimbabwe)

The Moderator greeted the Revd Elizabeth Welch on her 50^th Anniversary of Ordination, the Revd Maurice Philips Omorojie on being Ordained and Inducted as a new Minister, the Revd Juan Cruz after his transfer from the Presbyterian Church in the Philippines, the Revd Nomaqhawe Marambi after her transfer from United Church of Zimbabwe, the Revd Dr Phil Wall, the new Head of Ministries Learning and Development, and Dr Jo Griffiths, the new Head of Children鈥檚, Youth, Intergenerational and Discipleship.

Session听eleven

Synod Moderators’ Report: (Extra) Ordinary Hope
Lythan Nevard, Moderator of Eastern Synod and Geoff Felton, Moderator of Mersey Synod, presented an invitation to reflect on our hope in Jesus and on where we can bring God鈥檚 hope into the world today.

Their report said, 鈥楬ope is rooted not in the achievements of individuals or human institutions but on the character and promises of God as fulfilled in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.鈥�

Lythan said that 鈥榟ope鈥� was a word we had heard more than any other through General Assembly 鈥� apart from Moderator.

Other synod moderators shared their idea of what hope is, including:

• Something beyond our imagination
• Sharing the unconditional love of God
• What we have to share with broken world
• Found in Jesus
• God鈥檚 kingdom coming on earth
• Participating in what God is doing

The Moderators invited Assembly, and local churches, to discuss:

• If we say we put our hope in Jesus, how should this shape how we live?
• How can we demonstrate that we are hopeful people?
• What does hope look like in your context?
• What does it mean to let go of what is known, with hope?

The Moderators鈥� report is here

The meeting then closed with prayers and worship.

Reporting team: Andy Jackson, Ann-Marie Nye, Laurence Wareing and Steve Tomkins.

The post General Assembly 2026: day three round-up, 5 July appeared first on United Reformed Church.

Mrs Irish Sirmons, Convenor of the General Assembly Business Committee, welcomed members of Assembly.听

The Bible was brought forward by Ms Kacie Hodgson, Moderator of Youth Assembly, and she was followed by officials of Assembly. The Revd Dr John Bradbury, General Secretary, invited the Moderator, through her chaplain, and an act of worship, to constitute General Assembly 2026.听

Opening worship听

An opening service of worship was led by the Moderator鈥檚 Chaplain, the Revd Jane Wade; beginning with Bessie Porter Head 鈥榮 hymn 鈥淥 breath of life come sweeping through us鈥�.听

Having retold the story of the first Pentecost (Acts 2: 2-4), Jane said that, as Assembly, 鈥渨e do not gather because we have all the answers, but because God鈥檚 Spirit is still at work, inspiring and guiding鈥�. She introduced the theme of the weekend鈥檚 Bible studies: 鈥淕od empowers ordinary people in ordinary places to do extraordinary things鈥�.听God does not call the equipped; God equips the called, she said 鈥� a theme underlined by a reading from St Paul鈥檚 first letter to the Corinthians, verses18 to 31.听

Jane invited听the听Revd Dr Peter Green听to introduce his Bible study series for Assembly.听听

Peter said his Bible studies would focus on individuals who in one way or another were marginal in their societies: Melchizedek; the unnamed Syrophoenician/Canaanite woman who asks Jesus to exorcise her daughter; and the apostle Barnabas.听

He said two principles apply to the readings at the heart of the studies:听听

1. The whole of Scripture is the story of听the human race听鈥� 鈥測our story and mine is in scripture鈥�,听so we听have to听ask, 鈥淲here am I in this story? Who am I in this story?鈥�听
2. The New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament; the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament.
   听

Inspired by words of C.S. Lewis, Peter added that Scripture passages that include details we nowadays find repellent听more often than not听hold important truths, especially if look for the ways in which Old and New Testaments are intertwined. He concluded that 鈥渙ur hope and prayer is that, with the gift of the Holy Spirit, really ordinary people will be empowered to do extraordinary things鈥�,听adding that 鈥渢hese could be extraordinarily bad things but we hope they will be extraordinarily good things鈥�.听

