Review
Something different...
This year’s General Assembly was different. Opened by one Moderator on a Thursday morning, it was closed by his successor on the Saturday, having been installed on Friday afternoon. In between, around 100 resolutions – concerning the mundane and not so mundane that will affect the
Moderator’s call to evangelism
In his last official act, outgoing Moderator, Dr Sam Mawhinney, led the new Service of Installation for his successor, Rev Dr Richard Murray of Drumreagh Presbyterian Church, near Ballymoney in County Antrim.
On a hot Friday afternoon in a packed Assembly Hall, before 21 of PCI’s 28 surviving former moderators, members of Assembly and the public along with civic guests, which included His Majesty’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Belfast and the city’s Lord Mayor, Dr Murray became the 179th person to hold the denomination’s highest office since 1840.
Before unveiling his theme for the year, ‘Mighty to Save’ Dr Murray paid tribute to his predecessor. Having studied at Union Theological College together, the Moderator told the Assembly, “back then I don’t think either of us could have foreseen an occasion like this, and yet in the providence of God, here we are.”
In his address Dr Murray laid out what he thought was one of the major problems facing the Christian church - and it wasn’t its contraction, but connection. “How to connect the good news of what God has done for us in the person and work of Jesus Christ with a world that is at best uninterested, and at worst hostile?”
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 20-22 June 2024
life and ministry of PCI down the years – were passed during 21 hours of debate across 24 sessions.
So, in keeping with doing things differently – welcome to The Review, a new publication that really does what it says on the tin. While we can’t review all that happened between 20-22 June in Belfast, we hope this will provide an informative and useful snapshot of just some of what took place.
He spoke of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the believers in Corinth saying that Paul “had a mission, compelled by the love of Christ to go to Corinth.” Talking of mission, he remembered that even the Church of England in 1990 had what it called ‘A decade of evangelism’, “…but at least they had a vision. ‘For without a vision the people perish’, Could we not designate even a year of evangelism?” Dr Murray asked.
“…We have to go outside the four walls. As someone has put it – ‘if we don’t evangelise, we fossilise’…in Corinth Paul discovered [that] God is mighty to save.”
You can read all of Dr Murray’s address by clicking here.
Dr Mawhinney reflects
Addressing Thursday’s opening session, Dr Mawhinney said that throughout his year in office he had been, “encouraged by the vibrant communities of faith led by Godly men and women who loved their people and who keep Christ and his Word central. In rural settings and in urban centres, in both small and large church families.”
In his travels across Ireland, he said that he had reached the same conclusion that King David had come to, when in Psalm 27 he wrote “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13).
You can read all of Dr Mawhinney’s address by clicking this link.
“Launchpad” for a radical shake up
On day two, the General Assembly agreed a radical process that will see a comprehensive reconfiguration of ministry throughout PCI’s 500-plus congregations across Ireland, along with its central structures and Union Theological College.
The convener of the Reconfiguration of Ministry Task Group, former Moderator, Very Rev Dr William Henry, said that what was being proposed “should be seen as a launchpad that can guide and help the Church move forward in her God given mission to be effective as salt and light in our communities and as visible as a city on a hill pointing to the saving message of new life in Jesus Christ.”
The General Assembly agreed to its recommendations, following one of the most comprehensive consultation
processes in recent years.
Opening the debate, the Deputy Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev Dr David Allen, didn’t pull any punches, reminding members that the Church had too many meeting houses, had lost around 20% of contributing families in recent years, and by 2027 there would be around 75 vacancies.
Dr Allen told the House that PCI was not a business that sought to manage decline. “We’re part of the Church of Jesus Christ, and that means our most important job isn’t to manage decline – it’s to be and do what the Lord Jesus wants us to be and do, on the island of Ireland, today, and in the future.” He was also clear that what
was being proposed would be locally driven by the Church’s 19 regional presbyteries.
You can read the report and resolution on pages 31-46 and page 282 by clicking the link here.
New IMP centres to be considered
The International Meeting Point (IMP) in south Belfast and north Belfast are run by the Council for Mission in Ireland (CMI) in partnership with the two presbyteries that take in these parts of the city. Both IMPs offer practical assistance to the hundreds of migrants and asylum seekers, who arrive in Belfast each year.
