|
|
|
Thursday began 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. A statement of purpose for the event was agreed by the Assembly: 'Under the Lordship of Christ, guided by God's Word and dependent upon the Holy Spirit, we gather: … to focus afresh on God's greatness and grace, so that we may renew and deepen our relationship with him and with each other … to seek to understand better the challenges of the cultures and the contexts in which we find ourselves to explore how we can engage in, and equip ourselves for, meaningful worship, authentic fellowship and effective witness in today's world'
As part of what the committee hopes will be a '2003 process', it is proposed that the main Conference will be followed up by a series of regional rallies, and/or day conferences, in the autumn. Added to this, it is hoped to put in place a process for follow-up at Congregational level.
To be held in Coleraine in August 2003 the Assembly approved a budget of £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 reported on their work and in speeches the Assembly heard 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 was 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 presented its report asking the Assembly for permission to proceed to produce a new hymnbook. This produced a thoughtful debate.
Some argued that with so many hymnbooks about why did the Presbyterian Church not simply adopt one of them as it own. However a report from the Board was of the opinion that there is no other book which reflects Presbyterian theology and tradition. Others considered 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 considered that for personal devotion and refection a book is essential.
The resolution was agreed 'that the Assembly authorise the Public Worship committee to produce an Irish Presbyterian book of praise.'
For further information visit the General Assembly section
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
PCI Home . . . Press Office . . . News Archive