The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), Right Reverend Dr Richard Murray, will open the denomination’s General Assembly this morning, when it meets in central Belfast for four days of discussion and decision-making.
As the all-Ireland’s principal decision-making body, it brings together active ministers and an elder from each of PCI’s 500-plus congregations, and others from across Ireland, as well as representatives from partner churches and organisations from overseas. This year PCI’s guests come from Middle East, Spain, Hungary, Malawi, and Kenya,
Setting the scene, the Acting-Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev Dr David Allen, said, “Across the Assembly’s 8 sessions and 24 items of business, which take in the reports of our 12 Councils and Commissions, their task groups, committees, panels, and associated resolutions, it will be an important, and busy time. These four days are important days covering many aspects of the Church’s life and witness, from our mission at home and overseas, matters affecting wider society, and reform of our central structures and ministry, and of course, safeguarding. It is my prayer that it will be a fruitful time, discussing matters prayerfully, seeking God humbly, and trusting that he will lead us, in his will and his ways.”
The reports on safeguarding are contained in the Report of the General Council, which is divided into six sections. These, and other reports make up what is traditionally known as the ‘Blue Book’, and all information regarding proceedings can be found on the General Assembly Hub on this website www.presbyterianireland.org/GA26.
As PCI’s senior Council that can act on behalf of the General Assembly between its stated meetings, the General Council’s second report will be debated on the first day (Tuesday afternoon) and includes details of the work of the Safeguarding Development Committee. On Wednesday afternoon members will also have an opportunity to discuss the report of the Statutory Investigations Advisory Task Group, and an interim report of the General Assembly Governance, Culture and Integrity Task Group, established by December’s Special Assembly.
While Dr Allen will advise the General Assembly as acting clerk throughout its meeting, on Tuesday the Assembly will be asked to appoint Rev Jonathan Boyd, minister of Killyleagh Presbyterian Church in County Down, as Clerk of the General Assembly.
Mr Boyd will also take on the role the team lead of the new Senior Leadership Team (SLT) that was established in the wake of the safeguarding crisis by February’s Special General Assembly. The SLT also comprises the Deputy Clerk, and the new position of Director of Operations, and will be responsible to the General Assembly through the General Council. The new Senior Leadership Team will be line managed by the convener and co-convener of the General Council. The latter is a new position, and will be nominated to the General Assembly on Friday.
An annual change that takes place at each General Assembly is the installation of the new Moderator. PCI’s current Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Richard Murray, will install Rev Dr Richard Kerr, minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church, as his successor on Wednesday afternoon. Dr Kerr will then address the Assembly and chair its remaining sessions. He will then lead the Church until next year’s General Assembly.
As he prepares for today, Dr Murray said As he approaches the end of his term as Moderator, Dr Murray said, “The General Assembly is part of the life and rhythm of our Church. As we come together prayerfully to discuss and take the decisions that need to be taken this week, I would echo the Acting Clerk’s encouragement for all those who are entitled to attend to do so. I also would like to wish my successor, Richard, every blessing, he prepares to assume our highest office and lead us over the next 12 months. It has been a privilege to serve the Church in this way, and I know that Richard will lead us humbly and with wisdom.”
