THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRE( LAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Irisli Piesbytei'ianism has its oi'igins in Scottish migi'ations to Ulster in the early seventeentli centui-y. The first pi'esbytei'y was foimed in 1642 by chaplalns of a Scottish aimy, who had come to Ii'eland because of an Ii-ish Catholic rebellion. In spite of this and later Catholic uprisings and the hostility of the established Anglicaii Church, Piesbyteiianisni put down stroiig roots in Ii'eland before the eiid of the seventeenth centuiy. In the eighteenth centiiiy it was weakened by emigration to colonial America and by division ovei. subscription to the Westiniiistei" foi'mulaiies, whicli encouraged Scottish Covenantei's and Secedei's to foi'm congregations and pi"esbytei'ies in Ulstei. The iestoiation of subscription in 1835 led to uiiioii with the Secedei's iii 1840 to foi'm the General Assembly of the Presbyterian chui.ch in Ii'eland. Today the Iiisli Pi'esbytei'ian Chui'ch has 530 congl'egations in 19 piesbyteiies tlll'oughout Ii'elaiid with almost 200,000 members. The wold 'Presbyterian' desci'ibes tlie foim of oui. Chuich government wliich emphasises the iiidividual and coi'poi'ate responsibility of meinbers. Ministei's and Lneinbers sliaie in the oi'ganising ld i'umiAng of every aspect of the Church's work. At a congregational level this nieans the pi'ovision of worship aiid teaching along with pastoi'al cal'e while the coi'porate woi'k of the Church involves social action, evangelism, missioii at honie and oveiseas, tl'aining of niinisters and woiking with young people aiid childi'en. The Pi'esbyterian Chuich Én Ii'eland is goveined by Pi'esbyteis (oi. eldei's) in repiesentative assemblies, othei'wise known as coui.ts of the Church. These courts compi'ise Kirk Sessions (in each congiegation), Pi'esbytel'ies and the General Assembly. Kil'k Sessions The Kiik Session is tlie govei.ning body of a congregation iii its Ckn'istian calliiig, ovei'seeing and pi'omoting the spiiitual int¢i'¢st of the congi'egation and of pei'soiis not connected with any congregation within its boiinds. The Kii'k Sessions delegates the administt'ation of its tempoi.al affaiis, such as finance, pi'opeity aiid personnel niatters to the Coiigi'egational Committee. A Kirk Sessions inembeiship will include the ordained illinister ld iulAng eldei's. To be chosen for the office of the eldership a pei'son must be a voting meinbei. of the congi'egations and a i'egiilar attendaiit on its oidinances. The Congi'egational Conimittee consists of the membei's of the Kii'k Session and tliose elected by the congi'egation. Each congregatioii of the Presbyteiian Chiircli in Ireland is a sepai'ate cliai'ity in its own L'ight aiid while tlie financial statenient of ilie Genei'al Assembly of the Presbytei'ian Cliuich in Ireland iiicliides contiibutions by congi'cgations to ceiitral appeal and assessments they do iiot incol'porate the fiiiancial statements of each congregation. Presbyteries A Presbytci-y is the body priniai'ily iespolisible foi. coi'poi'ate ovei'sight of the congi'egatiOLlS assigned to it by the Geneial Asseinbly and of the ministeis and eldeis coi]nected with it as well as the advancenieiit of Clu'ist's kingdoni geii¢rally withÉn its bounds. Page I
THE PREI SBYTIRIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 STRUCTURE, GOVEI RNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (cont'd) Piesbyteries Iiiainly consist of the ministeis in active diity of congregations assigned to it by the Geiieral Assembly, those who have i'etiied from active ininisterial duty togethei. with an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congiegation. Each Piesbytei'y is a chai'ity Én its own right aiid the accounts of the General Assembly do not incoi'porate the firAancial statements of eacli Piesbytery. The Genei'al Assembly The General Assenibly Rs the supreme legislative, adniinistiativc and judicial authority of the Church. It deliberates upon and supeiiiitends matters which coiicern the whole Church in its doctrine, worship, witness, discipline and goveinment. The Genei'al Assembly inainly consists of tlie niinisteis in active duty of each congi'egatlOLI aiid a ruling eldei appointed by the Kii'k Session of each established congi'egation. In addition, Chaplains, Associate Ministers, certain ex-officio nienibei's and Geiiei'al Assembly appointed elders are also the membei's of the General Assembly. The Geiiei'al Assembly was noimally coiistituted during tlie fii'st weelc in June each year but foi a trial peiiod of 5 yeai's fi'om 2022 has been moved to later in the nioiith. At the concliision of its business it is dissolved, Dui ing the year the woik of tlie Genei'al Assembly is undei'taken by a nuinber of Coinniissions and Councils whicli it has established. Details of the responsibilities of Coinmissions and Councils ale provided iii the section on Objectives and Activities. The niembeis of the Genci'al Assembly's Genei'al Council act as the Chai'ity Tiustees for the puiyoses of registi"ation with the Chaiity Commission for Noithei"n Ii'eland, The membei'ship of the General Council is set out in Para 272(1) of The Code and consists of the Modeiatoi, Clerk and Deputy Clei'k of the Geneial Asseinbly, Couiickl Convenci., Convenei's of the Couiicil Committees, Financial Scci'etai'y, pi'ecediiig two Modei'atois, pi'eceding Clei'k of Assembly, Coiiveiieis of Coiiiicils and Commissions, Clerks of Presbytery, one direct nominee fl'om each Pi'esbyteiy and nine nominees of the Noiniiiations Conimittee. Page 2
