1. Wot it means 2 b URC A Report by Junior Church SENIORS -a history of the Reform Movement CH URC

2. CHRISTIANITY …began with Jesus (before that Jewish) spread to Rome by St Paul Took 313yrs before… Constantine the Great became the 1 st Christian emperor

3. Catholic Church ‘Sale’ of indulgences (giving money to ask god’s forgiveness) Bishops lived like princes Some clergymen were ignorant NEEDED TO RE-FOCUS …became corrupt in the middle ages

4. REFORMATION Religious movement of 1500’s began by Martin Luther Led to Protestantism Accompanied by cultural, scientific and social advances Initially lasted 40 yrs but continues today

5. Counter Reformation Opposition to reform Lead by the Society of Jesus –called the Jesuits –also Barnabites etc

6. Martin Luther German monk Wrote 95 theses Nailed to church door Criticised church –Sale of indulgences –Held that bible was final word of God

7. John Calvin Frenchman 1st protestant pastor in Geneva He published many letters and books on reformation Known for strictness to God’s word

8. Hugh Latimer English Yeoman's son He was preacher to King Henry VIII Pope wouldn’t allow divorce so King Henry became head of Church of England Latimer led the English reformation to establish Protestantism.

9. Mary & Elizabeth I Queen Mary took England back to Catholicism This caused many deaths Queen Elizabeth re- introduced Anglicanism which continues today

10. William Tyndale English Minister Translated the bible into ENGLISH Previously only accessible to the most learned Now anybody could read it

11. Patrick Hamilton George Wishart John Knox Famous Scottish Reformers George Wishart martyred …put to death for teaching reformed ways John Knox changed from Catholic Priest to Protestant …founded of Scottish Presbyterianism

12. Different Denominations We were left with… Anglicans Methodists Congregationalists Presbyterians Baptists Catholics host of others

13. The United Reformed Church in England & Wales …is a union of… Congregational & Presbyterian Churches (1972 ) Churches of Christ (1981) Scottish Congregationalists (2000)

14. URC Stands in the Reformed tradition One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit Supreme authority is the bible Is an inclusive church (‘ministry of all believers’) Is committed to church unity (ecumenicalism)

15. URC composed of… 1 700 local congregations 115 000 adults 23 000 worshiping children and young people 850 serving ministers, women and men. Over 400 local churches are united with other denominations 75 Districts 13 Synods 1 General Assembly

16. Important feature Each church –governed by church meeting –Run day to day by elders Minister is an elder No bishops District councils advise Synod organise regionally Led by Synod Moderator General Assembly appoints committees and Assembly Moderator

17. World Alliance of REFORMED CHURCHES There are 95 member churches around world

18. World Alliance of REFORMED CHURCHES Including… Waldensian Fellowship (special connection with NW Synod) Singapore Bible Presbyterian (special connection with CHURC ~Mae Gone!!)