Monthly Archives: December 2021

2021 has brought more unexpected twists and turns. As it rolls to a close, the JPIT staff reflect on the things which brought them some joy this year (and offer some recommendations!). Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Christmas, from … Continue reading →

The former Welfare Reform minster has described two of his own policies as “excrescences” that were made into law because they were popular. The phrase “Performative Cruelty” has been used to describe such policies and most recently in describing the … Continue reading →

With the Prime Minister confirming that England will move to the government’s “Plan B” in light of the spread of the Omicron variant, the United Reformed Church Synod Moderators have updated their guidance issued on 29 November, as follows: 

• The wearing of face coverings in church will become mandatory in England, bringing England into line with existing restrictions in Scotland and Wales. Medical exemptions will, we understand, continue to apply, but in light of the rapid spread of the latest variant we would ask members to consider whether they have a genuine medical reason not to wear a face covering, rather than a preference.

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The United Reformed Church (URC) Youth Executive has condemned practices known as ‘conversion therapy’ – sometimes called ‘reparative therapy’ or ‘gay cure therapy’ – as unethical and potentially harmful.

The Youth Executive, the URC’s decision-making body made up of young people and adults, expressed the view through the UK government’s consultation on the practice, and echoes the sentiment of the emergency resolution agreed at the URC’s Assembly Executive, held from 22-24 November, which called on members and Ministers to refuse to offer, or to participate in offering, conversion therapy in any form.

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As I write Christmas is only 21 sleeps away! I’m not too stressed about Christmas; I have already bought my train ticket home and I have had some good ideas about presents that I am going to buy members of … Continue reading →

“The workshops were most helpful”, “I found the steep learning curve needed”, “lots of my questions were answered” are just some of the positive comments received about recent training workshops.

In collaboration with Education and Learning, the United Reformed Church (URC’s) Children’s and Youth Work offered a series of eight workshops over the summer and autumn, designed to build skills, confidence, and capacity in communications.

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On 7th and 8th December, the Nationality and Borders Bill will be the focus of debate in the House of Commons. At this stage in the process (the Report stage), MPs can submit amendments, speak to those amendments selected for … Continue reading →

Sharon Barr, Safeguarding Officer for the United Reformed Church (URC)  Wessex Synod, has been appointed the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the denomination.

Sharon has been offering limited cover as Interim Safeguarding Lead since February, following a series of changes in the department.

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Members of St Columba’s United Reformed Church (URC) in Wolverhampton have praised the generosity of a kind-hearted local who replaced lifesaving equipment that was stolen.

The church had purchased a defibrillator from donations made in memory of Isabel Ward, an Elder of the church.

The defibrillator was placed in a locked cabinet on the outside of the church during the summer, so it could be used by the whole community of Finchfield and registered on The Circuit – a national defibrillator network supported by St John’s Ambulance, Resuscitation Council UK, and the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives.

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As Covid rules have been strengthened in response to concern over the new Omicron variant, the United Reformed Church (URC) Synod Moderators provide updated advice to churches:

The situation in Scotland and Wales has not changed with Boris Johnson’s latest announcements from Downing Street. It is a continuing legal requirement for everyone aged 12 or over in Scotland and 11 and over in Wales, unless they are exempt, to wear a face covering in indoor public space (including churches).

The Prime Minister has tightened Covid regulations in England in response to the emerging Omicron variant of concern.

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