THE PRE( SBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IREI LAND ANNUAL REPORT For tlie year ended 31 December 2022 Charity Trustees The following were niembeis of the General Council on the date these financial statements were approved or had seived on the Council during the repoi'ting period. Allen, Rev TD Andrews, Rev JJ Beattie, Rev JA Best, Rev GE Bole, Mi. J (Resig17ed 25/06/2022) Boyd, Rev J Brice, Rev DW Biownlow, Rev D (Appoinled 25/06/2022) Biucc, Rt. Rev Dr DJ Buinsidc, Rcv MR Canieion, Rev NAL Campbell Rev WG Copeland, Mi. J Cowan, Rev Dr MC Ciaig, Rev ND (Resig17ed 25/06/2022) Crowe, Mi. DA Ciowe, Rev KDW cUle, Rev MJO Ciiny Rev Di. JA Deei'ing, Rev C (Appoi17ted 24/03/2022) Diinlop, Rev AJ Edwai'ds. Rev DTR Ferguson, Mi. S Finlay, Rev SA Flahei'ty, Rev JH Fi'eebui'ii Rev H (Appoinled 25/06/2022) Gainble, Rev EP Gault, Rev MS Gi"aham, Rev K (Appoip7Ked 25106/2022) Gi'eer, Rev TWA Gregg, Rev RD (Resigiied 25/06/2022) Gi'ibbeii, Rev TD Hampton, Mr M Hanna, Mi. J (Resigiyed 25100/2022) Heenan, Mi's A Heill'y, Very Rev Dr WJ Hei'i'on, Rev R Hughes, Rcv Di SE (ReSIgEd 25/06/2022) The Chaiity Tnistees do not i'eceive any remunei"ation foi. acting in that capacity or as membei"s of the Geiiei'al Council although they are entitled to claim expeiises in coi]nection with theii. attendance at meetiiigs. The Gen¢i'al Council seeks tlll'ough a process on ongoing training and ediication to ensui'e all niembei's al'e fully awaie of their i'esponsibilities and the I'ole of the Council as set out in Tlie Code. Jolmston, Rev B (Appoi17fed 25/06/2022) Kane, Rev DJ Kennedy, Mi. RJ Kennedy-Ritchie, Rev L (Resigi7ed 25/06/2022) Kirkpatrick, Rev Dr J Linkeiis, Rev PE Livingstone, Mr TJ Long, Mi T Mackai'el, Rev GJ Mackay Rev RMCM Mccauglian, Rev JA Mccleaii, Rev N Mccleeiy, Mi. JD Mcclui'e, R¢v Di CD Mccoi'mick, Rev Di. TJ Mccraclcen, Rev S (Appoinfed 25/06/2022) Mccullougli, Rev NJ McLei'non, Rev RA McNeely, Vci'y Rev Di" JNI McNeill Rev T (AppoinÉed 25/06/2022) Moffett, Rev RA Mooie, Rev SP Moriison, Rev TC Oil., Rev RN (Resig17ed 24/03/2022) Patton, Vei'y Rev Di. WD Paul, Rev DJ (Resig17ed 25/06/2022) Poynton, Mis C Sellai., Vei'y Rev Di. FP Simpson, Rev GJ Spratt, Rev DM Stanfield, Rev M Thompsoii, Rev AJ Thomson, Mr DW Watson, Mr W Wcbstei,, Rev LW White, Mrs Anne Wilson, Mr C Page 3
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRLI LAND ANNUAL RtPORT For the yeaj" ended 31 December 2022 The Ti'ustees of the Presbyterian Chui'ch in IreIand Tlie Ti'ustees of the Pi'esbytei'ian Chuich in Ii'eland al'e a body incoi'poi'ated undei. Royal Chai'tei in 1871. with powei's and duties regulated by the Ii'ish Piesbytel'ian Chui'cli Act 1871 and the Iiisli Presbytei"ian Church Act 1901, foi. management of ceitain trust pi'operties (iiicludiiig iiivestments) foi, the Chui'ch and other pui'poses. Individual Ti'ustees must be inembei's, of at least two years standing of a congiegation in the Pi'esbytei'iaii Chiii'ch in Ii'eland and are appoiiited by a vote of the Genci"al Assembly. Tlie Ti'ustees act as holding ti'ust¢es fol. pioperty owned by tlie Genei'al Assembly. Tbe Code "The Code" is the book of the constitution and goveinment of the Pi'esbyteiian chui.ch in Iieland and the cuent veision is dated 9 June 2017. MISSION STATEMENT The Piesbyteiian Chui'ch in Ii'elaiid, as a Refoimed Chui'ch witliin the widei. body of Clu'ist, is giounded in the Sciiptui'es and exists to love and honoui. God tl]roiigh faith in His Soil and by the powei of His Spii'it, and to enable hei" members to play theii part iii fulfilling God's niission to oui. woi"Id. This is an extract froin the Mission Statelneiit i'eceived by the Genei'al Asseiiibly iii June 1992 at its nieeting to mark tlie 350th anli1versY of the establishnient of the fiL'St Piesbytery in Ii'eland. Page 4