Jane Wade then led Assembly in the sharing of Holy Communion.听

Ecumenical guests

Ms Lindsey Brown, Head of Ecumenical Relations and Evangelism, introduced ecumenical guests from the UK:

• Fr Marc Homsey, National Ecumenical Officer for the听Catholic Church in England and Wales
• Right Revd Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the Church of Scotland General Assembly
• Revd Tom Osborne, Methodist Church in Britain
• Revd David Warboys, Baptist Union
• Revd Dr Charles Baczyk-Bell, Church of England

Ms Karen Campbell, Head of Global and Intercultural Ministries, welcomed guests from international partner Churches:

• Janet McConnell, Council for World Mission Secretary for Social Justice
• Pfarrer Martin Henninger, Evangelische Kirche der Pfalz
• Dr Joanna Simpson from Jamaica (Assistant Lecturer, University of the West Indies)
• Revd Najla Kassab, National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon,听and a former President of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (2017鈥�25)
• Sadly unable to be at Assembly in person was the Right Revd Dr Collin Cowan, Moderator, United Church of Jamaica & the Cayman Islands

Fr Marc Homsey and the Revd Najla Kassab were invited to address General Assembly.

Fr Marc Homsey said it is an exciting time for the Catholic Church, with a new Pope who has already shown how important ecumenical relations are to him. He said that the fourth phase of the Roman Catholic/两性色午夜 Dialogue Group will soon be convened by the 两性色午夜鈥檚 General Secretary, the Revd Dr John Bradbury, and Bishop Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary Bishop for the Kent area of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Southwark. The discussions have the working title, 鈥淏eing the People of God鈥�.

The Revd Najla Kassab said that, recently, she had walked over a bombed bridge that crosses the border from Lebanon into Syria, in order to visit churches that are in her synod. 鈥淭he bridge had been damaged, but it still did not stop me from reaching out and to live hope. It reminded me that nothing 鈥� not even war, destruction 鈥� can separate us from sharing the love of Christ with one another. God’s love always finds a way 两性色午夜 broken places.鈥�

She said that though Assembly was gathering in a world marked by uncertainty, conflict, and deep division, 鈥測et we remain people of hope because our hope is rooted in the living Christ鈥�, and she said: 鈥淢ay we all have the courage to cross bridges 鈥� not only the physical bridges damaged by war, but also the invisible bridges that divide our communities, our churches. May we dare to see the world from the other side of the bridge, to discover perspectives different from our own, and to stand where God stands 鈥� with those who long for justice, peace, and hope.鈥�

Session one听

Introductions and Greeting of Ecumenical Guests听

En bloc听

The following reports and resolutions were passed听en听bloc. En bloc items 1are voted on without debate, having been听deemed听uncontroversial. This has no reflection on their importance.听Read the full reports and resolutions听for听each听paper.听听

Synod Moderator鈥檚 Report
An invitation to churches to reflect on听our hope in Jesus and on where we can bring God鈥檚 hope into the world today.听听

Senior Leadership Team Report
An听update on听the work of the team, and the agenda for work听emerging听from the General Assembly.听听

A1 鈥� Business Committee Report听
An update on the work of the committee and decisions taken on behalf of the General Assembly since Assembly Executive met in February 2026.听听

AD1 鈥� Church Life Fund Progress Update
Approving the terms of reference of the CLF听Committee and听providing for the appointment of committee members.听

B1 鈥� Faith in Action Committee Report听
An overview of the work of the committee and team since September 2025, including children, youth and intergenerational; communications; equalities, diversity and belonging; evangelism and ecumenism; global and intercultural ministries; global justice and interfaith; lay learning; public issues.听

B4 鈥� Future of 两性色午夜 at 两性色午夜听
Extending the 两性色午夜鈥檚 presence at 两性色午夜 festival for three years, granting funding and requiring annual reports on effectiveness.听

B5 鈥� Net-Zero Task Group Report
An update on the activity of the Task Group, including the report on annual synods鈥� progress towards net zero.听

B6 鈥� Net-Zero Terms of Reference听
Adopting terms of reference for the Net Zero Task Group.听

C4 鈥� Active Ministers Policy听
Adopting the revised Active Ministers Policy, which provides a framework for the recognition,听authorisation听and accountability of active Ministers of the Word and Sacraments, and CRCWs.听

C5听鈥撎齀nactive听Ministers Policy听
Adopting the Inactive Ministers Policy, which distinguishes between lifelong ordination and current听authorisation听to minister.

