{"id":1973,"date":"2025-07-06T20:39:12","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T20:39:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urc.org.uk\/?p=59671"},"modified":"2025-07-06T20:39:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-06T20:39:12","slug":"general-assembly-2025-day-three-round-up-6-july","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/standrewsurcrustington.org.uk\/?p=1973","title":{"rendered":"General Assembly 2025: day three round-up 6 July"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day three of the 2025 meeting of the United Reformed Church General Assembly at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick opened with a Bible study led by Dr Francesca Nuzzolese, <\/span>Professor of Pastoral Care at the <\/span>Waldensian Theological School in Rome. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

She invited members of Assembly to recreate holy silence they experienced yesterday: centre themselves, meet Jesus and reconnect with holy rest. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

She explained that the care for oneself, which she described yesterday, is the first step of journey, not to be mistaken for destination. Our destination is care for our neighbour out of radical compassion. But not all of us manage this, including those in and training for pastoral ministry. Why? <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Dr Nuzzolese suggested that the Old Testament directs us to compassion for the other quite narrowly defined: widows, orphans. Jesus, in contrast, stretches the definition to breaking point. Jesus calls us to move in compassion towards the other who threatens us. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

We are wired to protect and to run away, not to move kindly towards danger. A few are able: Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Jesus.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

And the Samaritan in Jesus\u2019 story. What enables him to cross boundary and move toward suffering? <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

In Christ we are seen, loved and healed. But, said Dr Nuzzolese, we see the limits of this in most people\u2019s behaviour. Belief and practice are in tension. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Biblical seeing is not a glance, it is giving attention to someone, becoming attuned to them, comprehending them. This is what a parent does to a baby, and it can stop the baby crying. Something similar happens in therapy: being attuned to someone gives us power to communicate compassion, which leads to healing. She quoted the Christian mystic Simone Weil: \u2018Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.\u2019<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus asks same of us, said Dr Nuzzolese. The Greek word that is translated \u2018compassion\u2019 in the story of the Good Samaritan describes a response at the level of the gut, the bowels. Empathy is not enough.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

The movement towards suffering reflects the image of God in us. It is what God does in Christ. Jesus moved with compassion moves towards the enemy.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

This movement, she said, requires inner resilience and spiritual maturity. It is not offered out of sense of duty but out of groundedness. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

So why not normative, even for those being trained in pastoral care? Dr Nuzzolese suggested that some are not capable of it at a core human level. Woundedness can prevent us being attuned and stop us offering spiritual care without leaving the room sterile. Personal trauma can leave people too wounded to be healers. Anxiety and fear of attack can create unsafe spaces, maybe cause us to shut down. Spiritual fatigue, she said, can also leave a film over the eyes prevents the kind of seeing that leads to compassion. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

For these reasons we need to cultivate spiritual practices, contemplation and safe relationships. So, Dr Nuzzolese again concluded by leading Assembly in receptive centred prayer.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Session seven <\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n

Paper N1 Church Life Review \u2013 Progress and local church perspective<\/span><\/b><\/a>
At General Assembly 2025, the Revd Steve Faber, Convenor of the Church Life Review Steering Group, delivered a key presentation updating members on the progress of the Church Life Review (CLR), now in Phase Two (design). <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Phase Two of the CLR, was tasked by General Assembly in 2023 to focus on four workstreams. These consist <\/span>of financial resource sharing (finance), provision of shared support services (services), employment of lay workers (lay workers), and new URC communities of worship and discipleship (new communities). <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

The report does not present any final proposals or resolutions but sets the stage for the extraordinary session in November 2025, where decisions will be made.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

