Lydia Neshangwe met representatives of URC synods at the Offices of General Assembly in London, to hear about the development of partnerships with synods and local communities in Africa.

She said she had seen many British flags in London and the south of England and been made aware of their links with nationalist campaigns and protests. But she said: “I want to applaud you for the work you’re doing for justice, with ‘foreigners’, and on migration issues, disregarding hatred and putting out love where there is hatred. When I leave London tomorrow, I’ll leave with a sense of hope, not with disappointment, because of the work you’re doing to build the Kingdom of God.”

At the gathering, hosted by Karen Campbell, the URC’s Head of Global and Intercultural Church, URC representatives shared their experiences of setting up and working to maintain partnerships with synods across Africa.

The Revd Lythan Nevard, Moderator of the URC’s Eastern Synod, said her Synod saw the twinning of individual churches as “a key plank” of their approach, and said, “You get to understand what expressing faith looks like in a different context.” She said the Synod is trying to improve its use of online communications and wanted to encourage an exchange of videos between partners that explore responses to Bible readings out of their different contexts. This idea was well received, though there was also a strong understanding that relationships are best built in person where possible.

Some participants said that getting the balance of a partnership right can be difficult. Because representatives of partner Churches in Africa may encounter difficulties getting visas to enter Britain, exchange visits can be one-sided. Concern was also expressed about the carbon footprint associated with long-distance travel between continents.

Speaking to these ecological concerns, Lydia agreed that visits should be well-planned and meaningful, limiting use of fuel as much as possible. However, she also reflected on the saying, “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; but teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime”, adding that it is important for people in the West to “come and encounter, so you understand how we fish, and why we fish the way we do”.

She said that only by being present in Africa can British partners really understand why African churches do what they do. Worship with 1,000 people needs to be experienced in person, for example. You also come to understand that services are long not least because many people have walked two hours to get there. They don’t want to worship for only an hour and then go home again; they need time to rest and to share a meal.

Lydia said that, in the past, international church partnerships have often been about giving money, but now “they must be about relationships”. She said Africans may not have much money but they have a sense of community and relationships. Partnerships “can share spiritually”, she said, and shared prayer is powerful regardless of distance.

Lydia Neshangwe is the immediate past Moderator of both the Council for World Mission and the United Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, and is a serving minister in Mutare, Zimbabwe, with her husband Paul.

Images by All Africa Conference of Churches and Andy Jackson

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Kingdom Over Nation presents eight accessible Bible studies and theological reflections that explore discernment, justice, hospitality, power, ideology, and faithful Christian witness in today’s world.

Contributors from across the ecumenical and denominational spectrum include Chine McDonald, director of the religion and society think tank Theos, the Right Revd Mike Royal, General Secretary of CTE, and the Revd Dr Helen Paynter, a Baptist minister whose most recent book is Faithful Presence in a Fractured World: A Church Toolkit for Resisting the Far Right. The resource has been edited by Minister Shermara Hoyte, who leads CTE’s work in the areas of Pentecostal, Charismatic and Multi-cultural Relations.

The authors say the resource is not a knee-jerk reaction but a careful response that has “grown out of a sustained period of reflection and response across the ecumenical landscape”. They add: “At a time when the Church is navigating political polarisation, culture wars, and questions around national identity, this resource seeks to help Christians think biblically, prophetically, and pastorally about what it means to place the Kingdom of God above every earthly allegiance.”

“The Church’s primary identity is found in Christ and not in national or political allegiance,” writes Minister Hoyte. She quotes words of Jesus from the Gospel of John 18:36  – “My Kingdom is not of this world.”

The URC’s Head of Ecumenical Relations and Evangelism, Lindsey Brown, adds that the resource includes “many practical suggestions for how we might respond. Please do share these resources widely, and perhaps even initiate a discussion group yourself.”

Kingdom Over Nation can be , where other resources responding to Christian Nationalism are also available.

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We met in the where St Mark’s URC in Amble now worships. It was good opportunity to catch up on the activities of the churches in the town, including their involvement in an upcoming variety show.

Saturday was a day encouraging reflection. In the morning I visited and joined morning prayers led by the Revd Kay Blackwell (pictured). Among those with us were some visitors to the island and a minister staying in the Bothy, the cosy converted former vestry.

The Centre often hosts artists in residence who work with visitors to help them explore their relationship with God through art. It is easy to see why artists are attracted to spend time on Lindisfarne. We were blessed with beautiful weather, and the spread of sea, sands and land were entrancing. The Centre encourages reflection within a pilgrimage garden surrounding it, focussing on the life of St Cuthbert.