C6 鈥� Review of Ministers Retirement Age听
Affirming the normal retirement age of 68 for Ministers of Word and Sacraments and CRCWs, and the existing procedure for extension.听

C7 鈥� Process for ill-health early retirement听
Adopting the process for the ill-health early retirement of听office-holders, aiming that ministers continue to be treated听in accordance with听the current arrangements.听

C8 鈥� Competencies and Expected Standards听
Adopting the framework of Competencies and Expected Standards of Conduct and听Behaviour听for Ministers.听听

C9 鈥� Reasonable Adjustments
Adopting the Reasonable Adjustments Policy, which aims to remove barriers arising from disability or health conditions for Ministers, CRCWs and those in training.听

C10 鈥� Sickness and Ill-health听
Adopting the revised Sickness and Ill Health Policy for Ministers of the Word and Sacraments and Church Related Community Workers, following changes to the law.听

C11 鈥� Accreditations Sub-Committee Terms of Reference听
Adopting the revised terms of reference for the Accreditations Sub-Committee of the Ministries Committee.

CD1 鈥� Ministry & Mission Fund Review Task Group
An update on the work of the Resolution 46 Task Group,听established听to undertake a 两性色午夜-wide consultation on the sustainability of the Ministry and Mission Fund. The process is being developed, and findings and options will be brought to听General听Assembly in 2027.听

CH1 鈥揗inistries Support and Wellbeing Sub-Committee听
Creating a single Ministries Support and Wellbeing Committee, bringing together the work of the Pastoral Reference and Welfare Committee and听the听Maintenance of the Ministry Sub-Committee.听

G1 鈥� Nominations Committee Report听
Establishing best practice for selecting synod reps for General Assembly, to be communicated through听new resources. Two members of the Church Life Fund Committee will be coopted to ensure diversity. Appointments include the Revd Dr John Bradbury as General Secretary, and the Revd Jamie Kissack as Moderator of the Yorkshire Synod, both for second terms.听

H1 鈥� Pastoral References and Welfare Committee Report听
Update on the work and future of the committee and its oversight of welfare funds.听

I1 鈥� Safeguarding Committee Report听
Annual update of safeguarding in the 两性色午夜, including highlights, risk areas, areas of development, and a summary of church safeguarding returns.听

J1 鈥� Worship,听Faith听and Order Committee Report听
An update on the work of the committee.听

J4 鈥� Assisted Dying听
Commending 鈥楢 Theological Resource on Assisted Dying鈥� to churches as an aid to discussion.听

J5 鈥� Permission to Coopt Members
Allowing the Worship,听Faith听and Order Committee to听co-opt听specialists and 两性色午夜 members of ecumenical or international bodies.听听

P1 鈥� New Synod Name听
Changing the name of the Wessex Synod to the Wessex and Islands Synod, from 1 January 2027.听

Nomination听of individual听appointments听
The听appointments听were听celebrated听at General听Assembly听and greetings were offered to:听听

• The Revd Dr听John Bradbury is appointed to serve as General Secretary for a further term of five years.听
• The听Revd Jamie Kissack听is appointed to serve听as Moderator of Yorkshire Synod听for听a听further five-year term.听
• The Revd Revd Nicola Furley-Smith is reappointed to serve a second term as Deputy General Secretary (Ministries); and 听听
• Karen Campbell is reappointed to serve a second term as Head of Global and Intercultural Church听
• Mike Thomason was also welcomed as Moderator of听North Western听Synod.听

Keynote 鈥� Dr Krish Kandiah on 鈥淭he Surprising Power of Hospitality – how to respond to the rise of Christian Nationalism with grace and truth”听

is founder of The Sanctuary Foundation, a charity that supports refugees to find welcome, work and housing in the UK. He is also a passionate advocate for supporting children out of the care system through adoption, fostering and kinship care. He was invited by the Moderator, Catriona Wheeler, to address Assembly.

