Progressive rock icon Rick Wakeman shares his love for the Â鶹´«Ã½ Church in this month’s Reform. He talks Henry VIII and funeral hymns, and tells the magazine he likes to consider himself “a Christian who lives in the real worldâ€�.

Also in the real world, URC Youth Moderator Heather Moore says faith and physics make sense together, and the Revd Al Barrett is inspired by the secret world of fungi. Geoff Felton makes a pilgrimage right around his Mersey Synod, and walking enthusiast Stephen Thornton reflects on 60 years of ministry and mountains.

Two aspects of Jesus’ ministry are explored by Graham Handscomb and John Cooper – the failed “banality of evil� demonstrated by Christ’s crucifixion, and the hard call to non-violence revealed in Jesus’ example of peace.

Plus all the regulars – thoughtful reviews, a challenging crossword, and columnist Paul Kerensa, this month revealing a great business idea and asking if anyone wants to go halves.

 digitally or in print. For any queries, please email theÌý¸é±ð´Ú´Ç°ù³¾Ìý³Ù±ð²¹³¾.

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Nominated by Helen Bailey, the church’s young person’s leader, Alice Bagshaw gained the award for her charity work.

Alice was one of 21 students chosen by her school to travel to Sri Lanka for 10 days to support the (OST), a Fleet-based charity that empowers schoolchildren and communities through education.

Before the trip, Alice formed part of a school group that fundraised for a whole year, raising more than £3,000 through various means, such as selling crafts at Christmas fairs, baking cookies and muffins to sell at church and completing sponsored runs and cycling events.

In Sri Lanka, Alice was based in Batticaloa, a town on the east coast of the island which is also one of the poorest communities in the country. Alice helped to run activities in local schools, enjoyed sightseeing and meeting new people.

The £3,000 raised by Alice’s group went towards improving schools in the area and renovating a school’s music room, supporting feeding programmes and providing resources to sponsored children and preschools.

Alice said the best part about being involved in the work with OST was seeing the amazing impact the money she had helped raised and the charity has on communities in Sri Lanka. That seeing how much hope and joy was brought to the children is an experience she’ll never forget.

When asked how she felt about the award, Alice said: “I was so surprised to find out I was February’s winner as I had not been expecting to be chosen at all. It made me proud to think about what I had done as something God had planned for me to do, as it helped me to realise how much he values each individual and what he helps us to achieve.â€�

Encouraging other young people to get involved with their charity work, Alice added: “It feels wonderful to know that something small you have done can have such a wonderful impact on someone else. I will never forget the friendships I made in the time I was there.�

Each recipient of the Lundie award receives £100. Alice is taking time to consider where this money will be best used.

Learn more about the Lundie Memorial Award.

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In an open letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the organisations say the Bill breaks international law and “abandons our duty to share in the global responsibility towards those forced to seek safety�.

The letter in full says:

Dear Prime Minister,

We write to express our shared outrage at the passage of the misleadingly named ‘Safety of Rwanda Act’. This is a shameful and performatively cruel law that will risk people’s lives and betray who we are as a society.

We all want to be safe – and we want that safety for each other, too. As a country, we are proud to uphold our responsibility to support refugees. Given the chance, communities across our country go the extra mile to welcome those in need. The wider public do not support the Rwanda plan.

But this law would enable the government to forcibly expel people seeking asylum – including children and survivors of trafficking and modern slavery – despite concerns they could be put at grave risk of harm and human rights abuses. The Rwanda plan will force people who have fled violence and persecution into detention centres where they may face abuse and mistreatment, with no time limit. They will then be removed to a country to which they have no connection, despite our country’s Supreme Court ruling that it is unsafe for them. Through this law, the Government will put them at grave risk of mental and physical harm, and of being returned to danger in the countries they fled.

