|
|
|
Thursday begins with the presentation of plans for a special Assembly in 2003. These have been held successfully before in 1991 and 1997 and rather than conduct business are inspirational sessions allowing the church to consider its direction and planning for the future. Probably to be held in Coleraine in August 2003 the likely cost, for which the Assembly will have to approve the budget, is £130,000
With an annual budget of over £1m and more than 50 overseas personnel working alongside 25 partner churches in 18 countries the commitment of the Presbyterian Church to overseas mission is clear. The report of the Overseas Board (approx 11.00am) will report on their work and it is likely in speeches in possible late resolutions that the Assembly will hear of developments in Nepal following the shooting dead of the king and queen last weekend and the possible implications for overseas staff working there. There may also be an update on the situation in the Moluccas where there are concerns that violence might flair up again.
In the afternoon, after the private session, the Board of Communication (approx 3.00pm) will present its report asking the Assembly for permission to proceed to produce a new hymnbook. This is likely to produce a lively debate since opinion is divided.
Some argue that with so many hymnbooks about why does the Presbyterian Church not simply adopt one of them as it own. However a report from the Board is of the opinion that there is no other book which reflects Presbyterian theology and tradition. Another group consider that with the 'life' of new hymns being so short and with many churches now printing or projecting words a book is not essential but rather a selection of hymns that is available electronically. A third group, while agreeing with some of the other points consider that for personal devotion and refection a book is essential.
For further information visit the General Assembly section
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
PCI Home . . . Press Office . . . News Archive