Krish said that his theme was radical hospitality and what he regards as its polar opposite 鈥� toxic nationalism.

He spoke about his own family, which has grown out of a mixed-race heritage. His mother was brought over to Britain from an orphanage in India and became a nurse, 鈥渢o give something back鈥� to the country that had given her a home, but experienced extreme racism and xenophobia. She responded by cooking up a meal every Friday and inviting others who didn鈥檛 鈥渇it in鈥� (including 鈥渁 tall, young Malaysian student鈥� who became Krish鈥檚 father).

Krish, who has founded a fostering and adoption charity, used this topic as way of helping Assembly understand what radical hospitality can look like. He said that one of the ways we show what the grace of God is like is by caring for the most vulnerable in society. He said that, though we are all experiencing the same world (and Assembly members chose quite dark words to describe it 鈥� 鈥渃oncerning, worrying, challenging, confusing鈥�), as Christians we should see the world differently. Sometimes we struggle to do this, Krish said.

He used the example of Robert, a child in care, who, at five-years-old has 鈥渄ifficult to manage behaviour鈥�. Krish said that most prospective adopters who consider Robert鈥檚 profile move on because they are concerned about what that behaviour will look like when he鈥檚 15. Krish鈥檚 question was: 鈥淲hen God looks at Robert, what does God see?鈥� A range of possibilities were offered, with discussion focusing on questions of vulnerability and humanity. Krish then used these responses to speak about what he sees as a parallel issue: attitudes to those coming to the UK from other countries.

Krish compared the public response to providing a home for refugees from Ukraine with similar appeals to provide hospitality to refugees from Sudan and young medical evacuees from Gaza. 鈥淚t probably took as much effort to get five Gazan children over [to the UK] with their mothers as it took to bring 250,000 Ukrainians. He cited his experience of Christians who were critical of what Hamas had done in Israel but had then applied the same anger towards the care of Gazan children in need.

Using a clip of an interview he had given to GB News, Krish emphasised the need to see as human those who disagree with you. He argued that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, had a voice for those who were weary and heavy laden, and another voice for 鈥渢he wolves鈥� 鈥� a voice that criticised religious leaders. He said that sometimes 鈥渨e use the wrong voice on the wrong people. I think if Jesus was looking at the audience of GB News, he would offer them rest too.鈥� He argued that we need to be welcoming to those white, working-class people who have been left behind as well as those who have fled to our country for asylum. It鈥檚 both/and, not either/or, he said. As people of God, in our local church we are part of the local but care about the global. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 choose between your heart or your lungs 鈥� one is not more important than the other. When we are speaking out for the vulnerable, speak for local and global at the same time so that you can鈥檛 be accused of being for one and not for the other.鈥�

Finally, Krish spoke of Christian leaders taking distinct political positions: some 听鈥渏umping into the culture war with both feet, mainly from the right-wing end of the political spectrum鈥� and using the Christian faith as a barrier to keep other people out; others drawn to 鈥渢he other end of the political spectrum 鈥� equity, welcome, fighting injustice 鈥撯�� but arguably pursuing a 鈥減rogressive project that goes beyond what the Bible says鈥�. Others avoid both extremes but end up 鈥渘eutering鈥� the Bible and abdicating from the Church鈥檚 prophetic task. Our work, Krish concluded, is to be discerning 鈥� to show the world that God calls us to radical hospitality.

Paper B3 鈥� Faith in Action – Inter Faith
The Faith in Action Committee presented a report on the 两性色午夜鈥檚 interfaith work, with three resolutions, in different areas, which were all passed.

Resolution 7 is to work towards a joint Christian-Muslim declaration. The past year has been a wake-up call for the Church鈥檚 commitment to interfaith work, the committee says. The rise of far-right nationalism invoking the name of Jesus to vilify other religions is sending shockwaves through the Church.

