Four URC members travelled to Chiang Mai, Thailand for the General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), which took place from 14-23 October under the theme of “persevere in your witness”.
The Revd Dr Michael Jagassar, former Moderator of the URC’s General Assembly, drafted and presented the Council’s Public Witness statement, a call to member churches in response to global challenges.
Dr Victoria Turner, member of the URC National Synod of Scotland presented one of the theme papers during the Council exploring the stories we tell ourselves in relation to privilege and oppression. Victoria was also elected to serve as a member of the WCRC General Council Executive Committee for the next seven years.
The URC continues to play a valued part in the life of the WCRC.
The Revds Alex and Jo Clare-Young, both URC ministers, served as members of the worship committee.
Alex said: “We were glad that it was possible to include music by three URC hymn-writers – Dominic Grant, Jo Clare-Young and Fred Kaan – in the services.”
Jo added: “It has been a privilege to write, plan and lead worship with people from all over the globe and to listen in to some of the deep conversations at the Council, ranging from gender justice and slavery to AI and compassion fatigue. The work of global ecumenism is vital and must be valued at all levels of church life. The decisions made here should be carefully considered and implemented by our denomination.”
This year, the call included reflections on justice and human rights, condemning racism and legacies of slavery, conflict and peace and the ripple effects of conflict, ministries for refugees, ecology and creation care, theological and ecclesiological reflections and global solidarity.
The General Council also served as a powerful reminder that international ecumenism is as much about what we learn and receive; about meeting together and discerning the mind of Christ for our churches today.
The final minutes of the WCRC General Council are not yet complete but will include calls to member churches on youth participation, disability participation, LGBTQIA+ participation, issues of AI, social media, global economic practices, and intersectional injustice.
To find out more about the Assembly, and the decisions taken, visit https://wcrc.eu/gc2025/