In the spirit of this theme, the Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson — who made history when she was inducted as the first Black woman and only the second Black person to serve as��Moderator of the United Reformed Church General Assembly in 2023 — has written a service for churches who would like to hold a Black History Month-themed service in October and beyond.

The resource features hymn suggestions, an all-age activity, scripture readings, and a sermon “They Broke Through the Roof”.

Download your copy of They Broke Through the Roof for free.

The post Free Black History Month 2026 service resource appeared first on United Reformed Church.

The international meeting included ministers, academics, lawyers and politicians, alongside British churches and mission agencies, to discuss reparation work — steps being taken by organisations to take accountability for their antecedent bodies’ involvement in the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans, and proposals to address the ongoing impacts of the legacies of slavery — on both sides of the Atlantic.

The meeting followed an unprecedented step taken by the Jamaican delegation — led by the Hon Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Minister for Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport — which formally lodged a petition with King Charles at Buckingham Palace on 7 September.

The petition asks the King, as Jamaica’s head of state, to refer three questions about the legality of the transatlantic trade in enslaved people to the Privy Council and to consider whether the UK has an obligation to provide a remedy to Jamaica. The petition has the backing of the (CARICOM).

The URC has been on a long journey of examining the links of its antecedent bodies’ involvement in the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved African people, and recognising its failure to address the continuing legacies of racism and racial injustice today. In 2022, the denomination formally confessed its involvement and publicly apologised, and in 2024, representatives led by then General Assembly Moderator, the Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, formally delivered the apology in Jamaica. Minister Grange accepted the apology on behalf of the Jamaican government.

At the RJAF meeting in London, the Revd Dr Gordon Cowans of the Churches’ Reparations Action Forum in Jamaica, reminded the group that: “As someone living on the site of these crimes, these apologies do matter, and will continue to matter.”

But he stressed the importance of “demonstrating the fruits of this repentance.”

Participants shared the steps their respective organisations are taking towards reparations or apologies.

The gathering heard that , the King’s representative on the island who is appointed on the advice of the Jamaican government, to ensure the petition is “properly lodged.”

As to what the next steps for the country may now be, Laleta Davis-Mattis, Co-Chair of Jamaica’s National Council on Reparations, said these will be determined once answers or a response to the petition is received.

“No matter what the response,” Karen said, “the people committed to reparations cannot simply stop.”

She added, “I’m quite excited by what I’ve heard at this meeting. It’s good to know that what the URC has been doing is where other people are now heading.”

The post RJAF roundtable held after Jamaica lodges petition with King Charles appeared first on United Reformed Church.

Chaplain to the General Assembly Moderator
A unique craft project aiming to celebrate “the wonderful diversity of the whole Church” will be shared with every United Reformed Church congregation this autumn.

��The “Ever Joyful” patchwork banner is the vision of the Revd Samantha Sheehan, chaplain to the General Assembly Moderator, the Revd Neil Thorogood. She hopes that the large, quilted artwork will contain 15 panels, made up of fabric squares from each congregation across the UK. Launching the initiative, Neil presented the very first square to the outgoing Moderator, Catriona Wheeler, at this year’s General Assembly, held in Swanwick, Derbyshire (pictured).

Packs, including the fabric squares, will be sent out in October with an invitation to decorate a single square with words or an image that reflects whatever “makes you joyful in the life of your congregation”.

Additional tips and information will be included, with a pre-addressed envelope for returning squares to Northern Synod Office by 1 December. It is hoped that the final artwork will first go on display at General Assembly 2027.

For more information, contact Samantha Sheehan rev.s.sheehan@gmail.com

Offices of General Assembly
The Revd Dr Phil Wall, the new Head of Ministries: Learning and Development, enjoyed a few days touring the UK — and beyond! — to learn about the incredible work our churches and chaplains are engaging with in very different contexts.

A day spent with Padre Stuart Turner MTh CF, chaplain to the famous ‘desert rats’, opened his eyes to the blessings and challenges of ministry in the armed forces, whilst his time on Holy Island with Special Category minister, Kay Blackwell, allowed him to learn from all that the ‘thin place’ had to offer…including the chance to swim with seals (can you spot one in the photo?).