Despite the clear ruling from the Supreme Court, the government is rewriting the facts so they can shirk our responsibilities to refugees. In doing so, the government would break international law and further shatter the UK’s commitment to justice and the rule of law. While this is a targeted attack on refugees and migrants, an attack on one group’s rights is an attack on all of us.

Outsourcing our asylum system to other countries is never acceptable. It abandons our duty to share in the global responsibility towards those forced to seek safety. Instead of continuing down this dangerous path, the government must guarantee that asylum claims will be heard fairly on our shores, and open safe routes so that people are not forced to take dangerous journeys.

As organisations working towards a better future for all, we believe in kindness and compassion. The government must listen to the people, abandon this deplorable deal with Rwanda and similar plans with other countries, and protect those who need sanctuary.

.

The Revd Dr Tessa Henry Robinson, Moderator of the Â鶹´«Ã½ Church General Assembly, also joined with leaders of other churches in renewing their commitment to caring for the most vulnerable, as legislation to enable asylum seekers to be deported to Rwanda was approved by Parliament.

In a joint statement with leaders of the Church of England, Roman Catholic, Methodists, and Baptists, the leaders pay tribute to all those who “live out Jesus’s call to feed and clothe the poor, and to welcome the stranger, at times in the face of opposition and prejudice.

The statement voices concern that asylum seekers and refugees have been used as a “political football� and that the kindness of churches and charities towards people fleeing war, persecution and violence has been “unjustly maligned by some for political reasons.�

The statement in full:

“We retain deep misgivings about the Safety of Rwanda Bill, passed in Parliament last night, for the precedent it sets at home and for other countries in how we respond to the most vulnerable. This includes victims of modern slavery and children wrongly assessed as adults, whom we have a duty to protect.

As leaders in Christian churches we wish to express our profound gratitude to those who live out Jesus’s call to feed and clothe the poor, and to welcome the stranger, through their work with asylum seekers and refugees, at times in the face of opposition and prejudice.

We note with sadness and concern the rise in hostility towards those who come to these islands seeking refuge and the way in which the treatment of the refugee and asylum seeker has been used as a political football.

We are disappointed that the kindness and support offered by churches and charities to the people at the heart of this debate – those fleeing war, persecution and violence trying to find a place of safety – has been unjustly maligned by some for political reasons.

In their response to the tragic attack in Clapham earlier this year, some former Â鶹´«Ã½ Office ministers, MPs and other commentators sought to portray churches and clergy as deliberately facilitating false asylum claims. It was for this reason, at the request of Anglican leaders, that representatives of our Churches met the Â鶹´«Ã½ Secretary in February.  When asked, neither he nor officials could provide evidence to support the allegations of widespread abuse. Â鶹´«Ã½ Office Ministers have since confirmed this in a written parliamentary answer, and on questioning by the Â鶹´«Ã½ Affairs Select Committee. Follow-up meetings have since been agreed to promote closer cooperation and co-working between the churches and the Â鶹´«Ã½ Office.

Like so many in this country, we seek to support a system that shows compassion, justice, transparency and speed in its decisions. We grieve the appalling loss of life in the Channel today. There may be differences between our churches and Government on the means by which our asylum system can be fair, effective and respecting of human dignity, but we do agree that borders must be managed and that vulnerable people need protection from people smugglers. We have pledged to continue to work with the Â鶹´«Ã½ Office, and we do so in good faith.â€�

The Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, Moderator of The Â鶹´«Ã½ Church General Assembly

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell

The Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales

The Bishop of Southwark, Christopher Chessun

The Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary, The Baptist Union of Great Britain

The Revd Gill Newton, President of the Methodist Conference

Image: Jametlene Reskp/Unsplash.

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The Hon. Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister for Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, encouraged other UK churches, along with the UK government, to also apologise.

Members of the Â鶹´«Ã½ Church travelled to Jamaica earlier this month as part of an ecumenical pilgrimage to learn about the legacies of slavery.