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year elided 31 December 2022 OBJECTIVEI S AND ACTIVITIEI S The General Assembly goveinalice structures consist of a iiunibei" of Commissions and Councils wliich, on its behalf, are responsible foi. diffei'ent aspects of the Chiii'ch, s woik. The iiotes to the Stateineiit of Fiiiancial Activities analyses the Chuich's charitable activities under each Council. The Linliage Commission is I'espons7blefoi' gi'cint117g 'leaipe to call, c117d seltiiig cissociated terms 14Jhere a niiiiislerial iiacai?cJ217Lis ai.isen in ci congi'egation. It is cilso responsiblefoi" 3etling iei'nisfoi. the dissoltition, c7miilgamat1017 01. linkiige of congregations. It regulales the appoinlmei?l of addilional pastoral pep"soi?iiel and aiixiliaiy ministei's in congi'egalions, i'eviews stipends and selsfiguresfoi. ministerEal expenses aFzd cei"taii?fees, and ovei'sees mattel's lo do with chiii'ch ai'chifectiire and manses. The Judiciial Commission along Mllth it3. i'elated Special Cominission and ApplicatlOP7s Coinmission is 7'esponsiblefoi' dealing with any cases of appeal oi" refei.ence oi. any othei" n7attei' which may be i"efei'i'ed to it undei" oi" by vii'tue of The Code. The General Council deals Miirh exceptional mLillers' affeclingpziblic intei'est oi. the genei.al Miork of the Chui'cl? cis n7aJi ai'ise and requii'e Liction behveen ineetings of rhe General Assembly. It l?as ci role in coop'dinaling the Hpork of othei, Councils and is I'esponsiblefor effectively communi.catii?g the Assen7bly views botl? 14Jlthin aitd beyond t17e Chiii"ch. Jtfacilitcites the pi'ocess ofnomip7ations lo Coiincils, oi'ders the business of t17e Genercil Assen7bly cit ils anniial meeting, di'aws lip pi.ioi.itiesfoi' tl?e i4Joi'k of the Genercil Assen?bly, prepai'es genei'al Church policy oi" stalements on Docli"i17e, dei?elops i'elalions171PS Miiih ot17er Chiii"ches and ensures Ihal support sei'iiices ai"e beingprovided to Councils effecliijely and efficiently. It proiiides siipport sei"iiicesfor the othei. Coiincils, 14Jhich incliides pei"sonnel, finance, infoi"mation technology, ci"ealjiJe pi'oduction and certain pi'opeF'ty SllPPOI't. It is specificcilly responsiblefor rhe pnanagenienf of and conti'actual ai"I"angen?enls in i"espect ofcillpersonnel employed by the General Assembly ai?d ovei"seeing t17efiniinces of the Chui'ch wl?ich i17cliides the adniii?isti'alion of a numbei. of Fu17ds ii?cliiding the Uniled Appeal thi"oug17 Mihich tl?e Chui'ch colleclively suppoi'ls AJi.ssions andfunds the Trvoi"k of a niimbei" of Genei'al Asscmbly Coiincils. The Ge17ei'al Council acts as chcirily trusteefoi. the Genep'al Assen?bly. Council for Public Affairs is responsiblefoi. identifyii?g cui'i"ent issiies wliich rhe Chiii"ch needs lo addi'ess, helping to deiielop the Chiirch 's ihinking in these ai'eas cind comniunicciling the Genei'al Assen7bly's vieivs in the piiblic sqiiai'e. It also Seeks lo develop i.elalions171PS Wlth ihe Fvestminster and Diibli17 goi?ei'ninenls ai?d makes i'eprese17tatioi?s to them on behalfof the Chiirc17 ap7d p'esponding to consiiliationsfi'om them. The Council is. also i.esp017siblefoi' pi'ovidii?g non7inations lo ediicalion and othei. stale bodies Mjhei'e the Chiii'ch is a slake1701der. Council for Training in Ministry is i"esponsiblefor the seleclion, ti'aining and on-going deiielopment 0]. n7inistei's, foi" the pcistoi'al ccii"e of177ansefainilies, the selection ti'aining and ongoing developnient of aiixiliaiy Ministei's and acci"editedpreachei's, seleclion ai?d ii'aining of deaconesses, n?anagement of Union Tl?eological College andfoi. tlie I"ecept7on ofministei's and licei?tiatesfi'on7 Other chiii'ches. It also proiiides a conciliat1017 sei"iJice. Page 5
THE PRLI SBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL RLI PORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 Council for Congregational Life and Witiiess seekg to s'iippoi't the ongoing life ai?d M2ltness of congregations in their Mlol'k Mjlth all age gi"oups, throiigh casting i?ision, cis'3'isting in dei)elopn7ent, offei.ing ti"aining, pi'oiiiding and SEgnposling models ofgoodpi'actice ai?d i'esotll'Cl17g in the ai.eas of MPOI"ship, disciplesl?ip, niii'liiring cind teaching, pasloi'al care, evangelisni a17d oiitreach in Ihe comn7unity, co-opei'ative Miorking Mjlth orhei"s, iniJolven7ent in global miss'ion and leadei'ship. It is respoi?siblefor the sli"ategi.c developn7ent of Yozith and C17ildi"en's pninistiy, n?inistry an70ng women, yoiing Lidiilts, n?inistry, supportfor thefainily lind mai'i'iage a17d cotinseling services. It also aims to biiild suppoi'live links iijith local schools, suppoi't C17ristians ii? the Miorkplace ai?d be pi'oactive ip7 the woi'k ofgood i"elations. li ainis, lo pi'ovide supporl lo congregations in the areas offinance, hecilt17 and sLifely andpei'soni?el n7atters. Council foi. Mission in Ireland seeks to develop stp"ategic pi'ioi"ities in all-age n7ission in li'eland, COF7sidei's nemj chiii'ch dei7eloppnents ai?dplanting, uvei.see all aspects of tl7e Mjork ofHome Lind Ii'ish Mission, the deployn7ents and support of deacoi?es'ses, suppoi'ls chaplaincy in tl?e Foi'ces, Hospitals, Hospices and Prisons cind supports iKission and ministiji in UF7ivep"sities Lind Colleges. Council for GIobal Mission seeks to siipei"iiise t17e ovei'seas n7ission of the Cl?ui'ch, to dei7elop ci sli"ategy on niission oi?ei"seLis, incltidingpai"tners171PS 1411th oi)ei'seas Cl?iirches cind 117e sending ofpei"soi?nel to sei'ipe oiJei"seLis. It aims to Pl"01770te