Visitors to the island are attracted to the Centre by the beautiful mosaic on an outside wall, showing the causeway leading to Lindisfarne crowned by a sun containing a St Cuthbert’s cross. I was amused by the seal’s head poking up in one corner. Although the island was quite busy while we were there, the causeway would close later in the day, giving peace and more time for solitary reflection for those who stayed. I would encourage those who are visiting Northumberland or who are looking for somewhere to spend a few days of reflection to visit the St Cuthbert’s Centre.

Back on the mainland, has created a labyrinth to aid those who would like to spend time focussing on their prayer. We worshipped in a short service, enjoying the sun pouring down on us, then I was able to walk the labyrinth. It gave me a time of peaceful contemplation as I wound steadily back and forth, sometimes seeming to come close to the centre, then finding myself out at the edges again.

I was then welcomed into the church for afternoon tea, and to meet church’s mascot, Wooly the Sheep.

While Sunday’s weather may not have been as sunny the previous day, the welcomes remained as warm. I was able to join the congregation of Rothbury, together with some others from the local group of churches for morning worship. The group, like many others around the country, is beginning to contemplate how they will work together with one minister and considerable distances between the churches.

My weekend was rounded off by fellowship and food at St James’ in Alnwick. An enjoyable time here ended a joyous weekend learning how the local churches are very much part of their communities. On my return home, when I mentioned to a colleague, who is not a church goer but works remotely from that area, his immediate response was to comment how active St James’ in Alnwick is.

Catriona Wheeler

Catriona is the current URC General Assembly Moderator (2025-2026). Read more on the General Assembly Moderator’s Blog.

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Each year, Christian Aid runs a flagship week, with this year’s theme captured in the strapline “Your faith. Make it count.”

Fundraising initiatives are a major part of Christian Aid Week’s activities. Many participate in nationally organised events, including – a challenge to walk, run, cycle or swim 70km over the month to “help families build food security in the face of urban poverty”. Locally, coffee mornings are a staple of the week. At Epping URC, the cake bakers will be out in force for the end-of-week Christian Aid fair, following on from the church’s Christian Aid service the previous Sunday. Jeremy Flack says the service and fundraiser are an important opportunity to focus on the charity when there are so many other organisations and special weeks to support throughout the year.

Awareness-raising is also an important feature in the planning for Christian Aid Week in Groby in Leicestershire. Groby URC joins with the local parish church for their annual Christian Aid service – this year it will take an intergenerational form. Together, the Churches Together in Groby Team (pictured below) will be out litter picking around the village every day to promote the week. “This isn’t a money raiser”, says the Revd Paul Ellis, “but it does help raise Christian Aid’s profile.”

Paul is glad, too, that alongside the library, local Co-op branches will be among the drop-off points for individuals to leave Christian Aid envelopes received through their doors. In small but visible ways, the week is becoming a community event, allowing a growing number of people to engage with the worldwide partnerships and projects the charity supports.

In the year 2024-25, Christian Aid Week raised £5.2 million towards its annual income, with 50% of its grants to partner organisations that year going to Asia and the Middle East – a 52% increase on the previous year. Dr Snyman adds that the United Reformed Church has a long tradition of demonstrating incredible generosity, not least during Christian Aid Week, and believes “this year would be every bit as good”.

Find out all you need to know about Christian Aid Week .

Main image: Christian Aid supporters at Haddington Farmers’ Market, East Lothian

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In the lead up to the Jewish Sabbath, the Revd Dr Kevin Snyman, the URC’s Head of World Justice and Inter Faith, said: “As members of the United Reformed Church, we wish to hold close to our hearts our Jewish family following the attempted arson attack on Finchley Reform Synagogue. We are deeply saddened and angered by this latest act of antisemitic hatred.”

“We stand in solidarity with the synagogue leaders and members, all at Progressive Judaism, the wider Finchley community, and the Jewish community as a whole beyond North London. No community should have to worship under threat, fear, and anxiety.”

Dr Snyman endorsed a statement from the Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ), which noted that although this attack was unsuccessful, it follows attacks on the Hatzola ambulances last month and Heaton Park synagogue in October.

A further attack was made on Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow overnight on 18 April, following which arrests have been made.

The CCJ said: “Security, tension and anxiety are extremely high. Jewish colleagues, friends and neighbours should not have to worry about attending places of worship, nor should anyone of any faith. Jewish community buildings, schools and synagogues have longstanding security systems that frankly should not be required.”

The Revd Dr Nathan Eddy, Co-Director of the CCJ and a United Reformed minister, added: “An attack on a synagogue or any place of worship is an attack on us all. It strikes right at the heart of something Christians should stand against, arm in arm.”