His time with CRCW Fliss Barker and elders from Wooler URC saw him make a new acquaintance in Woolly the sheep, whilst some annual leave on the Isle of Man enabled him to catch up with ecumenical minister, Catherine McFie – seen here enjoying some rare Manx sunshine!

Visits to college chaplain, Carole Marsden, and minister of Word and Sacrament, Ruth Wilson, completed the set and gave him cause to give thanks to God for the breadth of ministries in the United Reformed Church.

Southern Synod
With thanks to and blessings from God, Trinity Church in Willingdon has welcomed, Derek, a new member into its congregation.

The Revd Memona Shahbaz said: “We pray that he will feel loved, supported and truly at home among us. May God richly bless him, strengthen him in faith, and use his gifts and talents to bring encouragement and blessing to others.”

Elsewhere across Southern
Trinity United Reformed Church in Wimbledon is working towards a Gold Eco Church award, building on its bronze accreditation in 2016 and subsequent silver award.

Led by church administrator and Green Group leader Elizabeth Scharinger, the church is taking action across worship and teaching, buildings and energy, land and nature, community engagement and lifestyle.

Among its initiatives are services dedicated to the environment, a prayer tree for the climate crisis, a NEST heating system to reduce energy use and Perspex fitted over the church’s windows to improve insulation. Its Mansel Road Centre uses LED lighting, recycles and has milk delivered in glass bottles. The centre also offers a reusable party kit for local events.

Trinity works with Sustainable Merton to host an annual eco winter pop-up market, promoting EcoLiving and Fairtrade products and hosting clothes swaps while raising funds for the charity.

Elizabeth said community engagement was an important part of the church’s environmental work, helping build local connections while responding to the impact of the climate crisis.

Commitment for Life
Many schools in parts of Africa operate without first aid kits, trained staff or reliable emergency response systems.

During his sabbatical, the Revd George Kalu received a grant from Commitment for Life and partnered with the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society to help change that reality.

With his wife Nnenna, George delivered seven first aid kits to church-related schools serving less privileged communities in Zimbabwe, where government funding is limited.

Eastern Synod
Basildon URC’s Buzz and Bloom toddler group celebrated nature and caring for the environment during the Great Big Green Week, held in early summer.

The toddlers spent the morning taking part in a variety of fun and educational activities including a mini bug hunt, leaf printing, and creating colourful nature-inspired artwork using leaves collected from around the garden.

To round off the day’s activities, the children enjoyed a teddy bears’ picnic, bringing together outdoor play, friendship, and a love of nature in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

North Western
There were cheers all round at Fairhaven URC, aka The White Church, after it won first prize in its category at the local “Club Day” procession.

“Building for the future” was the church’s theme. The congregation collected and creatively wrapped cereal boxes to make ‘bricks’, while two artistic members created the focal point of the display — a model of the church tower.

Members of the church and friends joined others to walk the 1.5-mile route through Lytham.

The post Around the URC: Stories from our churches: 20 August 2026 appeared first on United Reformed Church.

The call came during a recent Public Issues webinar exploring how churches can connect community engagement with worship and faith. Mike Hart, Transformation Director for North Western Synod, highlighted the experience of churches involved in the Warm Welcome Spaces campaign, which showed how opening church buildings could build on existing hospitality while creating opportunities for deeper engagement with local people.

He also challenged churches to see worship and community outreach as part of the same witness to faith in Jesus Christ, rather than separate activities.

A community centred on Jesus

Keynote speaker Nigel Adams, author of Communities of Hope, shared his experience of founding Hope Nottingham 16 years ago. Growing from work based at a former URC building, the charity developed into a network of community hubs offering activities including a café, food bank, community meals, benefits advice and a job club.

Nigel said the most important outcome was not the activities themselves but the community that developed around them.