MlOI'ld deipelopinent i.ssues and leads the thiF7kiF7g on issiies ofglobal concern sucl? Lis the envii'onment, Trvorldfait17S. 11?tei'.ciilttii'al Lind inlei"natiOF7al i"elatEons. Council for Social Witness is responsEblefor delii?ei'ing an effectii?e social cal'e sei'vice on behalf of the Chiii'c17 and io the widei, com177uniQy ip7 parlnei'shi]) with appi"opi"iate orga17isalions in rhe ai'ecis of older people sep"vices including i"esidential cai'e, disability se7'vi.ces, ci'iminaljustice and siibstcince Libuse. Ii ovei'sees policy developmenl ciyld Lidmii?isli"ation of r17e Church 'Taking Care ' pi"ogi'ammefoi' t17e pi"ofeclion of c17ildren and ijulnei'able adiilrs. Councils cai'ry oiit their remits ihi"oiig17 a i'cinge of Con7n71ttees, Task Gi'oups and Panels. Councils, infiilfilling theii. responsibilities, n7ay pi"oiJide granl Lissistance lo congregations of tl?e Pi'esbyleriiin Chui'ch IF7 11"eland oi. to extei'nally i'elaled agei?ciets' as appi.oved by the supei'vising C01117ciI oi" the Genei'al Assen?bly. All inembei's of Coiincils, C017?n7itlees, Task Groups and Panels offei. theii. services 017 a i?oluntaiy basis ai?d t17e Chiip"ch acknowledges MFith gralitude those who sei"Ipice the Church li? t17IS Mpay. Membel's al'e entitled to claiin expenses inciii"i"ed in comi17g to meetiP7gs. Meinbei's of Coiincils ai?d Cominitlees are detciiled in Él?e Dii'ectoly of the Gei?ei'al Assenibly which is availablefi'0171 Assembly Buildings. The Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland al'e c17arged Mjlth 117e n7anagemenl of the fo110141 ji?gfzinds.' The Commutation Fund ilias established ui?dei' tl?e Ii'ish Pi'esbytei"ian Church Act 1871 and is goi?ei"ned by sections I to 33 of that Act. Jnvesli77ents (ire mcinaged as providedfor by a deed dated 18 Jzily 1870, the income of whicl? is to be paid to tl?e Siistenlatioi? Fiindfor the benefit ofMiF7iStei's. T17e Fiind inijes'ts in Govei'nment Seciirities, Eqiiities Lind Gi'ound Rents Mijil? Ihe objeclive of177aximising gi'oMiI17 and inci'easing annual inc0177e. Tlie Non-Participating Trusts Fund i'epresenls 7 indiijidzial ti'iists i.Iihicli do i?ol pai'ticipale in the Genei'al Investnient Fiind. Each Ti'usi l?as its Omjn idep71ily ai?d ii?vestmenls w17ic17 the Ti'ustees adniinistei. in accoi'dai?ce ivith the tei'nls of ilie i'espective triis't deeds. Page 6
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT For the yeai" ended 31 December 2022 The Magee Fund MJ(1s' established Milie17. Mcigee UniiiersiOI College, Loi7doi?deriy MJCIS closed and tlie assets transferred to t17efiind ivhich was estciblis17ed by a Coiii"t Ol'der of 7 May, 1974. The Order i"equii'ed il?e Ti'ustees to inanage the cissets of117e Ftind undei. Ihe excliis'jiie control of the General Assembly Lind subject to the advice and dii"eclion of Ihe Schetne Commitlee tofurthei. Ihe provision of Ii"aiiiing and ediicationfoi" the work of ihe Chiii'ch af Union College. The Tops Wilson Tl'ust Fund is adini171stei.ed in accoi'da17ce with the tei'ms of a schen7e Tnade by the DeJJai"tmep7t ofFii?ance and Pei'son17elfoi' Noi'tl?ei'n Ji'eland dated I Septeinber 1982fotlF7ded by ilie will ofJames Wilson late of Tl7e Tops, Raphoe. The Fire Insurance Trust Fund is adininisrei.ed ii? accoi"dLiiice with a scheme dated 24 FebruarJ2 1934 which is dei"ii?edfi"on7 the Lissets of the Fil'e Insurance Trii3't Limited, a compcii?y Mihicl? 17cis bee17 Miozind lip. The Fortune Mission Bequest is administered IF7 accordance wilh the tei"Ins of a sc17enie dcited 5 Augusl 1869fozinded bj) the iiiill ofAlexai?dei' fortune and the estcite andfiinds belonging Il?ei'eto. The Lindsay Memorial Fund Trvas establis17ed in 1997fi'on7 the residiicipy estate ofMI' Johi? Ke17nedJi Lindsay, late ofBeechvale, BallJJci'aigJi NeTrvtOMlI?abbeJi T17e Fund was establislied in nieinoiy of his pai"e17ts Willian7 Gray LindsaJ2 and Maiy Lii?dsay, 17is bi'othe7' Rev Dr. Willicim Roberi Lindsaji, his. sister Di" Janet Mai'gai'et Mai'tha Lindsay aF7d himself The Fiind is to be iisedfoi. charitable purposes in cop7neclion Trviili tl?e education und ti"aii?ii?g ofpei'sons of i.i?tegi'ity aiid excellent chai'acter don?iciled in any parl ofAfi'ica Hpl?o iipish to sliidji at a school, college or tiniiiersity in t17e UF7Eted Kingdom and who liave pi'017?ised to undertake, for not less thanfiipe yeai"s, etnployn7ent in Africci cippi'ovedfoi. each beneficiaiy individiially by the Ti"uslees of the Pi'esbyteF'ian Chiii"c17 IP7 Ireland. The Scott Benevolent Fund 142iis established in 1938fi.om a bequest ofmr F Wscott, lale ofLa Visla Avenue, Siitton, Co. Dublin. The ptiipose of the FLii?d is to providefinancial assislcince to such pei'soiis being membei"s of the Pi"esbyterian C17111'c17 in Ji'eland as al'e in necessitotis cii"cun?stances, andfoi. whom, i.F7 the opinion of the Ti'ustees, adeqiiale provision cannotpF'operly be madefi'om othei"fiinds of the Church. The Crescent Loan Fund Mias eslablis17edfolloMiing the sale ofthe Crescent