The presentation showed the need for change within the wider challenges facing many Christian denominations across Europe, including declining membership, increased regulatory demands, and the lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was acknowledged that many URC structures have remained largely unchanged since 1972, and that continuing \u201cas is\u201d is no longer viable.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The work is guided by a collaborative process involving consultations and shaped by biblical inspiration, particularly Jeremiah 29\u2019s encouragement to \u201cget on with life.\u201d The Steering Group has n<\/span>ot heard from every member of the denomination but has heard from many across the Church in a way that has never happened before. Steve highlighted key gatherings that have taken place, with a variety of members of the URC serving in various roles, such as in June 2024 (finance), November 2024 (shared services) and January 2025 (new communities), and May 2025 (shared fund proposal) for examples. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Key proposals discussed include a central resources portal, shared administrative services (like payroll, HR, and IT), and the idea of employing lay workers more strategically, either at the local or Synod level. A major factor is the proposed Church Life Fund, which will finance these developments and provide support to churches and communities in need, whether urban congregations burdened by maintenance costs or rural areas struggling with isolation and decline.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

The overall hope is of a flourishing URC that is less burdened and better enabled, with renewed energy for mission, evangelism, and discipleship. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Elizbeth Hall, a member of the CLR steering group gave a couple of examples of how the CLR can help local churches. She told a story of an urban church that had seen better days, was facing increased unfunded costs for maintenance. Which was burdened with thoughts around health and safety and safeguarding bureaucracy for groups renting its premises. The church has little energy left and its focus on mission and vision is crowded out by all the process and protocols. The CLR, Elizabeth explained, could help the church, not by providing the perfect solution, but by providing, for example, a central place for for agreed documents, where Health and Safety and risk assessment forms can be easily found. Advice can be provided around filling said form, along with the provision of \u201cback room\u201d. This can result in lifting enthusiasm and reduce anxiety.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Elizabeth gave another example featuring a rural church and their concerns around struggling to engage people in their communities to come to church, as a result of the reduction in local transport links, and people not living locally. The CLR could support for allowing space to focus on community and mission and support for eldership. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Another example given, was a place without a church, such as an estate identified as having a spiritual need by a group of people or a person with energy and mission on their minds. \u201cWhat can CLR do?\u201d asked Elizabeth, \u201cit could make funding available for a new expression of the URC, or it might help improve something already there\u201d. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Elizabeth explained clearly that the expectation was not that the CLR could fix everything found hard in churches, nor will it prevent discussions around church closures, but the hope for a church that is less burned, better enabled and flourishing is very important.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt can support real cultural change in the URC and support renewal and growth,\u201d she said.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

The presentation concluded with an invitation to embrace changes with courage and hope, recognising that transformation, while challenging, is essential for the Church\u2019s continued witness and growth.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Session nine<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n

Paper ADH2 Proposals for capacity and costs in formation of accredited and recognised ministries<\/span><\/a> <\/span>  <\/span><\/p>\n

Session ten<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n

General Assembly Moderator\u2019s address<\/span><\/b>
\u201cI am much more optimistic about the URC than when I began,\u201d said the Revd Tim Meadows in his address as Moderator of General Assembly. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Tim said he had aimed to visit every synod during his year as Moderator and did so. He was enthusiastic about his visits to ministers\u2019 retreats, CRCW retreats and Youth Assembly, and acknowledged the sacrifice made by his home churches.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

He shared the unexpected power of being part of the Remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph in November \u2013 and being glared at by Liz Truss. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the world today,\u201d Tim said, \u201cour witness to being a faith community which respects the worth and dignity of every human being is a bright light into the world.\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

He reflected on the gift to the world of our antecedent churches through the heritage of our Congregationalist and Presbyterian governance \u2013 the gift of democratic government, not just for the people but by the people. That gift is under threat, he said, if churches revert to hierarchical ways of decision-making. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Tim said that in his travels during the year he found many churches had little relationship to General Assembly. \u201cDoes the General Assembly speak to or for the churches? Are we, who take part in General Assembly, going back and talking to our churches about General Assembly decisions?<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