In a message directed to the members of Finchley Reform Synagogue, Dr Snyman emphasised that “we send our strength, our prayers, and our steadfast support to the synagogue and to all who are shaken by this attack. You are not alone at this time.”

Finchley Reform Synagogue has stood in the area since 1961. A new building was completed in 2022.

Linked statements from

This article was updated 20 April 2026, following an attack on Kenton United Synagogue.

Image: By Ri Butov | Pixabay

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Today we sit inside a story about love — a love that never turns away, a love that keeps giving and giving.

It was evening. The room was quiet.
Jesus Christ sat at the table with friends on the night we now call Maundy Thursday.
They were sharing a meal together, just like friends do.

But Jesus wanted them to understand something important.
He stood up slowly.
He picked up a towel.
He knelt down.
And one by one, He washed their feet.
It was a servant’s job — not a king’s job.
Yet the One they called Lord chose to kneel.
The King chose a towel instead of a crown.

Perhaps His friends wondered, Why is He doing this?
And Jesus seemed to say, without needing many words,
“This is how much I love you.”

Then He took bread, broke it gently, and shared it with them.
“This is my body, given for you.”
It was as if Jesus was saying,
“I love you this much — enough to give myself.”

Not just with words.
With actions.

Love helps.
Love shares.
Love includes.
Love is kind — even when it’s hard.
Love kneels.
Love serves.
Love welcomes.
Love looks small sometimes — like a towel, or a piece of bread, or a quiet act of kindness.

But small acts can hold very big love.
So this week, we might ask ourselves:
How can we show love like this?
Maybe by helping someone without being asked.
Maybe by sitting beside someone who feels alone.
Maybe by forgiving, or sharing, or simply being kind.

Because love is not only something we say.
Love is something we do.
And Jesus shows us just how much love can reach.

Judy Harris is the URC’s Children’s and Youth Development Officer in the National Synod of Wales
Image: Washing of the Feet by John August Swanson, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN

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The event was hosted by the United Reformed Church in London and organised by Youth Ministry Roundtable – a network of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. In what was a unique gathering, denominational leads for youth and young adult ministry from fourteen UK denominations gathered to discuss how local church members can respond to the concerns of Generation Z (currently aged 14 to 29). They asked what it is that is drawing young people to church and faith considerations – a phenomenon sometimes known as “the Quiet Revival”.

Keynote speaker Benjamin Hoyte, Church Engagement Manager at Bible Society, which was responsible for the Quiet Revival research, outlined the challenges for churches to welcome, engage and disciple young adults who come to church with no previous connection. He highlighted a generation exploring a spiritual marketplace, wanting to wrestle with questions, having encounters they need to unpack somewhere, and looking for authenticity and community.

He mentioned in particular young men, coming with a sense of purposelessness and loneliness, encouraged by social media, and said the challenge for churches is not to convey theological permission for them to be who they already are, but to share a gospel of transformation and love.

It was a point emphasised by other speakers, including Erica Lees-Smith, an intern with the ecumenical Joint Public Issues team, who said that young people are bringing into church a “culture war language that doesn’t align with Christ-like principles”. She said young people are often unaware of the Church’s “long tradition of welcoming the stranger, centring the marginalised, and caring for the environment”. However, Erica, who is herself part of Gen Z, said, “We’re looking for forums where our anger or frustration can be heard”. She cited the difficult jobs market, the climate crisis, and racism and said, “Young people need to be heard and taken seriously.”

Lydia Gilbertson of the Evangelical Alliance agreed that “this generation isn’t drifting, it’s wrestling”. She said recent research confirmed that many 18-24-year-olds “have been shaped in a hyper individualistic culture. To follow Jesus in that context is countercultural”. And Luke Smith, from the student mission organisation Fusion, said that above all young people “need someone to sit with them and work through their stuff, work through the things in their life that they can’t figure out”. “How do we disciple those people who speak a different cultural language to the one that we spoke?” he asked.

The conference gathered a range of responses to the needs and questions shared during the day. They included: creating “a culture of apprenticeship in faith”, shifting social media to “doing faith” content and working ecumenically, and remembering that personal communication is vital – church members “don’t need new resources, but more confidence in nurturing and being alongside others in their questions”.

The day was organised by Dr Sam Richards, the URC’s Head of Children, Youth and Intergenerational Discipleship, with Dr Carolyn Edwards (Church of England), Meg Prowting (Methodist Church) and the Revd David Howell (Churches Together in England and The Conversation).

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Taking the theme “Wise Words – Wise Actions” as their starting point, around one hundred 14-25-year-olds enjoyed a weekend of business, worship, and a wide range of activities – from prayer walks and karaoke to marshmallow toasting and ceilidh dancing.