However, there is no established structure for Muslim-Christian engagement at senior denominational level. The resolution is intended as a step towards such an organisation. The committee will report back on progress to the 2027 Assembly.

Sarah Lane Cawte, Convenor of Faith in Action Committee, said the resolution was about overcoming division and intolerance, and developing more cohesive and resilient communities.

She commended the publication 鈥楻eaching Out In Love鈥�, an interfaith toolkit developed by the Revd Peter Colwell, and published by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. .

Resolution 8 commends prayerful study of 鈥楰airos II鈥�, a document produced by Palestinian Christians reflecting their experience and perspective. Ms Lane Cawte said that 鈥楰airos II鈥� was offered for reflection, not in the expectation that readers would necessarily agree with all of it. She said the committee had consulted with the Council for Christians and Jews, who would be responding to 鈥楰airos II鈥� in due course.

Resolution 9 creates a task group to address antisemitism in the Church. Ms Lane Cawte said members of Assembly might be shocked by the idea of antisemitism in the 两性色午夜, but she compared it to the 两性色午夜 having learned that it needed to tackle racism and start to become an anti-racist church. The Woolf institute has identified areas for review.

A point emerged in debate which Ms Lane Cawte heartily agreed with: commending involvement in local authority Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) meetings.

Paper B2 鈥� Five Marks of the Faith in Action Team
General Assembly commended the Five Marks for the Faith in Action (FiA) team, which was created last September following a restructure with the staff of the Office of General Assembly.听听

The framework for the team was to support its work and help to set priorities. It used a framework based on the Five Marks of Mission and adapted it for the work of the team, helping it to ensure coverage of all areas related to discipleship and mission.听听听

Jenny Mills, Deputy General Secretary (Faith in Action), said: 鈥淲e knew that a clear framework for our work would help us become better at not only asking 鈥榳hat shall we do鈥�,听but also what should we stop doing. This idea blossomed and is already providing the what, the how and the why whilst听we鈥檙e听focusing on mission and discipleship in their widest forms 鈥� I offer this paper to the General Assembly as an act of encouragement for the whole听FiA听team.鈥�听

The team is responding to a wide range of General Assembly听work听so there is need for a broad, descriptive framework to clarify it.

The paper included next steps, future听suggestions听and the听FiA听Team Creed.听

Paper P6 鈥� Mersey Synod – Evangelism
Presenting Paper 6 on behalf of Mersey Synod, its Moderator, the Revd Geoff Felton, said that the paper wasn鈥檛 so much about bringing resolutions as about inviting local congregations to express, confidently, the hope that we find in Christ and the Gospel life we express through worship. The paper had arisen out of the Synod鈥檚 Talking Faith project, designed to help churches build confidence among church members to enter into conversation about questions of faith.

Emphasising the centrality of worship, the report described evangelism as “a matter of discipleship not desperation” and as best understood as “invitation to encounter”. It argued that hesitancy to speak confidently about the Church as Christ’s presence in the here and now “can unintentionally weaken evangelistic confidence”.

One member of Assembly asked, with reference to a comment in the paper, which forms of mission and theologies are 鈥渋nsufficient鈥�. Mr Felton said there was concern about when the work of God is not considered to be active in the world today but did say no particular theology was being criticsed. Another speaker asked about materials that might be recommended to help churches make evangelism integral to their work. Mersey Synod has produced some resources that are available to others but Mr Felton said it would be helpful if other 两性色午夜 resources were produced nationally.

In response to another question, Mr Felton said that evangelism in Mersey Synod became increasingly 鈥渞elational鈥� as a result of the Talking Faith initiative 鈥� it wasn鈥檛 about enforcing certain ideologies.

Resolution 61, containing Mersey Synod鈥檚 invitation to affirm evangelism as integral to the life and mission of the United Reformed Church, was passed.