“The most precious thing about all of this wasn’t the different services that were provided. It was the fact that we were coming together as a community, growing and living and loving around the person of Jesus Christ.”

The community’s activities were rooted in prayer. At the café, people were invited to a short time of Bible reading, reflection, silence and prayer before opening. Nobody was required to participate, but the practice made it clear that Jesus was at the centre of the community.

Nigel said this created natural opportunities for conversations about faith. People who initially came for practical support sometimes went on to explore Christianity through shared life, prayer and relationships. He stressed that this was not about imposing faith, but creating an environment where people understood what the community stood for and an opportunity for them to engage in it.

Starting small

Nigel encouraged churches to establish a consistent rhythm of prayer and Christian activity alongside community work, using informal activities such as crafts and conversation to help people explore faith.

He emphasised listening to local people and finding approaches suited to each community. Churches do not need to recreate an established community hub overnight: they can start small, work consistently and seek support from peers and local partners.

Priesthill URC: a church at the heart of its community

Alice Gilbert, a Church Related Community Worker, described the experience of Priesthill URC in Glasgow. With just nine members and two adherents, the church nevertheless sees its building as a hub for the community.

In an area facing significant deprivation, the church runs a weekly café, ladies’ group and Girls’ Brigade, while partnerships have enabled a wider range of activities.

Working with Urban Roots, the church restored its community garden, creating opportunities for gardening, art projects and further partnerships. Other organisations have helped provide a weekly breakfast, Christmas hampers, a daytime disco for over-50s and an International Women’s Day event attended by more than 90 women.

Alice stressed that this work takes time.

“Take your time, get to know what your assets are as a church and what it is you can offer,” she said.

Alice also encouraged churches to explore their neighbourhoods, listen to residents and identify existing organisations that could become partners.

Making faith visible without pressure

The webinar also considered how churches can make their Christian identity visible without making people feel pressured. Suggestions included prayer trees and prayer boxes, and inviting people to pray with the church rather than the church simply offering to pray for them.

Contributors also highlighted the value of volunteers who are available to listen and build relationships. Community activities do not have to be explicitly faith-based to create opportunities for conversations about Christianity.

Creating spaces… without a church building?

Helen Snashall shared the experience of Waverley URC, which went to extreme lengths to connect with the community: they sold their aging, costly building and began to meet in the Focal Community Centre in Huddersfield. It had a transformative effect on how the congregation engages in mission and enabled the church to focus on the people they were called to be with.

This difficult decision, leaving a building that had been a centre of worship for generations of worshippers, won’t be the right step for every church, but it demonstrates that it is possible to radically rethink how we invest our time and resources, and the fruit of it might surprise us!

Everyone has something to offer

The webinar encouraged smaller and older congregations to start with what they can realistically sustain. People unable to undertake practical tasks can still offer friendship, prayer or a listening ear, while churches can share resources and volunteers with neighbouring congregations and local organisations. Alice advised churches to reach out to their synod office to enquire if a Church-Related Community Worker (CRCW) based elsewhere in the synod might be able to offer occasional advice and support – ‘borrow a CRCW’ and avail of their training and experience.

The overall message was simple: churches do not need all the answers or resources to create something on a large scale. They can look at what they already have, listen to their communities and take one small step forward.

Churches do not need to recreate the examples they have heard about. As one contributor put it, “Do the great things you’re already doing with your community, but make sure you give them opportunities during the week to experience something of the faith that you hold. A simple time of prayer (spoken or silent) before and after an activity could be the start of a journey of faith for the people in your neighbourhood.”

Details of the next A Church With People at the Margins webinar are as follows:

Webinar 4: 16 November – Community Organising

In an increasingly individualistic and hostile society swayed by the loudest and the most privileged, how do we buck the trend and recapture the joy of collaboration and community? How can a community speak and act together to make a positive difference? And what has the church to offer into the mix?

. The webinar starts at 7pm.