Chtircl? pi'en7ises in 1975. Sixty pei'cent of the sales pi'oceeds Mjere placed in this Fiindfi'om which COF7gi'egalions, Miitl7 shoi'l-tei"m financialproblen7s, coiild be gi'ai?led intei"estfi'ee oi. loTri) interest loai?s. 4 amilybooks Limited 14Jas a C171'isficin booksl?op operating Trviihin the Spires Mall in Assen?bly Biiildi17gs. Tl?e Ti"Iistees of the Pi"esbJ2tei'iai? C17urc17 ii? Irelaiid iijei'e ihe sole shai'eholdei.. In 2003 the business ofFamilybooks Li1lled Mias sold and tl?e pi'oceeds Miere bei17g held by the Ti'iistees, ]Jending a decision on iiihethei., af some stage in thefiitui'e, anothei. bookshop should be established. Dui'ing 2007 it was agreed to dis'ti'ibiite pai't of the proceeds to the Jncidental Fiind of the Genei"al Assen7bly of the Pi'esbytei'ian Chiii'ch in li'eland, w17ich proi?ided some of the initial capilal invest177ep7t. Tl?e i'emaip?dei' of the pi"oceeds al'e being I'elained by the Ti'ustees of ihe Pi'esbytei'ian Chiii"c17 in Ip'eland to be tised cis a fundfoi. fl?e pi'odiiction ofstiitable i'esoiii'ces to assist congi'egali017S Ill theii. mission and n7iP7islry. Page 7
THEI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRLI LAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 FSR Hall Fund Diii'i17g 2010 ihe Truslees took ovei" as Truslees of tl?e FSR Hall Fundfi"om tl?e Noi'ihei"n Bcink Executoi. and Ti"ustee Company Lin71ted. A Slim of£68, 100 Mias received and in ciccoi'dance Miith the fei.pns of the Trusi ihe income is to be appliedfoi. the bei?efil of the Pi"esbytei'ian Res'idential Trzist. The Trustees Dlscretionaiy Fund is repi'ese17ted by bequests I"eceived which eiiher do not specify how thefunds are to be applied or have been left to be used at t17e Trustees disci'et1017. T17e Triistees present policy is Io i17vesl szich bequest3' in the Genei'al IniJeslmei?t Fund u171il some specifi.c chcii'ilcible actiiiily is ide171ified which, in the vie141 of t17e Ti"iistees', mei'its iini?iediatefii?a17cial support. Incomefroni tl?e ini?estme17tS 117 the Ti'ustee3' Disci'etionaiji Fund is distribiited anniicilly by the Ti'ustees on the basis of i"equests madefi'om the varioiis Councils andAgencies of the Genercil Assembly of the Presbylerian Cl?urch in Ii'eland and to othei" chai"itable activities identified by the Triislees. The Sii. Thomas Mcclure Trust Fund. Diiring 2017 the Trustees Miel'e appi'oached by t17e Trustees of the Sii. Thoinas McCluF"e Trust Fund to take oi?ep' as Iriistee ofthe Fiii?d. The permissioF7 of the Clicii'ilj) Comniissionfor Northei'n li"eland Mias soiighi andpei'mission to ti'ai?sfei' the Fiind gi"anted. The Fund Tri?as estLiblisl?ed by ihe Will, and codicils thei'eto, ofsii. Thomas Mcclui'e, Bai't. who died on 19 JLiniiciiy 1893 ai?d iindei. 117e terms of tlie will, tl7e income is lo be disti'ibuled asfolloMJS.- Thi"ee quartei's toivai'ds the siippoi"t, niainlenance, pron70tion oi. advancement cli hon7e oi. abi.oad of Il?e cause ofi'eligion and ediiLation in confoi'nlity Mjlth the pi'inciples of The Presbytei'ian C1711rch in li'eland. Tl?e Ti'ustees ciiri'ei?tpi'actice is to ,ftippoi't certciin studenlsfoi. the Pi"esbJitericin ininistijj Lii?d other Presbytei"ian cigencies Iiiho gi.ant scliolai'ships. Oi?e quai'tei" Iomiai'ds t17e stippop"f, maintenance, promotion oi" advancenient cit l?on?e of the cause of i"eligion and educatlol? Mjheiher connected 1411117 The Pi'esbyterian Cl?ui'c17 in Irela17d or p70t. The Local Bible Fund. During 2017 the Ti'ustees Miere appi"oached by ihe Local Bible Fu17d C0717n71ttee to lake oiler Il?e manageinent of the Fiind. T17e pei'n7ission of the Chai'ity Coininissionfoi" Noi"t17ep"n Ireland was soughi andpern7ission to ti'aF7sfer 117e Fund gi"Iinted. The Local Bible Fiind wcis set up undei. a sc17eme appi'oved and adopted by Il?e Coui'l of Chcinceiy u17dei' in oi'dei" dated 12 Februaijj 1929. To supply Bibles, Ne141 Testamei?Is, PsLiltei's and HJ?mncii"ies as used and authoi.ised by the Pi"esbytei'ian Chui'ch in 17'eland, to Chiii'ches, Mission Halls, Sabbath Schools, ap7d otl?ei" religiotis oi"ganisations and sociefies in Irelcind in connection with the said Pi'esbyteriai? Chui'ch in Ii'eland. To supplji Bibles, Nemj Testapi7ents, Psalters cind Hym17ai'ies as zised and Liiithoi'ised by the Presbytei"iai? C17111'ch in Ireland to individuals oi.faii7ilies in Ji'elai?d, menibei's oi. ad17ei.enls ofsaid Chui'ch. To supply BEbles, NeTrv Testan7ents, Psalters aiid Hyn7nai'ies, or oiher i'eligioiis literaliii'e, as pi.izes IF7 Sabbath Schools, Bible Classes, Guilds, oi. 0117ei" siniilai. oi'gcinisations in connection Miith said Chiii'cl? in Ii'elcind, and as pi'izesfoi" i'eligious knomiledge to Pi"esbytei"ian pupils 117 Ptiblic Elen7entaiy Schools in Ireland. Page 8
