The 1,200 delegates of the 2005 Presbyterian General Assembly, representative of every Presbyterian congregation in Ireland, will meet in Church House, Fisherwick Place, Belfast next week from June 6 until June 10 to hear reports from 18 Boards and Commissions and vote on over 200 resolutions as contained in the Church's Annual Reports.
More detailed information about the Assembly including reports and resolutions to be debated can be found in the General Assembly section of this web site www.presbyterianireland.org/assembly
The Assembly opens at 7.00pm on Monday 6 June when the incoming Moderator, Dr Harry Uprichard will officially succeed Dr Ken Newell and introduce his theme for his year of office "God's Word is Truth."
This opening session and all business sessions of the Assembly which run from 9.30am until approx 6.00pm Tuesday 7 June until Friday 10 June are open to the public except the private session on Thursday afternoon 9 June at 2.00pm until approx 3.15pm.
The tone of this year's Assembly is one of completing a period of reflection and reorganisation with many of the Church's Boards presenting their plans and programmes of work for the future.
The most interesting debate of the week will be on Wednesday afternoon when, following last year's decision to sell Church House, firm proposals will be placed before the Assembly for the disposal and relocation of its headquarters.
Other debates which may be of general interest include:
Tuesday morning, 7 June:
A call on the government to ensure that the BBC continues to provide religious programming under the terms of its public service broadcasting remit. (Board of Communications - Reports p116)
Wednesday Morning, 8 June:
Presentation of draft guidelines for Presbyterians invited to take part in events with representatives of other faiths. (Doctrine Committee - Reports p13)
Wednesday morning, 8 June:
Creation of opportunities for Presbyterians who have suffered directly as a the result of the violent actions of others to tell their stories. (Church and Society Committee - Reports p20)
Wednesday morning, 8 June:
Extension of the Youth for Peace initiative across the entire church to encourage and train Presbyterians of all ages in peace building initiatives.(p31)
Wednesday Afternoon, 8 June:
Following last year's decision to sell Church House, firm proposals will be placed before the Assembly for the disposal and relocation of its headquarters in Belfast. (Church House Panel - Reports p 45 and Supplementary Report)
Wednesday Afternoon, 8 June:
A plan to close youth centres at Castlerock and Lucan and develop the centre at Rostrevor for use by a wider variety of groups within the church. (Centres Panel - Reports p51)
Thursday morning, 9 June:
Support for the Make Poverty History Campaign. (Overseas Board - Reports p128)
Friday morning, 10 June:
Expression of concern regarding the resourcing of education services in Northern Ireland. (Education Board - Reports p214)
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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