The central work of the United Reformed Church is carried out through an annual council called the General Assembly, which meets in June or July each year.
There are about 700 representatives, mainly appointed by District Councils. Half the members are lay persons, mostly elders, and half are ministers. Decisions are taken about the general policy of the church, and committees appointed to carry it out. Each year a Moderator of Assembly is elected, either lay or ordained, who then becomes the national representative of the URC.
The General Assembly is advised by a Mission Council which aims to enable the URC...
to grow in unity and fellowship with all Christians;
to act by faith to promote the growth of justice and peace for the whole of God's creation.
to be growing communities of faith, worship and mission;
to participate in the world Church for growing witness to Christ.
Assembly fulfils these aims through committees: Doctrine, Prayer and Worship; Discipleship and Witness; Church and Society; Youth and Children's Work, (and FURY Council); Ecumenical; Ministries; Training; Pastoral; Assembly Arrangements and Equal Opportunities.
Each Local church...
welcomes those who come from any church background or none;
arranges its own worship, witness and service;
celebrates the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper;
has regular church meetings of members and an elected body of ordained elders who, with the minister, share pastoral and leadership responsibilities;
seeks to develop ecumenical relationships.
Each District Council...
arranges pastoral care, oversight and support for its churches;
conducts ordinations and inductions of ministers and workers from partner churches overseas;
consults with every local church regularly about its mission;
provides a link between local church, Synods and Assembly.
Each Synod...
gives practical help to churches in legal and property matters;
encourages training;
discusses matters of faith and policy and links to Assembly;
fosters ecumenical relations and action;
has a full-time Moderator, who is a minister with a pastoral and leadership ministry within the Synod.
The URC is committed to take further steps towards the unity of all God's people.
As Part of the World Church the URC shares in ...
The Council for World Mission (CWM), an international fellowship of 30 churches, sharing resources and people in mission.
The Conference of European Churches
The World Alliance of Reformed Churches and other international agencies of Reformed Churches and Disciples of Christ.
The World Council of Churches
In Britain the URC shows its Ecumenical Commitment through...
The Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland (CCBI)
Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS)
Churches Together in Wales (CYTUN)
Churches Together in England (CTE)
The Free Church Federal Council (FCFC)
County ecumenical bodies
Local 'Churches Together' groups and many local ecumenical partnerships.
For more information visit the URC's national web site at www.urc.org.uk