Session two

Paper B7 – Legacies of Slavery: Affirming the will and finding the way(s)
Introducing the discussion, Lindsey Brown, Head of Evangelism & Ecumenism, explained that the paper on the Legacies of Slavery being presented to General Assembly was, in one sense, a formality. Much of its content had already been considered by previous General Assemblies, which had authorised the work undertaken so far. However, she stressed that some formal decisions and processes still needed to be completed. The purpose of both the paper and the discussion session was therefore to enable the Assembly to formally ratify work that was already underway, while also providing an opportunity for questions, concerns and further reflection. Lindsey noted that although the journey began several years ago, not everyone in the Church has been part of those conversations. She encouraged members to engage with the issues, share differing viewpoints where necessary, and help shape the work going forward so that as many people as possible can participate in the Church鈥檚 ongoing journey of learning and action.听

Lindsey then asked each of the panel members 鈥� David Reynolds, Joanna Simpson and Karen Campbell 鈥� to introduce themselves and explain why they had engaged with the issues around Legacies of Slavery. 听

David Reynolds, Convenor of the 两性色午夜鈥檚 Legacies of Slavery group
David explained that he became involved after being asked to take on the role by John Bradbury. As a historian who teaches and writes about the past, he was concerned that Britain is often not fully honest about its history, an issue that he believes is closely connected to his Christian faith. Reynolds described his involvement in the project as both a responsibility and one of the most moving experiences of his Christian life. Working alongside people from a range of backgrounds and perspectives has deepened his understanding and reinforced the importance of the Church engaging honestly with the legacies of slavery and their continuing impact today.听

Dr Joanna Simpson, Lecturer in Community Social Work 鈥� University of West Indies
Joanna reflected on how her work in community social work and her upbringing in Jamaica shaped her understanding of justice and social transformation. As the daughter of a pastor committed to social justice, she was exposed from听a young age听to communities facing significant challenges and saw the impact faith could have on people rebuilding their lives. Her later research into crime and violence in Jamaica led her to examine the deeper social and historical causes of these issues. She concluded that many present-day inequalities and patterns of violence are rooted in the enduring legacy of colonialism and its impact on communities. Joanna emphasised that tackling these challenges requires addressing the social factors that undermine dignity and opportunity. She also highlighted the vital role of churches and faith volunteers in promoting justice,听mercy听and transformation, particularly through supporting young people and responding to issues such as youth violence.听

Karen Campbell, Head of Global & Intercultural Church
Karen reflected on her journey with the 两性色午夜鈥檚 Legacies of Slavery programme, which began in 2017 through the Council for World Mission鈥檚 work exploring the history and continuing impact of transatlantic slavery. She explained that, despite growing up in the UK as the daughter of Jamaican parents and being aware of racism and inequality, she had not fully understood how deeply these experiences were connected to the legacy of slavery. Through her involvement in the project and later the 两性色午夜 task group, she embarked on a significant journey of learning and reflection. Since taking a leading role in the work in 2020, she has sought to encourage others to engage with the same process of learning. Karen听emphasised听that people begin from听different backgrounds听and levels of understanding, but the important thing is a willingness to听grow in听awareness, become allies, and help bring about positive change.听

Lindsey Brown, Head of Evangelism & Ecumenism
Speaking about the 两性色午夜’s work on the legacies of slavery, Lindsey recalled that many local churches initially felt disconnected from the issue, seeing it as something from the distant past with little relevance to them. As an elder, Lindsey experienced this reaction firsthand during the consultation process. Joining one of the Legacies of Slavery subgroups gave her the opportunity to听represent听those perspectives, but it also became a significant learning journey. Lindsey reflected on how much she had not previously understood about the subject and described the process as both eye-opening and challenging. Lindsey said she believes the 两性色午夜’s extensive consultation, which engaged the whole Church from the outset, has enabled it to make greater progress on the issue than some other denominations.听

Video presentation by the Revd Dr Collin Cowan
The Revd Dr Collin Cowan, Moderator of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI), praised the 两性色午夜 for its “courage and commitment” in acknowledging its historical involvement in transatlantic slavery and committing to reparative justice.听

