Attending the GA 2023

8 May 2023

by Lesley Lewis

This was my first year attending the GA (General Assembly of Unitarian

and Free Christian Churches held at Staverton Park Hotel, Northampton,

4th 6th April 2023, on behalf of Cairo Street Unitarian Chapel.

Prior to the GA, I attended a zoom meeting for all new attendees; the best

advice given was that we did not have to attend all of the workshops etc ...

and to wear comfortable footwear!!

On arriving at Northampton Station, there were representatives from the

youth section to help signpost to the coach transfers. On arrival at the

Hotel, there were tables in the foyer to collect a welcome pack with name

badge, drop of luggage and then straight into opening worship, which

included the banner parade.

Plenary I - Rev. Sue Woolley (GA President’s) gave summary of the

standing orders and confirmation of the steering committee, followed by

Gavin Howell’s discussion of safeguarding arrangements and report by

Chief Officer Liz Slade covering the latest Census 2021 statistics about

belief in the UK. There was an update on the Nightingale Centre from Colin

Partington, accompanied with a video of children enjoying a SACHs (Send

at child to Huckow) weekend and a tribute to Ernest Baker.

On each day in the programme, there was a choice of workshops. These

are the ones I attended:

Day 1

Workshop 1 - National Unitarian Fellowship

Workshop 2 – Social Action

John Really Beard Lecture: Keynote Speaker – Jon Alexander - Jon

Alexander, in conversation with our Chief Officer Liz Slade.

Day 2

Morning Worship Meditation A quiet preparation led by Richard Bober

Plenary II - Opening worship by Rev. John Carter, Rev. Rob Whiteman

presented the Annual Report, Ann Howell spoke about her new role as

our Social Action Officer, she will be working in partnership with the

Penal and Social Affairs Panel.

Workshop 3 – Renewing Our Faith

Plenary III – Equal Rights

Workshop 4 – Together in Meditation

Workshop 5 – Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Page 7

Workshop 6 – Membership Sustainability

Workshop 7 – Unitarian College

Anniversary Service – “Justice Does Not Just Happen: Showing Up For

Justice” Led by Rev. Winnie Gordon

Day 3

Morning Worship - Meditation “Breath of Life meditation” led by Rev

Laura Dobson

Plenary IV - Debate on the Emergency Motion on Illegal Migration Bill 284

2022-23.

Workshop 8 – Rooted Ministry Rev. Oscar Sinclair asked us to think

about how we could draw on the strength of the cities and communities

we are part of to strengthen our congregation and better serve the wider

community

Plenary V and Closing Worship Rev. Sue Woolley

A very well organised programme, with lots packed into a very tight

schedule, with much appreciated tea breaks, giving extra opportunity to

have a chat or carry on conversations from the last workshop. The venue

was amazing and yes there was lots of walking!!

Overall summary I was very tired by the end, but would definitely

recommend attending the GA. It is an opportunity to meet other

congregations and ministers, and I received a warm welcome from

everyone I met. Having a collection of Rev Cliff Reed’s books, I was in awe

to find myself sitting next to him on many occasions!! I found the

workshops very beneficial, and if I get the opportunity I will be booking my

train ticket for 2024!!