Following lively discussion and a vote, Youth Executive was tasked with focusing their attention in 2026-27 on three priorities: social injustices for young people; international partnerships and collaboration with Christian youth; and environmental issues.

From tackling a housing crisis that prevents young people from moving out from home to recognising that those below the poverty line are impacted more by the effects of climate change, members of Assembly made clear the issues they are passionate about – and feel their churches and communities should care deeply about too. Taylor Hawkins, a delegate from Wessex Synod, was successful in persuading Youth Assembly to encourage synods and local churches to become more young carer aware. Their resolution will come to the recently formed Faith in Action committee for further discussion and action.

There was also a notable emphasis on the need to collaborate ecumenically. Delegates were present from different Christian denominations, from across the UK and Germany, as well as interns from the Joint Public Issues Team. Incoming Youth Moderator Kacie Hodgson has made “expanding our horizons through our ecumenical relations” one of the platforms of her year in office, and Moderator-Elect Alex Clements added that “where URC churches exist at a geographical distance, we need to support young people to feel more confident in getting to know young people of other Church denominations”.

The depth of commitment to Youth Assembly was evident throughout the event. Outgoing Youth Moderator Maya Withall, who joined the URC aged 11 from a non-Christian background, marvelled at the journey she has come on and said her colleagues on Youth Executive have inspired her to be better in her own work. The new Clerk of Youth Assembly, Jessica Gough, echoed that sentiment and told the gathering she was baptised recently and became a member of her local church. She said, “I honestly don’t think I would have made that decision had I not got involved with URC Youth.”

Christie Ntim led Youth Assembly 2026 into its first worship session and expressed what many others also felt: “a warming love from many participants at Youth Assembly, which filled me with so much hope and joy as we shared stories and wise words with each other.”

Recruitment is underway for young people who would like to help plan future Youth Assemblies. Details and an Expression of Interest Form at .

Pictured: (main image) worship; (montage) Maya Withall (past Youth Moderator), Kacie Hodgson (Youth Moderator, 2026-27) and Alex Clements (Youth Moderator-Elect) / wise words make wise badges / some umbrellas just don’t work

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“All the work I’ve done has been around how we help people find connection, security and belonging – these are things that I think are really important.”

Helen recently took up the role of Mission Practitioner (Children) for the URC’s Eastern Synod. She comes to it following eight years of being alongside children and families in the rapidly growing and increasingly diverse community of Trumpington, near Cambridge.

In a partnership between the local Anglican church and the county council, Helen – who trained as a clinical psychologist – brought expertise around vulnerabilities, mental health and complex situations such as domestic abuse, and an understanding of diverse needs alongside the context of Christian faith.

Helen understood her work as pioneering ministry, being alongside people beyond the traditional structures of the Church. When the initial project funding ran out, she ensured it continued under the auspices of the charity Connected Lives. “This work is about relationships and trust, and it takes time,” she says.

Committed to an intergenerational approach to her new role, Helen says we need to be thinking about children and young people within the context of what their environment is. “So, not just being with them on a Sunday and teaching them the Gospel, but asking who they are connected to. Because most of the time, children are with their parent or carer. What has their parents’ own experience of being parented been like? What do they know of what it means to belong, and how might this impact on their children’s life now?”

As Helen helps others make connections and find supportive communities, along the way she has also found her own desire to belong met within a local URC congregation. Drawn there by its embrace of the Open Table movement, which advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion in religious settings, she found a new home – “a truly inclusive place with Jesus at the heart of it. It was open. Not bogged down in tradition. I found a home in a new place.”

Helen says she is pleased to be extending her work and interests into Eastern Synod, saying “I’d like to give back what I’ve learned at a broader level, across a larger area and within the URC.”

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The Carbon Fast campaign is being run by Climate Stewards, part of the A Rocha family of organisations.

The organisers say a carbon fast is “about giving up unsustainable consumption practices to reduce our carbon footprint – and in doing so, learning to live lightly on God’s earth”.

In the Bible, they say, caring for creation is God’s first instruction to humans. So, during a season when Christians traditionally fast and focus on God, they encourage us to live more simply and find new ways to cut our carbon footprint.

It’s not too late to join in.

Each week throughout Lent, the campaign features a different theme designed to help churches and individuals take climate action. Each session includes key facts, suggestions for how to reduce our carbon footprint, and a reflection.

Sign up for weekly emails or download the whole set of themes in one go at the .

Climate Stewards say: “By starting to reduce our consumption at Lent, and continuing with thoughtful living through the year, we are caring for creation, a responsibility entrusted to us by God.”

����������:�� by Bernard Meninsky (1891–1950)

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