The post Churches encouraged to create spaces where community and faith meet appeared first on United Reformed Church.

that in Stourbridge, 19 homes have been completely destroyed, while West Midlands firefighters continue to tackle hotspots across open grassland in seven areas. There have been 54 casualties across eight fires in the region, with 19 people taken to hospital for treatment.

We pray

May we hold in our hearts all those in the West Midlands and beyond who are facing the raw, unrelenting force of fire—those who have lost their homes, their belongings, and the quiet rhythm of their daily lives.

May we feel the weight of their grief, the fear that lingers in the air, and the courage it takes to begin again when the world feels as though it is burning around them.�� We remember those in cities, towns, villages, and rural areas from Stoke-on-Trent to Stourbridge, from Sheldon Country Park to Salford Prior.

We lift up the fire services — our firefighters, emergency responders, and volunteers — who stand not only against the flames but against the exhaustion of body and spirit. May they know rest, support, and the gratitude of a community that sees their sacrifice. Grant them strength, wisdom, and protection as they face the dual crises of fire and climate.

Let us remember the land itself — the scorched fields, the air thick with smoke, the animals displaced, and the ecosystems strained by a climate pushed to its limits by our choices. May we awaken to the urgency of healing our planet, so that no community is left to face such devastation alone.

May compassion guide our actions. May solidarity move us to demand change — cleaner air, safer homes, and policies that honour both people and the Earth. May we find ways, big and small, to ease the burden of those affected and to build a future where fire does not ravage with such ferocity. May we acknowledge our own reluctance to accept the changes needed to combat the climate emergency and grant us the courage to speak out against those profiteering from the fossil fuel industry.

We ask for healing—for the West Midlands, for the firefighters, and for our shared global home. May we rise from this moment with open hearts, determined hands, and a renewed commitment to care for one another and the planet we all depend on.

Amen.

Image: Matt C/Unsplash.

The post Prayers for those affected by fires in West Midlands appeared first on United Reformed Church.

The RJAs are also backing an open letter signed by 70 public figures supporting the Windrush Justice Community Collective (WJCC) campaign for a radical overhaul of the Windrush Compensation Scheme. The scheme was set up in 2019 to compensate people, mainly Black Britons, who, over decades, were incorrectly stripped of citizenship rights and classed as illegal migrants.

Members of Hillsborough Justice, which represents survivors of the 1989 stadium disaster and relatives affected by it, along with Grenfell United, which represents survivors of the 2017 London tower block fire and bereaved family members, .

calls for victims of the scandal to be provided free, independent legal support; the creation of a new, independent Windrush Redress Authority backed by legislation; a full public inquiry into the scandal and its ongoing impact; and for all victims to be granted citizenship or indefinite leave to remain, with all tests waived and any paid fees returned.

“The government is failing to honour its promise,” said the Revd Zaidie Orr, Convenor of the URC’s RJA network: “This scandal has already caused irreparable harm to thousands of Black Britons and their families. People have died waiting for compensation. It is simply outrageous that the Home Office continues to delay compensation and, in many cases, denies it.”

shows that by January 2026, 11,475 claims had been received by the scheme. Of these, 9,224 had concluded and only a third, 3,148, resulted in a payout, while 56% of the claims, 5,203, received no award. The remainder of the claims were classed as either ineligible or withdrawn. The Home Office attributes this to “applications from people who successfully applied to have their legal status confirmed through the Windrush Scheme but did not suffer any financial detriment, or people who have experienced other detrimental treatment, impacts or losses that are not covered by the Windrush Compensation Scheme”.

Pat Poinen, an RJA based in Darlington, said: “The fact is that many commonwealth migrants came to the UK with British passports.

“Ripping away a person’s identity, citizenship and right to belong causes profound harm. Families have been split apart for decades and, in some cases, individuals have been forced to return to countries which they left as children and no longer have any connection with. People have lost homes and livelihoods.

“Regardless of whether a victim suffered financial detriment, compensation should be paid. There is no monetary value that can be placed on positive mental health or the right to family life. Any compensation can be regarded as a token attempt to right the injustice caused by this scandal, yet the attempts continuously fail.