Themed around repairing relationships, the trip focused on spiritual reconciliation, as well as meetings with partner churches, the country’s Prime Minister and other prominent politicians.

Those on the trip included the Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, URC General Assembly Moderator, Karen Campbell, Secretary for Global & Intercultural Ministries, and Tom Hackett, Southern Synod’s Children’s and Youth Development Officer.

The apology was delivered by Dr Henry-Robinson during an ecumenical service themed ‘Reparation, A Journey Towards Repentance, Repair and Reconciliation’ at Webster Memorial Church in the parish of St Andrew, an area of around the country’s capital, Kingston.

It was accepted by the Revd Gary Harriott, Moderator of The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI), a partner of the URC through the Council for World Mission.

Ms Grange encouraged the other churches that sent representatives to Jamaica to witness the historic apology to “signal to your government that the Christian thing to do is to admit culpability by way of an apology and to engage with us to determine the various forms that reparations may take�.

“It is not enough that the enslavers and their descendants should regret the suffering that slavery inflicted on our ancestors,� Ms Grange continued.

“When you have done something wrong, you must take responsibility for it, apologise and try to set things right.�

The URC’s apology was accompanied by a pledge from the UCJCI to give parcels of land it had received from those who profited from slavery to the most vulnerable.

During the service, Dr Henry-Robinson said that the apology is rooted in the Gospel that calls on sinners to repent of what has been done in the past and to be reconciled.

The apology read: “We, the General Assembly of The Â鶹´«Ã½ Church, mindful of our own history and that of our antecedent bodies, apologise for our role in transatlantic slavery and the scars that continue to blight our society, our church, and the lives of black people in our midst and around the globe today.

“We have heard the pain of sisters and brothers who have been hurt and are still being hurt by these legacies, including the continuing scourge of racism.�

The in-person apology comes after the URC made a confession and apology for the role of its antecedents in transatlantic slavery and its continuing complicity in the legacies of the trade at its 2022 General Assembly.

In accepting the apology, the Revd Harriott said that the scars of the “barbaric� history of slavery continue to haunt the descendants of the enslaved, noting that much of Jamaica’s policies and economic state are shaped by the legacies of slavery.

“I stand in a posture of thanksgiving to God to receive the apology of our sisters and brothers from The Â鶹´«Ã½ Church for the complicity of their forefathers and ‘foremothers’ in the enslavement of other human beings,â€� Revd Harriott said.

“We stand grateful because this ecumenical service of worship represents a sign of resurrection, a sign of hope,� he said, adding that he rejoices that the church has found the courage to acknowledge its wrongdoings.

“It is our prayer that those who have been dehumanised over centuries and those who continue to experience the impact of enslavement will be equally courageous, inspired by the spirit of God, to share in the journey demanding justice and affirming peace. This is resurrection, this is hope.�

He also invited other members of faith, as well as governments, to offer reparation.

The Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson said: “This pilgrimage to Jamaica has been profoundly eye-opening and represents a significant step towards healing and reconciliation.

“I am deeply moved by the gracious acceptance of the Â鶹´«Ã½ Church’s apology by Jamaica’s Minister for Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, which underscores the transformative power of acknowledging historical wrongs and expressing genuine remorse.

“Journeying with our hosts, the Churches Reparation Action Forum, in the way we have been, has made it clear that such acknowledgements are crucial for forging right relationships and paving a way forward.

“Reflecting on our experiences and the warm reception from the Jamaican community, I strongly advocate that other churches also acknowledge their roles in the trafficking and enslavement of Africans.

“It is only with acknowledgement and apology that we can begin to work towards helping to repair the breach and move towards achieving true reconciliation and unity.�

Karen Campbell, the URC’s Secretary for Global and Intercultural Ministries, said: “This pilgrimage has been truly meaningful. It has included great joy and deep lament. We have been welcomed by a people whose lives and land are scarred by a history of brutal enslavement and colonialism, a people who have received us warmly even while knowing that Britain took the lead in that history, and that the Church was hugely complicit in those endeavours.

