1. London Attack
The following short statement has been issued by Rev Charles VanDenBroeder, President of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches and appears on the General Assembly website.

“Our hearts go out to those who suffered in the most recent atrocity in London but we refuse to give into hate as that would give the attackers a victory.”

2. Executive Committee Key Messages, 19-20 May 2017

1. Ministry Inquiry Day 2017

Would you like to know more about training as a Unitarian and Free Christian Minister and about working with our congregations?
This summer the Ministry Strategy Group will be holding an Inquiry Day for people who are at an early stage of considering this possibility as well as for those who are almost ready to make an application for training. There will be a chance to meet our tutors and recent graduates.

1. General Assembly Annual Meetings – Emergency Motion

An emergency motion from Stockton Unitarians regarding the deportation of Irene Clenell has been accepted by the Steering Committee. The full text and the background paper is available online and will also be included in arrival packs for attendees at the Annual Meetings  

 Annual Meetings Steering Group

2. GA Office Closure

1)    Death of the Essex Hall Caretaker

It is with great sadness we report the death of Isabella (Issy) Clarke, Caretaker of our Essex Hall headquarters for nearly twenty years. Isabella passed away peacefully on Saturday 18 March, surrounded by her family after a battle with Cancer. Many who have attended meetings here at Essex Hall over the years will remember her fondly.

1. Executive Committee Key Messages - 20 February 2017

1. General Assembly Roll of Ministers and Lay Pastors

Announcement by the Electoral Panel on the Election of Members of the Executive Committee

The following statement has been received from Anne Hock, Independent Election Supervisor.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES ELECTIONS 2017

I confirm I have received nominations for the following candidates:

1. Executive Committee  Key Messages – 13 and 14 January 2017

1. General Assembly President 2017/18
   

   The Executive Committee are pleased to announce that Rev Charles VanDenBroeder will be nominated for the position of President of the General Assembly 2017/18 at the Annual Meetings in April 2017. Charles was proposed by the Manchester District Association (MDA).

1. Executive Committee Election – Period for nominations to be received closes on 23 January 2017

Nominations are being sought for the Executive Committee of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches with an election planned from 13 February to 15 March 2017. There are six vacancies. All nominations must be received by Noon on 23 January 2017.

Candidates must be Full, Honorary or Associate Members of the General Assembly or a member of a constituent congregation for whom a quota has been paid by their congregation.

1. Christmas Message from the General Assembly President, Dorothy Hewerdine

Christmas lights are everywhere bringing light and warmth to our short, often grey days.  The shops are full of tempting festive food and gift suggestions for all.  We have survived Black Friday and Cyber Monday - just when did these additional days, encouraging us to spend yet more money, slip into our calendar?  Or maybe, like me this year, those passed by without acknowledgment!

1. EC Key Messages – 14 November 2016

1. Next Steps - Training and Education Development Project

Rachel Skelton presented a report on the project which officially commenced on 1 October 2016. Lots of preparatory work has taken place to clarify governance, support and communication structures for this important work. She had been in touch with many of those involved in training and education within the Denomination and will be in contact with others who need to be involved.