“I urge as many people as possible to sign the WJCC petition.”

In the report, NAO says: “The Home Office told us the scheme was designed to be accessible without the need for legal representation.”

However, according to the legal reform charity , victims from other compensation schemes — such as several relating to the Post Office Horizon Scandal, the Infected Blood Scheme, and the Lambeth Children’s Home Redress Scheme — have all been eligible for legal representation.

In comparison, up to £1,500 only is offered by the Windrush Compensation Scheme, for probate legal costs only.

: “Lawyers who helped Windrush Scheme claimants suggest the attitude of Home Office caseworkers is designed to put off claimants and limit awards. The Home Office claims the process is simple and that individuals do not need legal help to apply. Yet lawyers describe the scheme as ‘tortuous’ and ‘misery on top of misery’, with a pervasive ‘culture of disbelief’ causing delays and unreasonable refusals.”

The charity also highlights “the complexity of the application process, where rules and guidance extend to over 200 pages” — this before the case even begins. Research by the charity also shows that “one claimant went from being refused any compensation to being awarded £295,000 with legal assistance; another had her award go from £20,000 to £170,000 once she had charitable legal support”.

Karen Campbell, URC Head of Global and Intercultural Church, leads on the issues of racial justice and responses to the legacies of transatlantic slavery, and commented: “We need to ask why the government has denied free, legal assistance to Windrush victims as compared to those of other high-profile scandals.”

She added: “There is only one solution — to truly right the injustice of the scandal itself and the subsequent injustice of denying victims free legal support as with other scandals, the Windrush Compensation Scheme must be taken out of the government’s hands and placed, as called for by the WJCC, into the hands of a new, independent Windrush Redress Authority. I urge members of the URC to back the WJCC’s petition.”

.

Image: Steve Eason/Flickr

The post URC Racial Justice Advocates urge Andy Burnham to honour Windrush pledge appeared first on United Reformed Church.

North Western Synod

The Revd Dr Gilbert Esambe is encouraging others not to give up on their calling after completing a Doctor of Ministry degree while serving in the Lancashire South East Missional Partnership.

After earlier setbacks and delays to his studies, Gilbert continued learning alongside ministry, studying during evenings, days off, and annual leave. His research explored innovative approaches to mission and ministry within the URC.

Reflecting on the achievement, Gilbert says the degree represents more than academic success—it is a reminder that delayed dreams need not be abandoned. His message to others is simple: trust God’s timing and persevere.

Gilbert said: “As I reflect on this achievement, I do so with gratitude to God, to my family, friends, colleagues, church members, and all those who have encouraged me along the way. I also give thanks to the URC within which I have had the privilege to serve and grow.

“My prayer is that this story will encourage others who are pursuing a calling, a dream, or a vision that seems distant today. Keep going. Trust God’s timing. Stay faithful to the task before you. The harvest may take time, but it will come.”

Elsewhere across North Western

Aftab Alexander Mughal, Director of Minority Concern (UK) and a member of Westbury Gardens URC in Blackburn, led a delegation to Lambeth Palace on 16 June for a special prayer service and meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally.

The delegation, comprising Pakistani Christians from different church traditions, presented a petition highlighting the ongoing issue of the forced conversion and forced marriage of Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan. They also raised wider concerns about the human rights challenges faced by religious minorities in the country.

Following the meeting, the Archbishop expressed her support for their advocacy and assured the delegation of her prayers.

Aftab said: “We found her Grace to be a humble, compassionate, and deeply concerned church leader who is committed to promoting peace and justice. We are grateful for her time, for arranging this special prayer service, and for demonstrating her concern for human rights around the world, including in Pakistan.”

Minority Concern (UK) hopes the meeting will help increase international awareness of the challenges facing religious minorities in Pakistan and strengthen efforts to promote equality, freedom of religion, and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Thames North Synod

The minister of Newland URC, the Revd Naomi Young-Rodas, joined civic and faith leaders on 24 June for a series of inter-faith visits across Luton led by the Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Atkinson OBE.