One of the priorities for CMI is the strategic development of mission among migrants across Ireland. The Council has committed itself to researching additional resourcing for this ministry and mission in strategic locations across the Republic of Ireland.
In relation to this, the General Assembly affirmed ‘that the call on the church “to love those who are foreigners” (Deuteronomy 10:19) among us is strongly held as both a missional principle and a prophetic sign to wider Irish society…’ It also stated that ‘as a tangible outworking of such, the Council be encouraged to collaborate with presbyteries where need might be greatest in proactively seeking to develop new IMP centres elsewhere in Ireland.’
You can read the Council’s report and associated resolutions on pages 205-244 and pages 289-290 by clicking the link here.
DECISION AND DISSENT
One of the big debates this year was around the wording of a key recommendation in relation to Decision Making and Dissent. Following lengthy debate, over two days, an amended resolution was agreed by the General Assembly.
During, what was at times an emotional debate, the need for unity, grace and respect was a constant theme, so that where and when we disagree, we do so as brothers and sisters of our Lord Jesus Christ, working together for the gospel.
The final resolution can be found in the supplementary Reports page S6 – Amendment to Resolution 7 – Amendment B. This describes the only circumstances where an ordained minster or elder can publicly disagree with a decision of the Church, i.e. where the General Assembly has given liberty to do so, but making it clear that such disagreement must be done with grace and humility.
The amendment went on to clarify that such dissent, does not enable a minister, or elder, to oppose or hinder the implementation of the policy or law of the Church. Once the amendment was passed, via a standing vote, it became the substantive resolution and was passed by the House.
You can read the news story here.
A literal matter of life and death
On its first day the General Assembly expressed its ‘dismay’ and warned of the ‘danger’ of moves to introduce assisted suicide and euthanasia across these islands. Unanimously opposing such a move, it affirmed ‘the innate dignity and value of human life from conception to death’.
Rev Daniel Kane, convener of the Council for Public Affairs, described the Council’s report as “significant and strategic”, saying that the Council wanted “to express our deep desire to engage both the whole Christian Church, and all of society, in affirming the importance and innate dignity of every human
life from conception to death as a precious gift from God…The current situation in other places within these islands helps set the disturbing backdrop to this debate.”
He was referring to recent developments in the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, the Isle
Education matters
Education featured heavily in the Report of the Council for Public affairs. PCI’s Public Affairs Officer, Dr Bex Stevenson told the Assembly that “We understand the enduring importance of education and ensuring that young people have access to good quality education.”
To this end, in a number of resolutions, the General Assembly commended the ‘ongoing dedication and commitment’ of those who serve on Northern Ireland’s Boards of Governors and on the Republic of Ireland’s Boards of Management. The Assembly also recognised and commended ‘the vital work carried out in Special Schools across the island of Ireland and encourage congregations to make real and meaningful links with such schools’.
Members also affirmed ‘the non-denominational Christian ethos of controlled schools in Northern Ireland as a sound framework for developing the educational, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing of children and young people.’
of Man and Jersey. The latter having voted in May in favour for legislation in relation to terminal illness.
The Council’s alternative was the mainstreaming, investing in and strengthening of palliative care services. Mr Kane concluded by saying, “The current direction of travel, that will impact on some of the most vulnerable in our society is not the hallmark of a mature, caring and compassionate society.”
You can read the Council’s initial resolution here on page 287 of the Blue Book. For the full report and additional resolutions see the Supplementary Report here, pages S6-S9.
New relationship
The General Assembly voted to bring an appropriate report and resolution to next year’s General Assembly to formalise a Fraternal –Confessional relationship with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (USA). If possible, an EPC representative will be invited to the 2025 General Assembly.
OVERSEAS VISITORS
This year the General Assembly welcomed overseas delegates from Nepal, Poland and Malawi. For the first time, a delegation from the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala also attended. During his address, which was translated, its General Secretary, Rev Rosalío Ortego, presented Dr Mawhinney with a special banner. Written in Spanish were ‘Fraternal Love to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’ accompanied by the words of Ephesians 4:3-6.
