Resolutions 2010
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The following motions have been submitted for consideration at the GA Annual Meetings 2010. Amendments may be submitted at any time prior to the final vote on a motion. However, it is in the best interests of clarity for amendments to be advised as far in advance as possible.
1) FROM - Westgate Chapel, Wakefield
That this General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, mindful of the recent criticisms by the Prince of Wales and others, affirms that the cultural change known as "The Enlightenment" has been of immense benefit to humankind in its seeking out of knowledge old and new, and that its emphasis on wisdom being derived from many sources, including nature, science and reason, must be maintained.
Proposed by: David Arthur
Seconded by: Pat Howard
Votes for: 28
Votes against: 30
Abstained: 88
Motion defeated
2) FROM - Executive Committee
That this General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches notes that the Heads of Agreement for the Accord with the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland was approved by the General Synod of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland on 10 June 2009 with the exception of clause 6.6, and agrees to the removal of this clause from the Heads of Agreement.
Proposed by: Rev Brian Cockroft
Seconded by: Jim Corrigall
Votes for:
Votes against:
Abstained: 5
Motion adopted overwhelmingly
3) FROM - Executive Committee
That this General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches sends congratulations and best wishes to its sister denomination The Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland, to its presbyteries and member churches on the occasion of the Church's centenary. The Assembly records with thanksgiving our common allegiance to the principle of Non-Subscription, our shared but different histories and the many ministers who have served both in Great Britain and in Ireland ; and looks forward to many future years of co-operation.
Proposed by: Rev John Midgley
Seconded by: The GA President the Rev Bob Wightman
Motion adopted unanimously
4) FROM - Executive Committee
That this General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches recognises the considerable contribution of David Dawson to Unitarians in the UK by naming him as an Honorary Member.
Proposed by: The GA President the Rev Bob Wightman
Seconded by: Adrienne Wilson
Motion adopted unanimously
PROCEDURAL MOTIONS
Proposed by: The GA President the Rev Bob Wightman
1) That the Report of the General Assembly Executive Committee and the Accounts of the General Assembly be received and adopted.
2) That Shaw Gibbs LLP be reappointed as Auditors.
3) That Huw Thomas be appointed Honorary Treasurer for the year 2010-2011.
4) That the thanks of the Assembly be given to Derek McAuley and Huw Thomas for their services as Honorary Treasurers, to Reverend Dr Ann Peart for undertaking the position of Acting Honorary Treasurer, and to district association and local officers for their invaluable services.
5) That greetings be sent to kindred churches and societies abroad.
6) That the thanks of the Assembly be given to the Reverend Michael Dadson for preaching the Assembly Sermon.
7) That the thanks of the Assembly be given to the Reverend Stephen Lingwood, worship leader for the Anniversary Service, and to all those who provided music and other content for the Anniversary Service and on other worship occasions during these Meetings.
8) That the thanks of the Assembly be given to the members of the General Assembly staff and to all volunteers for their inestimable help in organising the Meetings.
Motions adopted en masse
9) That Neville Kenyon be appointed President of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches for the year 2010-2011.
Proposed by: The GA President the Rev Bob Wightman
Seconded by: Martin West
Motion adopted unanimously
10) That the Reverend Dr Ann Peart be appointed as Vice-President for the year 2010-2011.
Proposed by: The GA President Neville Kenyon
Motion adopted unanimously
11) That this eighty-second General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches expresses its gratitude for the services provided by the Reverend Robert Wightman as President during the year 2009-2010.
Proposed by: The GA President Neville Kenyon
Motion adopted unanimously
EMERGENCY MOTIONS
The following emergency motion has been accepted by the Steering Committee as having met the necessary criteria to be put as an emergency motion and voted in by the General Assembly at the Annual meeting held in Nottingham 8 - 11 April 2010
1) FROM - Foy Society
That this General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches warmly welcomes the campaign to establish a tax levy on international bank transactions to create a fund to combat international poverty and fight climate change - the so-called 'Robin Hood Tax', based on the original idea proposed by the economist James Tobin; fully endorses the prompt action taken by Unitarian Headquarters to sign up the General Assembly as a supporting body to the campaign; instructs the Chief Officer to convey the General Assembly's support for this initiative to Her Majesty's Government; and urges all Unitarians to sign up for the campaign.
Proposed by: David Warhurst
Seconded by: Allan warhurst
Motion adopted overwhelmingly
2) FROM - Macclesfield
Following the recent decision of the Church of England to disinvest funds from Vedanta Resources this General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches instructs its Executive Committee to instruct its brokers to disinvest any funds it may have with Vedanta Resources.
Proposed by: Eila Forrester
Seconded by: Helen Hooley
Motion adopted overwhelmingly
