J4 URC Structures Outside the Synod

1          The Synod elects representatives to the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church and to the Mission Council, according to representation decided by the Assembly.  Additionally, individuals are elected by the Assembly to serve on committees of the church. 

            General Assembly

2          For the General Assemblies in 2007 and 2008, representation at the Assembly was related to the Districts: one representative for every twelve churches (or part of twelve) and one representative for every 1200 members, plus one additional representative per District, if needed to bring an even number of representatives.   Thereafter representation at Assembly is decided at Synod level but with close consultation with Areas to ensure a geographical balance.   Equal numbers of ministerial and lay representatives are required, and representation should include a person under the age of 26, and regard should be taken of an appropriate representation of women, black people and people with disabilities. 

3          The 2006 General Assembly decided that there should be a smaller number of representatives at the General Assembly from the Assembly in 2010.   On the current numbers, the North Western Synod would have 26 places, plus the Moderator.  The Treasurer and Clerk will no longer be members ex officio.   Two places are reserved for people 26 or younger, and there should be equal numbers of ministers and lay people and at least one person from a Black or Asian Minority Ethnic background.   Representation should be for four years, i.e. two meetings of the biennial Assembly.

 The Synod has agreed that it should allocate the majority of places to those suggested by the Areas, in the following proportion:

• Cumbria:         3 or 4 places
• Lancashire:     5 or 6
• Central:           5 or 6
• South:              5 or 6

In submitting their names Areas are to give consideration to male/female and ordained/lay balance and to prioritise places for ministers who have been ordained since the last General Assembly.

 The Synod will allocate two of the remaining five places to the Clerk and Treasurer, and use the remaining places to ensure a balance of lay, ministerial and young people’s representation, and to reflect equal opportunities policy.  The Clerk is to have overall responsibility for ensuring the final list of representatives satisfies the requisite ‘balance’ criteria.

 Mission Council

4          The Synod appoints three representatives to Mission Council, in addition to the Synod Moderator.     One representative is elected each year to serve for three years.  The representatives are elected by the Areas in turn.    It is intended that Area Meetings should nominate for due appointment by Synod the representatives to Mission Council, or its successor body, in a similar way to the present representation, each Area Meeting electing one representative in turn annually.