Over the course of the Assembly members also heard from Rev Catherine Makombe of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian’s Blantyre Synod and its General Secretary, Rev Anderson Juma. Dr Puma Sebedi, Chief Executive of The Cross Reformed Centre in Nepal, an arm of the Nepali Reformed Church, and Rev Saško Nezamutdinov, minister of Christ the Savior Church, Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Poland also spoke.
A highlight of each General Assembly, ‘Listening to the Global Church’ provides an opportunity to hear what God, through the life and witness of the global church, might be saying to the Church in Ireland. Mrs Makombe, Dr Subedi and Mr Nezamutdinov, took part. The latter telling the story of his small, but growing reformed Presbyterian denomination in Poland, and of others across Europe.
You can read the news story here.
Creation Care
The Council for Global Mission reported on its cross-denominational survey on climate change. Carried out online, by direct interview and using focus groups, nearly 1,200 responses were received from individuals associated with 209 congregations.
The survey found that the majority of respondents were people who:
• believed in creation care as an intrinsic aspect of Christian faith
• believed that human-induced climate change is a reality
• believed that as the Church, we are called to be responsible in our attitudes and actions with respect to creation.
The survey indicated that 71% of respondents were concerned or very concerned about climate change, and a further 75% agreed or strongly agreed that a biblical understanding of faith
underpinned their concerns for the environment, while 68% of respondents said that they strongly agree or agree that their actions contribute to climate change. Two overseas guests from Malawi and Nepal spoke during the session.
A conference on creation care, that would have input regarding creation care’s theological basis, and relevant scientific material, will be held next year. To read about the survey, click the link here.
The Present initiative
The Council for Congregation Life and Witness was one of the councils that presented a verbal report this year. The convenor, Rev Albin Rankin, reported the activities of the Council, highlighting the work over the past year. These included details of the listening exercise, the work carried out to produce a new resource on Membership and Intellectual Disability and the redrafting of the constitution of Presbyterian Women.
The main theme of the of the Council’s presentation was introducing the ‘Present’ initiative, which will be rolled out over the next three years. The key concept in year one is to encourage individuals and congregations to make themselves more intentionally present to God.
The Council suggested that congregations could look at being ‘present’ in four particular ways:
• Being present in this season of life and witness
• Being present to God as his people
• Being present for one another in God’s family of the church
• Being present where God has placed us to be his witnesses. Further information can be found here.
Mica –raising awareness
The General Assembly expressed ‘concern about the distress caused by the ongoing issues with Mica concrete in the Republic of Ireland...’ It also encouraged the Council for Public Affairs ‘to engage with government and raise awareness of the issue and the struggle of those affected.’
CROSSING BOUNDARIES
Thursday night saw a traditional staple part of the General Assembly – the Evening Celebration. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Crossing boundaries with Christ and for Christ’. The Moderator, Dr Mawhinney, was joined by guest speaker John Risbridger, chair of the Council of the Evangelical Alliance. Also taking part were David Templeton of Safe Families UK, Noah Bartlett of Intercultural Worship Ireland, and Rev David Moore, who talked about serving the people of west Belfast. The retiring offering was for David Moore’s work and Safe Families UK.
Woodvale: A continued blessing Communications
When the Linkage Commission reported to the General Assembly, one of its resolutions concerned a congregation closing and merging into a presbytery, rather than another congregation – as normally happens – something that had never been done before. It was, however, the preferred option of Woodvale Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of North Belfast.
Woodvale opened in 1899 with a capacity for 1,000 people. Having experienced growth in the early to mid-20th century, however, due to the area’s changing demographic, 40 people now worship on a Sunday morning and 12 in the evening.
Rev Angus Stewart, Woodvale’s vacancy convener, said that, the kirk session had
recommended the closure “with deep regret”, adding that they “must be commended for their courage, realism, wisdom and concern for their people...
“Testimony to their heart for the gospel is a strong desire on the congregation’s part to leave a legacy to bless the area in the form of future Christian work and outreach,” he said. The Assembly agreed to the unique merger, which includes the transfer of Woodvale’s assets. How its legacy ‘blesses the area’ will be a matter for the Presbytery and Linkage Commission.