The programme, organised by Grassroots Luton, the Luton Council of Faiths and the Near Neighbours Programme, brought together Christian, Sikh and Muslim communities to strengthen relationships and promote understanding.

Newland Church was formed in 2023 when five URC congregations in the Luton and Dunstable area — churches in the Luton & Dunstable Cluster, Bury Park URC, Edward Street URC, St Katherine of Genoa URC, St Ninians URC, and Wigmore Church (URC/Methodist) — voted to unite as one church serving two locations. Naomi was inducted as minister of Newland Church and St Albans URC in May 2026.

During the visit, the group toured several places of worship, including Guru Nanak Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) and Bury Park Jamia Masjid, which now occupies the former Bury Park URC building, where there was discussion about plans for a community garden and environmental improvements, demonstrating how faith communities can continue to serve local people in new ways.

Participants also reflected on shared values of hospitality, peace, compassion and mutual respect.

Naomi said: “It was heartening to witness everyone’s shared commitment to community cohesion in Luton. Together, we reflected on shared values such as hospitality, service, peace, mutual respect, and compassion for all, while also acknowledging the important role faith communities play in supporting social cohesion.”

National Synod of Wales

The National Synod of Wales is continuing to place creation care and climate justice at the heart of its mission. Awarded an Eco Synod Bronze Award in 2023, the Synod has taken significant steps in areas including carbon reduction, biodiversity, ethical investment and environmental education.

Working alongside A Rocha UK, Climate Cymru and other partners, the Synod has supported churches through an Eco Church roadshow, webinars, practical resources and guidance on reducing carbon footprints.

Churches across Wales have embraced a range of initiatives, from installing solar panels and improving energy efficiency to creating wildlife habitats, hosting eco-themed worship, running community environmental projects and campaigning for climate justice.

The Synod’s efforts are yielding results. Wales is now home to two Eco Church Gold Award winners, four Silver Award churches, twelve Bronze Award churches and eleven more congregations registered with the scheme.

Looking ahead, the Synod hopes to build on the momentum of recent years, helping more churches care for creation and embed environmental action into every aspect of church life.

The post Around the URC: Stories from our churches: 20 July 2026 appeared first on United Reformed Church.

Senior members of the denomination said: “The premature closure of a faith event in the UK due to a ‘credible threat’, such as the Ijtima at Shrubland Hall at the weekend, is alarming.

“91��Ƭ�� General Assembly, meeting in 2024, expressed deep concern over the unacceptable rise of Islamophobia in our communities and wished to extend a hand of solidarity to our highly valued Muslim neighbours.

“Just over a week ago, our General Assembly ‘warmly (commended) the journey towards a joint Christian-Muslim declaration’ and the work of the Interfaith Enabling Group. We pray that these efforts further encourage our local churches to reach out that hand of solidarity, and we recommend Churches Together in Britain and Ireland’s resource Reaching Out in Love to this end.

The resource is available for free, at .

Image: Andrew Hill/Wikimedia/

The post URC responds to alleged terror threat at Islamic gathering appeared first on United Reformed Church.

Eastern Synod

Four-legged friends and creatures who have shared the hearts and homes of their owners have been celebrated at a special service in Norfolk.

In partnership with Rackheath Vets, a pet remembrance service was held in June at Wroxham & Hoveton URC and was led by the church’s minister the Revd Tina Wilson.

Tina said: “They greet us without judgment, comfort us without words, and leave a space in our lives that is impossible to fill when they are gone.”

The pet remembrance service included the lighting of candles and the placing of photos and keepsakes. A space was also given for reflection and thanksgiving.

An attendee said: “It was a beautiful event and space, including calm music and caring words.”

The service will now become an annual fixture in the life of the Norwich Area URC Mission Partnership.

Tina said: “Whether you are recently bereaved of a beloved companion or simply wish to pause and give thanks for a life well lived and well loved, you will find a warm welcome waiting.”

Elsewhere across Eastern

South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Cabinet has agreed to progress the award of a 999-year lease to Northstowe Church Network for the first of Northstowe’s four Faith and Community Land sites.