“If we were in any doubt, in Jamaica, we see why the URC’s engagement with the legacies of transatlantic slavery matters. Our apology matters – to help bring about healing of relationships; and our commitment to acts of repairing justice is essential to contribute to healing the societal scars.

“Our hosts have described us as ‘trailblazers’, thanking us for our courage in confronting our history and seeking a new way forward – and praying that other UK churches might do the same.

“We pray so too – because lament and healing are needed on both sides of the Atlantic; on both sides of our horrific shared history.â€�

Read the URC’s confession and apology for the role of its antecedents in transatlantic slavery and its continuing complicity in the legacies of the trade today

Karen Campbell and the Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson are available for interview by arrangement, as they are still on the ecumenical pilgrimage.

Please call Andy Jackson or Ann-Marie Nye on 07976 753950.

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The Newbigin Hub, hosted by Seedbeds at Lodge Road in Birmingham, is a joint venture between The Â鶹´«Ã½ Church (URC) and the Congregational Federation and Church Mission Society which offers training in pioneer ministry.

Soobie Whitfield attended the Hub as part of the 2022-2023 cohort and obtained a Certificate in Pioneering Mission.

Soobie explains their experience:~

“Before commencing the pioneer course I was working in community arts, supply teaching and volunteering in my local community.

“I live in Birmingham, in a community house on the Firs and Bromford Estate, a welcoming but forgotten outer city estate. The community house is owned by Hodge Hill Church, where I now worship.

“When asked if I would like to attend the new CMS Pioneer course in Birmingham, I was apprehensive. I didn’t see myself as a pioneer.

“But over the next twelve months, my anxiety melted away as I was spiritually stimulated and refreshed by the course leaders and the diverse experience of my fellow pioneer trainees.

“Being already involved in my local community helped establish relationships which we are building on as we move forward with pioneering activities. For example, the community house has a garden, but it was dominated by an old, derelict garage. Alongside local community groups, I planned a project called “Green Room� – an outdoor space where neighbours can enjoy a bit of greenery, socialise, play, be creative, sit and share stories or just take time out.

“The garage has now gone, a new fence and gate have been built, and a sensory garden is planned. I continue to be actively involved in the local community here and have started to redevelop a local expression of church, FAB (Firs and Bromford) church with lifelong local resident and fellow pioneer Clare Maclean. FAB church is a friendly, inclusive group of neighbours living on the Firs and Bromford Estate who regularly meet together on the first Sunday of every month to share food and explore spirituality, biblical and faith stories in creative ways.

“We recently spent an afternoon pruning and weeding the overgrown planters and engaging in conversation with neighbours.

“I noticed that through local conversations and workshops, creation and creativity were having a positive impact on people’s mental health. A new mental health project on the estate is now keen to link in with us. Hopefully by next spring we will be ready to open the garden and welcome our neighbours in to find refreshment, inspiration, and spiritual nourishment.

“I’m really glad I did the course, the support I received was amazing and I would encourage others thinking about gaining the certification in pioneering ministry to just go for it.�

Applications for the Certificate in Pioneering Mission are now open. You also have the option to apply for URC Assembly Accreditation for Lay Pioneers. Apply for the 2024-25 programme by 6 September. For more information please email Ministries, or .

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On Saturday 6 April, 2024, the Revd David Salsbury was inducted as Moderator of the URC National Synod of Wales during an act of worship at Beulah Â鶹´«Ã½ Church in Rhiwbina, Cardiff.

David was appointed following a call to return to local church ministry by the Revd Simon Walkling, and has worked in the Synod since his ordination in 2000.

Introduced by the Revd David Dean, one of the Ministers in the Cardiff and Penarth Pastorate, the service was led by the Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, Moderator of the URC General Assembly 2023-2024.

As part of the opening of worship, the altar candle, which was surrounded by a stunning glass cover, was lit by Thomas Salsbury, one of David’s sons.