He said it was vital for local churches to nail their colours to the mast. \u201cIn the beautiful diversity of our local churches and community, we need to reveal who we are. If your local church community is traditional, evangelical or liberal, say so in your website. If your church is welcoming and affirming of LGBT+ people, and has voted in marriage equality, identify yourself. This is critically important, because people outside the URC see the General Assembly\u2019s public statements \u2013 and discover another story when they visit a local URC congregation.\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Tim ended by saying that in his dealing with other Churches in the UK and overseas, he found the URC is admired. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cURC, let\u2019s nail our colours to the mast, get a little salty, and speak the truth. Most importantly, never lose sight that we are in this together and Jesus Christ is our centre. We have a beautiful little church, and the world needs to know we are here. Love never runs out. Rise to life, rise to action, rise to justice, rise to hope and rise to love!\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

En bloc resolutions <\/span><\/b>
<\/span>The following resolutions were passed en bloc. En bloc resolutions are voted on without debate, having been deemed uncontroversial. This has no reflection on their importance. <\/span>Read the full reports and resolutions in each case<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>
 <\/span>
<\/span>A1: Terms of Reference for the Faith in Action Committee<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>Terms of reference for the new committee and provision for urgent decision-making until it is established in the autumn<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

A2: Terms of Reference for the Ministries Committee<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>Terms of reference for the new committee and provision for urgent decision-making until it is established in the autumn<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

A3<\/span><\/b>: <\/span>Changes to the Committee Structure<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>The Equalities Committee becomes the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging<\/span> <\/span>subcommittee of the Faith in Action Committee. The Faith and Order Advisory Group becomes the Faith and Order Reference Group, a subcommittee of the Business Committee.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

A5: Terms of Reference and composition and name of the General Secretariat<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>The General Secretariat is now called the Senior Leadership Team, and has new terms of reference. It consists of the General Secretary, the Chief Operating Officer, the Deputy General Secretary (Faith in Action) and the Deputy General Secretary for Ministries (the new name for Secretary for Ministries). The Resources Committee will decide the make-up of the Team. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

D1: Discipleship Development Fund<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>Increases to grants available from the fund, including a new category of awards for spontaneous discipleship development opportunities.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

E1: Equalities report on ongoing work<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>An update from the committee<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

G2: Update from Resources Committee<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>A report on the first year of the committee\u2019s work. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

H1: Basis of Union Paragraphs 19-24: Ministry in the United Reformed Church<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>Changes to the Manual, defining the role of ministers in the URC. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

H3: Ministries general report<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>An update on the work of the Accreditations Subcommittee and the Assessment Board.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

H5: Sabbaticals<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>The frequency of sabbaticals increases from ten years to seven. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

H6: Renaming of Models of Non-Stipendiary Ministry<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>New names for models of Non-Stipendiary ministry: Non-Stipendiary Minister;<\/span>
<\/span>Non-Stipendiary Minister (Local); Non-Stipendiary CRCW and Non-Stipendiary CRCW (Local).<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

J1: Report to General Assembly 2025<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>New nominations and changes to the Panel for General Assembly Appointments.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

N1: Church Life Review<\/span><\/b> progress update<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>A report on the work of the Review<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

T1: Safeguarding Committee annual report<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>An overview of safeguarding in the URC.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

X1: Love\u2019s Farm Church<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>Receiving Love\u2019s Farm Church, in St Neott\u2019s. Cambridgeshire, into the URC.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

As per <\/span>Paper A5 Terms of Reference and composition and name of the General Secretariat,<\/span><\/a> the Revd Nicola Furley-Smith, Secretary for Ministries, was welcomed by members of the General Secretariat into her expanded role of Deputy General Secretary for Ministries. Andrea Heron, one of the General Assembly Moderator\u2019s chaplains, led prayers and expressions of thanks for Nicola.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Love Farm Church, as outlined in <\/span>X1 Love\u2019s Farm Church \u2013 Eastern Synod,<\/span><\/a> was welcomed as a new local URC congregation with a resounding round of applause. <\/span><\/p>\n

Watch a short film about Love Farm Church:<\/span><\/p>\n

[embedded content]<\/p>\n

Jubilee and New Ministers<\/span><\/b>  <\/span><\/p>\n

The notable anniversaries of the ordination of the following ministers were celebrated: <\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n

50 years<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n