The Assembly Executive of the United Reformed Church, meeting at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire, has reappointed the Revd Geoffrey Clarke as Moderator of the East Midlands Synod.
The Review Panel unanimously nominated Geoffrey to serve until July 2029, following an extensive review process, including responses from church members, Elders, churches in the Synod and ecumenical colleagues, alongside Geoffrey’s own reflections on his ministry.
Geoffrey said: “I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to continue to serve as Moderator here in East Midlands for a further term.
“I count it as both privilege and pleasure to serve alongside the members and ministers of our churches, supported by a wonderful team of synod staff and officers.
“I have been humbled and upheld, for the past five years, by the company and colleagueship of good people across and beyond the synod and enabled, I trust, to be play my part in encouraging and supporting others.
“I could not ask for a better team in which to serve. These are challenging times, and we can take nothing for granted, other than a confidence in the One whose people we are. The God who calls us grants us the strength we need.”
Synod Clerk Graham Jennings said: “I am delighted that the Assembly Executive has reappointed Geoffrey and we look forward to continuing to support our ministers and local congregations in the East Midlands with Geoffrey’s leadership.
“We thank the Review Panel members for their work and are pleased to see Geoffrey’s dedication and his many, valued strengths recognised in the report.”
Synod Treasurer David Greatorex said: “It is great to hear about Geoffrey’s reappointment and I look forward to continue working together.”
John Bradbury, URC General Secretary, said: “The panel wholeheartedly and unanimously concluded that there is a clear call for Geoffrey to continue serving in his role and believes and prays that this will be for the flourishing of the whole Synod.”