Hymns and anthems, led by John Cheer FRCO and the Beulah Worship Group, included Come people of the Risen King, Give to me, Lord, a thankful heart, Lord of creation, to you be all praise! finishing with Guide me O thou Great Jehovah in both English and Welsh.

The Bibles readings, Mark 10: 35-45 and Colossians 3: 12-17 were read by the Revd Mark Thomas, the Revd Martin Spain, who read the passage from Colossians in Welsh, and Heather Salsbury.

In his sermon, the Revd Dr Peter Stevenson, who trained with David at Westminster College, Cambridge, defined what a Moderator was, according to the Church and to the commercial sector, including the differences in pay.

Peter said that love was a two-way thing between a Moderator and a Synod, and that the love shown by the Synod towards David would be given back many times. It’s not just about contacting the Moderator to moan, Peter said, but to show that you care and love him as Jesus loved those he worked alongside.

As it says in Colossians: “Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.�

After the Narrative of the Call given by Synod Clerk Megan Price, David, in his personal statement, again reminded the church about the lack of diversity in the group of Synod Moderators and the challenge of a call to lead a Synod against the challenge of under representation.

He said: “Who’d be a Synod Moderator?! Anyone who aspires to the role deserves all that’s coming to them!

“I would say that throughout this whole journey of discernment, that was, and remains, a sense of regret. Over the past couple of years, as part of my work with the Equalities Committee, as the URC takes seriously its commitment to becoming an anti-racist church, we’ve been looking at how we might redress the persistent under-representation of Black and minority ethic people holding Assembly-appointed posts.

“And so, as I explored this role for myself, it is something I wrestled long and hard over. The present make up of Synod Moderators is all white. I don’t want to be part of the problem, but acknowledge that for some, the appointment of yet another white person makes this painfully so.

“It’s not ok, and it remains my sincere hope and prayer that the church at all levels will be more fully representative of the diversity that exists within the whole church, and that we are still able to take positive action to change our structures, our processes, and have our bias, whether unconscious or otherwise, to enable this to happen.�

“Standing here now, having accepted the nomination, I feel a real sense of privilege and responsibility at the task that lies ahead. I don’t feel overwhelmed … yet … and somehow it feels right. It’s good to be here.�

After the signing of the new Synod Bible and welcomes from ecumenical and URC representatives, prayers were led by the Revd Jenny Mills, who David worked with closely as Stepwise Coordinator, part of the Education and Learning Tema. In early April, Jenny was announced as the Deputy General Secretary (Discipleship) from August.

You can view the photos from the event on the :

Watch the

Report by Andy Jackson, URC Head of Communications

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Wessex Synod

Members of Immanuel Church in Southbourne recently gathered for their second weekend away. Blessed with a nearby Christian centre, the group enjoyed a selection of workshops, including making mocktails, entertainment, guided walks, and Bible studies. They also enjoyed meals together and time getting to know one another better.

Roz Bradbury, a member of the congregation, said: “The weekend away was instigated by wanting to truly get to know one another more, especially those working or who might not be about during the week at other times.

“We had a lovely time seeking time out with God in a relaxed environment away from distraction. It was a huge benefit to all who attended, and we encourage churches, if they’re able, to organise their own day or weekend away.�

Yorkshire

A group of Brownies has helped volunteers to plant 30 tree saplings at a graveyard at Heywood URC’s graveyard in Northowram, near Halifax.

Each week, a group of 10 volunteers meet up to maintain the graveyard at the rear of the church.

Recent plans have been the creation of a “quiet area� at the request of families who regularly visit loved ones’ graves, plus an adjacent wildflower meadow which has brought vibrant coloured plants for visitors to appreciate.

The group, with the encouragement of the church meeting, approached the Woodland Trust which kindly agreed to donate a variety of 30 saplings.

