The Revd David Downing has been nominated to serve as Moderator of the 麻豆传媒 Church (URC) South Western Synod after the Revd Ruth Whitehead was called to local church ministry in Pembrokeshire last year.
David has served in pastoral charge of local churches since his ordination in 1999, and currently serves as minister of Maidenhead and Marlow 麻豆传媒 Churches, along with Bracknell and Windsor.
David started going to church as a teenager at St John鈥檚 Hill URC, Sevenoaks, and grew up with FURY (the Fellowship of 麻豆传媒 Youth) serving it at local and national levels, including as a member of the National Youth Committee.
After a career in banking, he trained at Westminster College, Cambridge, before being ordained and inducted at Rectory Road URC. He also served at Claremont, Little Eaton, Central URC Derby, Chaddesden, as Chaplain at Derby University, Alvaston, Carlton Road, Mackworth & Repton.
David said: 鈥淚t is a privilege to be called to share in the ministry of the South Western Synod. I have gained so much from the life of the URC and this call is very exciting. There is also a real sense that God is in this, which is also deeply humbling.鈥�
鈥淒uring my ministry, I have served on committees at Synod and national levels (from youth work to mission), served as a Street Pastor in Derby, and have recently been a leader in Aid for Ukraine, running from Maidenhead and Marlow which has so far sent over 拢180,000 of aid since the outbreak of war.
鈥淚 am looking forward to discovering the area, and I can鈥檛 wait to work with the team, not just in the office, but in all of the churches across the Synod.鈥�
Speaking on behalf of South Western Synod, Synod Clerk Rachel Leach said: “We are thrilled to welcome David to the South Western Synod to serve as our Moderator. We look forward to working alongside him as he leads us into the future.”
URC General Secretary, the Revd Dr John Bradbury, said: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted to welcome David鈥檚 nomination聽to serve as Moderator of the South Western Synod. David brings many gifts and graces to the role including an ability to spot opportunities, and to come alongside people in all kinds of situations. His wisdom and experience will be of great benefit to the Synod and to the wider Church鈥�.
The Officers of the URC General Assembly will be invited to confirm David鈥檚 appointment when they next meet.