The Northstowe Church Network, a local ecumenical partnership between the URC, Church of England and Baptists in close collaboration with Northstowe Muslims.

The proposal grew out of everyday life in Northstowe and years of listening to residents’ suggestions about ��what the growing town needed.

Revd Beth Cope, Northstowe’s Pioneer Minister, said: “One of the most encouraging things about this process is that Northstowe already has residents, faith groups and community organisations ready to put time, imagination and love into the future of the town.

“As we take forward the first Faith and Community Land site, we recognise the hope, passion and local commitment brought by others, including Hindu Samaj Northstowe and local Hindu residents, and look forward to ongoing friendship and practical collaboration.”

As part of Pride, Abbey Lane URC in Saffron Walden, Essex, held a dedicated coffee morning and in the process raised money for Stonewall UK and the LGBT Foundation. Alison Jiggins, Elder, said the coffee morning was a great opportunity for the church to show support for the local LGBTQAI+ community and share the message that “everyone is welcome”.

North Western Synod

The Lancashire South East Missional Partnership marked its inaugural Global Mission Day on 13 June 2026, bringing together people from across the region and members of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon from around the UK. The event was attended by Catriona Wheeler, Immediate-Past General Assembly Moderator Catriona Wheeler.

Focused on celebrating Cameroon, the day featured cultural displays, presentations, traditional food, and lively worship led by the Cameroonian Christian community. Guests learned about Cameroon’s history, culture, and the witness of the Church in the country.

Organisers hope the day will become an annual opportunity to strengthen global partnerships, encourage mutual learning, and deepen understanding of the worldwide Church. The event highlighted the richness of Christian fellowship across cultures and a shared commitment to God’s mission locally and globally.

West Midlands Synod

Penn URC has welcomed three new members. Congratulations on your new membership!

.

The post Around the URC: Stories from our churches: 13 July 2026 appeared first on United Reformed Church.

The Revd Neil Thorogood, Minister of Thornbury and Trinity-Henleaze URCs��in��South��Western��Synod, who will serve as General Assembly Moderator 2026-2027, called the role an��“honour”.����

Born in Sydney, Australia,��while his parents were serving as missionaries in the Cook Islands, Neil was ordained in 1992 at the age of 28. He served in local churches in Halifax and Welwyn Garden City before serving as Director of Pastoral Studies and then Principal of Westminster College in Cambridge.����

A��visual artist and writer,��Neil��returned to local ministry in Bristol and Thornbury in 2020.��

He regularly contributes to the URC’s Daily Devotions,��the��annual��URC��Prayer Handbook, and��Reformed��magazine. During the Covid lockdown, Neil made small sketches each day and published them on Twitter (now X). These pictures were the basis of his book��, published by the URC in 2023.����

He was inducted��as Moderator at the URC’s 2026 meeting of General Assembly, the denomination’s key-decision making body,��held at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick,��Derbyshire, on��3–6 July.��

Neil said: “I’m very conscious of the privilege of being elected Moderator of the General Assembly and hope I can fulfil this new chapter of ministry in ways that can be a blessing for everyone I share with.”��

A theme he hopes to explore throughout his term in office is “Christ’s conspiracy of goodness”.����

Neil explains: “It is inspired by a book about mission written by an American Methodist which has spoken to me ever since reading it in the 1990s.”��The book takes inspiration from rural French Christian communities who protected Jews from the Nazis during the��Second��World��War; undermining evil with faithful goodness.��

As well as��representing��the URC at significant ecumenical and national events and gatherings, Neil��adds: “I��aim to visit many parts of the URC and discover more of the amazing mosaic of faith and action that is our life together.”����

The Revd Dr Susan Durber,��a URC minister��who serves as President of the European Region of the World Council of Churches, was elected��as��General Assembly Moderator-Elect��and will��serve��in the role from July��2027-2028.��

The post Neil Thorogood, General Assembly Moderator 2026-2027�� appeared first on United Reformed Church.