The Commission’s report also stated that ‘the Presbytery will put in place arrangements to ensure that all existing members find a new spiritual home and receive pastoral care.’ You can read more on this story by clicking the link here.
In presenting an update on the Communications Review, the Head of Communications, Mark Neale, set out the new department’s initial priorities. These included embarking on a presbytery and congregational listening exercise, plus the urgent renewing and upgrading of PCI’s current website.
In his address Mr Neale said that his guiding principle could be found in James 1:19: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” In asking for support in framing the new Communications Strategy, he encouraged everyone to participate in the website online survey to inform future user experience.
You can take part in the survey here
A lighter moment
In a Memorial to the General Assembly from First and Second Markethill, the kirk session asked that they be known simply as ‘Markethill’. In a light-hearted moment, the minister of what is now Markethill and Cladymore, drew laughter from the floor of the House when he said that now that they had been united for 104 years, “the kirk session thought it was about time to explore the possibility of a name change.”
Responding in good humour that he didn’t want “to prolong it any longer”, the Moderator put the resolution – the name was changed. With the merger of Windsor and Great Victoria Street in Belfast, the Assembly also approved the request for the congregation to be known as ‘South Kirk’.
Peacehaven
Providing residential support across three houses for adults with an intellectual disability in Greystones, County Wicklow, following a long process, Peacehaven has come under the full auspices of PCI. In its report, the Council for Social Witness (CSW), PCI’s social care arm, said that it was a
result of the Irish Charity Commission’s decision for Peacehaven CLG to adopt a new constitution.
In other business, the start of work to update and streamline PCI’s safeguarding arrangements was welcomed, while the growing financial pressures within CSW, common to most of the social services sector, were highlighted. In
MEMORIAL ON BAPTISM
In a separate Memorial, two ministers in the Presbytery of Monaghan asked the General Assembly to consider ‘the lack of consistency in the approach by kirk sessions regarding the admission to baptism of the children of unmarried parents…’
Their prayer was for the Assembly ‘to ask the General Council to set up a task group to examine the issue and report back.’ While the General Council and the Presbytery of Monaghan were not supportive of the Memorial, on a standing vote Members granted the memorialists prayer that their Memorial be received. A task group will be set up and report to the Assembly next year. By clicking the link here, the text of the Memorial can be found on page 95. General information on Memorials can be found on page xv in the yellow pages here.
the short to medium term, the Support Services Committee would monitor the situation. The Assembly also welcomed the Council’s continuing work ‘to place its finances on a longterm sound footing.’
You can read the Council’s report and associated resolutions on pages 250-263, 6162, and pages 290-291 by clicking the link here.
United Appeal for Mission
On the last day, the United Appeal for Mission (UAM), which supports mission and ministry at home and around the world, was agreed. A target of £3.3million/€3.9million for 2025 was set, slightly lower than 2024’s.
Of PCI’s 500-plus congregations the report stated that in response to the 2023 Appeal, 169 congregations contributed above their target,
131 did not achieve their target, while 164 contributed to their target exactly. Sixtytwo congregations had not contributed to the Appeal. The report continued, ‘The Committee acknowledged that the response from congregations is challenging and perhaps reflective of the significant financial pressures on congregations and members.’
As a result of the UAM target not being met, cuts had been
Some examples of the work supported by the United Appeal for Mission
made to Council grants, limiting areas of their work. In answer to a question, UAM convenor, Martin Hampton, confirmed the Committee could identify areas where there had been short falls and would consider looking into this.
Republishing The Code
Last republished in 1980, the work undertaken in recent years on PCI’s governing constitution has been a considerable exercise in consultation. While some may call it ‘mundane’, it
has been an important consultative exercise. The General Assembly approved The Code in draft form, which now goes to PCI’s 19 regional presbyteries for approval. If the majority of presbyteries and those voting within them say ‘aye’ – they will send it back to the General Assembly next year for ratification.
2025 General Assembly
When Dr Murray officially dissolved the General Assembly, he declared that it would reconvene in Belfast on Tuesday, 10 June 2025.
QUICK LINKS
• 2024 General Assembly Overview
• 2024 Reports & Resolutions
• Meet Dr Murray