THE PRf4 SBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 The John Getty Will Trust. On 19 Mai'c17 2021 the Chai'ity Conin?issionfoi' Noi"tl?ei"n Ii'elcind approi?ed a Cy-Pres sc17en7e relating to ainendment of tl?e ti'iists Lind cidininisli'ation of the John Getty Will Ti"iist. Undei" the scheme the Ti'uslees of the Pi'esbytei'ian Cl?urcl? in li"eland as incoipoi"cited undei. Royal Chai'ler piii"siiant to the Ii"ish Presbytei'ian Cl?urch Aci 1871, werefoi'mally coi?fii'nied as the li"iJslees of Il?e Ti'tist willi i'esponsibility to apply tlie inconie and capitcil ofthe Ti'tist in siich pi'opoi"ti017s cisfi'oni time to litne seems appropp.inte to The woi'k of the Presbytei'ian Chui'ch in Ii"eland in niissioii in Ireland The MPOI"k of the Pi'esbyterian Churc17 in Ii'eland ii? global mission The 1996 Reviemj FIip7d of the Pres'bjjtei'ian chui.ch ip7 Irelcind Belfast City Mission Other Trust Funds mai?aged bji the Ti"iistees in ciccoi'dance Mjlth t17eii" tei.ms include.. Elizabeth Gutlll'ie Gass Miss Ida Maiy McKeown Mr Victor Moii'ow Mis GGDS Tuite Mi's Mai'gai'et Hilai'y Simpson Sii Wm V Mccleeiy Estate stianahl Trust Mcmullen Estate James Mcmastei Miss Il'ene Scott Mrs A M Davidson Ti'ust Mrs Janet Fai'quhai'son Estate Mi's Mai'ia Hui'st Sinyth Sloan Education Gift Thomas Boyle Tiiist Floi'eiice Beatrice Jamison All ot17ei" Tp"ust Funds ai"e ini?esfed in the Genei'al Investn7enl Fiind and the income disli'ibuted anntially in ctccoi'dance with the tei"n7 of the bequesl. Page 9
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 ACHIEI VEMENTS AND PERFORMAIYCE The Linkage Commission Duiing 2022, the Commission met on nine occasions. Tlie Conirnission iespoiided to i"equests from 43 coiigi'egations concei'ning proposals foi. adjustnient to their pi'opeity, includiiig sales and purchases. Leave to Call a MiLliSter was issued to 40 congi'egations, and an Associate Ministei" to 2 congiegations. Nine ininisters were nominated, or had theii nomination renewed as Stated Supply to vacant congi'egations. Pern]issioii was graiited foi tli¢ creatioii, extension oi. alteration 39 Additional Pastoral PeL'SOi]nel. The Conimission adopted ieconimended saI.Y scales foi Additional Pastoral Peisonnel posts The Commission exteiided tlie Tenui'e Review in one congi'egation. The Tei'ins of the meigei of Diomoi'e (Route) with Diumieagh, and Fiist and Second Islandmagee wei'e agreed. The tei'ins of the dissolution of Townsend Stl'eet were agi'eed, The Judicial Commission Duriiig 2022 the Cominission fulfilled its iemit by: dealing as requii.ed with a small nunibei of judicial cases, eitliei" by i'efeience or tkll'ough appeal. and continuing the piocess, as instructed by the Genei'al Assembly, to i'epublish the Code. This involves a complete updatiiig and i.ewritiiig and will be a process that riins over seveial years (last iepublishing was in 1980). Page 10
THE PREI SBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IREI LAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 The General Council Dui'ing the last few yeai's much of the work of the Geneial Council was focuscd on providing advice to ongiegations in Noithei"n Ile1]d and the Republic of Ireland on the i'elevant jurisdictions, Covid-19 restiictions all of which was informed by i'eglll Lneetings of Chui'ch leadei's witli vaiious govci"nment miiiisters aiid officials. Dui'ing tliis period it was necessaiy to suspend llie noi'mal sei'ies of meetings and each Council established a Standiiig Committee with delegated powers to undeittake any essential business, the Geneial Couiicil Standing Cominittee having the inipoi'tant role of cooi.diiiation iii iegard to all the other standing conimittees. The Genei'al Council confirmed at the start of Api'il 2022 that most of the remaiiiing restrictions on congi'egational life could be lifted and that the vai'ious Geneial Assembly Councils aiid Committees sliould iesumed their normal schedule of meetiiigs. Following agreement at tlie General Assembly in Octobei 2021 a revised tiniing for the 2022 to 2026 Genei'al Assemblies is in place and i'atlier than meeting during the fiist week in June it will be lield latei in the month. The General Assembly in 2023 will be held froin Wednesday 21 to Satiirday 25 June 2023. During 2022 the Council received a l'ange of reports fi'om its Committees including its Business Committee on ai'rangements foi the Genei'al Assenibly, its Nominations Colnniittee oli membei'ship of Councils and Committees aiid fi.om its Inter-chui'ch Relation Colnniittee on niattei's of mutual interest. It also received a repoit fiom its United Appeal Committee and made i'econimcndations to tlie Geneial Assembly iegarding the level of the ai]nual United Appeal foi. Mission to congregations which fund much of the work of the vai'ious Genei'al Ass¢mbly Couiicils. The Appeal foi 2022 was £3,300,000 and fol. 2023 is £3,500,000. Support foi. this Appeal continues to be vei'y encouiagiiig. The Council tlvough Its Siippoi't sei.vice Committee appi'oved i'esolutions i'cgai'ding the l'ates of congregational assessment ]d the level of increases to salaries and stipeiids foi. 2023. The Colincil also i'eceived iepoi'ts fi'om a iiuinbei. of its Task Group iiicludiiig