Across Yorkshire Synod, Stainbeck URC’s new youth pod has now been installed in the grounds of the church. The pod is a joint venture between Stainbeck URC, InterACT and Thrive Leeds, two locally based youth organisations.

The pod will serve as a safe place for the church’s young people as well as being made available for local community use. .

East Midlands Synod

Congratulations to the Revd Dr Bachelard Kaze Yemtsa who was inducted to the new Mid Lincolnshire pastorate, comprising Boston URC and Sleaford URC. May every blessing follow for Bachelard and for the congregations.

West Midlands

Six members of the 7^th Gloucester Boys Brigade (BB) and Guide Association based at Christchurch in Abbeydale have enjoyed a fun weekend away thanks to a URC grant.

The group received a grant of £350 which enabled them to attend the Gloucester Youth For Christ’s Break Away weekend.

Along with exploring faith and building community, the young people spent the weekend playing games, engaging worship, asking big questions, sports, delving into the Bible and taking part in a variety of other fun activities.

Youth For Christ gifted the young people with a torch light keyring as a reminder of the message of Jesus light of the world.

Diane, the BB leader said: “The most notable outcome from the weekend is that every single one of the six young attendees indicated that they wished to further find out more about faith which we are now planning into our Boys’ Brigade programme with them.â€�

Youth For Christ Seeing works to see young people’s lives changed by Jesus and is a worldwide Christian movement working. Learn more about .

Learn more about grant and funding opportunities from the URC.

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David has served in pastoral charge of local churches since his ordination in 1999, and currently serves as minister of Maidenhead and Marlow Â鶹´«Ã½ Churches, along with Bracknell and Windsor.

David started going to church as a teenager at St John’s Hill URC, Sevenoaks, and grew up with FURY (the Fellowship of Â鶹´«Ã½ 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: “It 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.�

“During 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 £180,000 of aid since the outbreak of war.

“I am looking forward to discovering the area, and I can’t wait to work with the team, not just in the office, but in all of the churches across the Synod.�

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: “I’m delighted to welcome David’s nomination 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�.

The Officers of the URC General Assembly will be invited to confirm David’s appointment when they next meet.

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This year’s appeal runs from 12-18 May and is focusing on the charity’s work in Burundi, one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in Africa. Heavily reliant on agriculture, it’s also one of the least prepared to combat the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods and landslides. The global cost of living crisis has intensified the challenges: more than 70 per cent of the population live in poverty and more than half of children are chronically malnourished.

Christian Aid has been working in Burundi since 1995 when it first offered humanitarian assistance to people surviving the civil conflict. Now, alongside local partners, the organisation helps establish Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs). These community-led groups mean people can save and borrow money, making small businesses possible, offering reliable and diverse incomes so families can eat regularly, get medicine when they need it, and build safer homes.

Thirty-five-year-old Aline Nibogora is the chairperson of a VSLA which supports some 25 families in a remote village, in Makamba Province. Aline escaped an abusive marriage only to find herself on the streets begging for a place to stay.

Her life changed when she went to a three-day, Christian Aid-funded community workshop. With a small start-up loan, Aline began trading avocados and peanuts locally. She’s now a grocery wholesaler and living on her own plot of land where she’s building a home for her family. In the next five years she hopes to expand, so one day she can buy a mill. This will provide a source of income without the need to transport heavy goods over long distances.

“I don’t want my children to have a painful life like mine, remembering it makes me weep,” Aline said. “I could never have dreamed I would one day have a brick house and be a successful businesswoman, able to feed and clothe my children. This is a plan and I will do it; I am a woman who is an achiever.â€�

There’s so many ways to make a difference over the seven days of Christian Aid Week – whether that’s church services, special collections, Christian Aid Big Brekkies, or even a Bible readathon. For those who like a physical challenge there’s a new option for 2024 with the chance to take part in 70k in May. You can cover the distance in any way you like, take part by yourself or with a group, and share your progress on a dedicated Facebook page.

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