Speaking from the UCJCI’s first Garden of Justice, Reconciliation and Peace, Dr Cowan described the 两性色午夜 as the first church within the Council for World Mission to respond to the call to address the legacies of slavery through apology and practical action.听

He said reparations are not about charity or token gestures, but about repairing broken relationships and working together to create a more just future.听

“When we talk about reparations, first and foremost we’re talking about building bridges of reconciliation,” he said. “Only after we have repaired broken relationships can we talk about financial relinquishment.”听

Reflecting on the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Dr Cowan said the storm had exposed the continuing legacies of slavery, with the poorest communities suffering the greatest losses. Many people听remain听without secure housing months after the hurricane, leaving them vulnerable as another hurricane season approaches.听

He urged the 两性色午夜 to continue its partnership with the UCJCI by supporting the creation of three new villages to provide safe housing for communities most affected by both the hurricane and the long-term effects of historic injustice.听

“If the United Reformed Church were to work with the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, we could build at least one of these three villages,” he said.听

Calling on churches to confront their shared history, Dr Cowan concluded: “We must do whatever it takes to change that narrative and create hospitable communities in which all of us will flourish together, live in peace and harmony, serve one another and give听honour听and glory to the God of justice.”听

Lindsey then explained the three-strand 鈥榬epairing justice鈥� proposals of the paper: global, regional, and local aspects.听

David and Karen highlighted key points of the Global strand. David explained that the legacy of slavery听remains听visible in Jamaica today. He highlighted that around 30% of the population has no legal right to the land on which they live, leaving many families听living听in insecure housing.听

He said Hurricane Melissa had exposed that vulnerability, with many of those already living in precarious circumstances suffering the greatest losses.听

Referring to Issue 3 of听Reformed听magazine, David explained that the Churches Reparations Action Forum (CRAF) is working to use church-owned land to develop sustainable, hurricane-resilient housing as a practical response to the continuing legacy of slavery.听

Joanna 鈥� who visited the 两性色午夜鈥檚 central office in November as part of a collaborative project between the 两性色午夜 and the Ascension Trust about a听mentoring project for young black man in key demographic areas of the 两性色午夜听鈥� shared powerfully about the听Regional听strand.听

Joanna started by reflecting on a biblical basis for reparative听justice and听said that the Church is called not only to pray and worship, but also to take practical action against injustice.听听

Drawing on Isaiah 58鈥�61, she argued that God calls Christians to “loose the chains of injustice”, care for those who are oppressed, comfort the broken-hearted and work for justice and mercy. Jonna went on to say that the legacy of slavery, including its ongoing trauma, is part of that calling, and added that the Church’s mission is to combine evangelism with practical expressions of love and justice. “God requires it,” she said. “Faith must be lived out in acts of justice, mercy and love for our听neighbour”.听

Karen outlined the third strand of the Legacies of Slavery programme, which focuses on anti-racism within the 两性色午夜 itself. She said the Church’s anti-racism training is designed to encourage reflection rather than听provide听simple right-and-wrong answers, inviting people to examine privilege, challenge assumptions and听recognise听systemic racism. While the training has been well received, Karen said lasting change will require more than individual learning. The challenge, she said, is transforming the culture and structures of the听Church听so they no longer unintentionally perpetuate inequality. “We have yet to make that individual journey come together to change the听organisation,” she said.听

Each panel member then spoke about what has brought them joy about the work so far. A key moment听mentioned听was the 两性色午夜鈥檚 confession and apology for听its听role in听the听Transatlantic听Slave Trade.听

Assembly then broke up into groups, to discuss the follow questions:

• How do you understand the term 鈥渞eparations鈥� or 鈥渞epairing justice鈥�听
• What does it mean for the 两性色午夜 to be a community of justice in the face of injustice (how听might this relate to our response to the Legacies of Slavery?听
• What clarification do you need听regarding听these specific proposals听

The paper will be discussed again on day two of Assembly.听听

Reporting team: Andy Jackson, Ann-Marie Nye, Laurence Wareing, Steve Tomkins. Pictures: Kevin Snyman.

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