a review of corninunications, pastoial leadei"shÈp and of the i'esponse to the Covid-19 pandeinic and the lessons to be leaimed foi the Church's ongoing govei'nance ai'i'angements. On a few occasions the Geiieral Council lias acted with delegated authoi'ity fi'oin tlie Genci'al Assembly, to take iiecessary decisions betwecn the ailliual Assenibly meetings, where this lias proved neceSSy. Wliei'e necessai'y the General Council also co-oidinates tlie work of tlie vai.ious Genei'aR Assembly Councils and its membei"s act as the Chai'ity Ti"ustees for tlie Presbytei'ian Chuich ILI Ile1Id, approving the annual accounts and tlll'ougli its key office bearers attending to the amiual i'etiirns to the Charity Regulatoi's in both Noithem Ii'eland and the Republic of li'cland. Page 11
THE PRESBYTllRIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 Council for Public AffaiR"s While Covid-19 resti"ictions wei'e beginning to lift at the stai"t of the yeai., tliey continued to have an impact on the Council, s activity. Tlie ability to coiitinue to engage via oiiline nieans pi'oved to be a useful forin of commiinicatioii throughout the year, paiticulai'ly foi. those wlio would othelwise be ti'avelling long distances. The Couiicil contiiiued to identify topical iSSLies which the Chuich iieeded to address and develop its thinking iiicluding educatioii-related mattels. new Westniinster legislatioii oil legacy and dealing with the past. the cost of living crisis. and the inipleineiitation of aboition legislatioii. In Janll.y 2022, thiough the State Education Committee, the Council hosted a majol. confeience on education wliei'e ovei l 00 teacheis, senÉoi' leadeis aiid school goveinors and other educatioii pi'ofessionals fioin acioss PCI came togethei. foi. PCI Talks Educalion... A visioi?for ihefuliip"e in Nortliei'ii li'elai?d. The confei'ence lielped to iiifoini PCI'S submission to the Indepeiideiit Review of Education which published an intei'im report in Octobei. 2022. The Transfei'oi Representatives, Council coiitinues to be the main vehicle through which PCI engages on mattel's of education policy in conjuiiction with the Methodist Chui'ch in Iieland and the Chui'cli of Ii'eland. Dr Aiidy Brown, coiiveneL' of the State Education Committee took 01) the iole of TRC Chaii. in Septembei., and in tlie following months TRC i'epreseiitatives niet with tlie education spokespeisons of the main political paities. TRC coiitinues to monitoi developments in religious educatioii and on the pi'ovisioii of collcctive woi'ship. Following on froiii the "On These Steps" event held in Union Theological College in September 2021 to maik the centeiiary of Noithern Iieland and ptitIOn of the island of Ii'eland, the Council embaiked on a sei'ies of follow-up seminars called "Beyond These Steps" engagilig with loyalist coinmuiiities, young adults and those living and woi'king aioiind the bordei. These events, supported by tlie Depaitment for Foreign Affaiis Reconciliation Fund, culminated in a seiniiiar with Council Conveners and Secretai'ies whei'e the findings of the listeniiig event wei'e sliared. Copies of the Council's book Considering Gl'ace which documeiits the stories of Presbytci'ian people diiring the Ti'oubles wei'e disti"ibuted io MLAS pi'ior to tlie election in May 2022. PCI has had a numbei. of strategic engagements witli the PSNI fi'om the level of Moderatoi and Chief Constable, through to local cleigy ld neiglibouihood policing teams. These have been positive engageinents which have pi'ovided oppoitunity to offei. suppoit and also she concei.ns The Council has been iepreseiited oil a number of intei'_chui'ch woi'king groups dealing tlii'ougli the Ii'ish CoLincil of Chiirches including on legacy and joint i'cseaich projects with Dublin City University's Centi'e foi. Religion, Human Values and International Relations. The Council has also pai'ticipated in engagenient events oi'ganised by Evaiigelical Alliaiice Nl on tlie cost of Iivilig ci'isis. In Octobei. the Coiincil pi'esented to a special Seanad committee in the Oireachtas which was considering the constitutional futuie of tlie island of Iieland, along witli represeiitatives fi'om the Methodist Chuich iii Iieland. Tlie Council woi'ked throughout thc year to develop i'¢lationships with elected representatives ld otliers in civic society, wi'itiiig to and ari'aiiging ineetings with MPS, TDS and MLAS to coiiimunicate tlie Church's views on a iaiige of issues. The Council has also responded to a l'ange of policy and legislative coiisultatioiis in both Noithei'n li'eland aiid the Republic of li'elaiid, Page 12
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REI PORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 Council for Training in Ministiy The Council for Ti'aining in Ministry has i'esponsibility foi. Union Theological College whose priinaiy i'ole is to prepare studeiits for the ininistry of the Pi'esbyterian Chul'ch in Ireland. The College Faculty, under the auspiccs of Tlie Piesbytei'ian Theological Faculty, Ireland, coiitinues to develop a kiumbei. of postgraduate degiee and diploma pi'ogiammes, most of may be completed online. These opeiate in line with all the expectatioiis of the IJK Quality Code. The College also offeis ali uiideigi"aduat¢ piogl'ainme validated by St Mai'y's Univeisity, Twiclienham. During 2022 the Head of Academic Adininistiatioii i'etired, prompting a revised staffing sts'uctiire. Dui'ing 2022 tlie Council continued to select and ti'ain candidates foi the oi'dained ministry. At 31 December 2022, 23 ininisterial students were in training in Unioii Theological College and none elsewliere. The Council oveisaw the traiiiing of17 ti'ainees who had completed tlieii. academic studies alid wei'e assistlng in coiigiegations. Thei'e wei'e 74 Ministei's who had been recently ordained alid took pait in post-ordination tiainiiig. The course foi ministei's appi'oachiiig retireinent, and theii. spouses, was held in Novembei. witli 20 people iii total attendiiig. Iii addition, two studeiit dcaconesses contiiiue th¢iL' ti-aining in 2022. 12 Accredited Pieachei's successfully completed courses of trainiiig. The Council pi'ovided a Conciliation Seivice which, in 2022 Ancluded making available 32 inen and women ts'ained iii conciliation. Thei'e wei'e six cases active at some poiiit in 2022. Ti'aiiiing courses weie deliveied to Kirk Sessions, liceiitiates and otlieis. Five miiiisteis transfeiring from other denoniinations served as assistant ministei's during the year with one new applicatioiis as ti'ansfei'i'iiig niinKstei' being i'eceived. Tweiity-seven recomtnendatioiis concei'ning Liceiitiates not sei'ving an assistantship and Ministei's without chaige wei'e made to the General Assenibly. No i'equests foi. peimissioii to preach in a vacancy were made. The Council continues to seek to develop all aspects of its woik and is continually monitoiing and i'eviewing its peif01m1Ce. Page 13
THI PREI SBYTLRIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REI PORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 Council for Congregational Life and Witness Dui"ing 2022 the Council continued to envision, equip and cnable congregations to develop theii lives as communities of faith aiid to play theii. pait in God, s niission in theii local neighbourhoods, wider society and the woi'ld. Essentially the activity of the Council dul'ing 2022 unfolded in tkn'ee distinct phases in iesponse to changing conditions in chui'ches on the gi"ound. Tlie fii.st pait of the year fi'om January to Api'il saw sigiiificant continuing i'esti'ictions on congregational activity. In this phase the Council coiitinued to accompany and support congicgations iii sustainiiig basic mAnistries and cieatively ieshaping othei activities. A lot of this activity was in digital format. The second pait of the ye. froni May to August saw the iemoval of i'estL'iCtions ielating to the pandemic. In this pei'iod the Council held a series of regional events eiititled ' Comiiig Back, Going Foi'ward, which helped coiigi'egations to giapple with the i'ealities of the impact of the pandemic and prepare foi reconimencing the iiew chui.ch ye. iii September. A scaled back summei team piogiamme foi. young people was also recoinmcnced. Both atti'acted good iiumbei's given the backdi'op against which they weie delivei-ed. The rebuilding of congiegational capacity foi" activities beyoiid Sunday woi'sliip has bccn giadiial since the restart of the new chuicli yeai in Septeinbei. This was aiiticipated by the Couiicil and duiing this period its level of programming was delibei'ately modest to allow space for congregations to get their weekly rhythms and ioutines up ld ivnning again. The Council's focus in the thii'd part of the year fi'om September to Deceniber was particulal'ly on eiicouraging and suppoi'ting leaders and iunning events to accompany the woi'k of seeking to i'econnect with young people. Two events foi elders weie held, one focusiiig on niodels of pastoial care the othei. on elements of pastorally recoi]necting with youiig people, fi'inge nienibers and tliose most peisonally impacted by the cffects of the pandemic. Foundations tiainilig for childi"en's and youtli ministry leadei"s was deliveied oil two occasions with a focus oil encoui'aging aiid equipping foi. iegatheiing childi'cn, youiig people and theii fainilies in chuich life. A iiumber of resoui'ces wei'e also i'eleased tlu'oughout the yeai, including iiew niaterial for youth gioups, a new chui'cli mcmbeis, resoui'ce and a small gioup Bible study iesource. Two resoui'ces dii'ectly related to the chiiich's iesponse to the impact of the pandemic entitled 'Back togetlier again, and 'Gettiiig going again, wci'e also released and provided to congl'egations. The Fi'esli Liglit counselling niinistry iesumed fi-orn Septeinbei and is attracting iiicreasing levels of use. The Council continues to use digital forniats foi. its pi'ogi'ainmes of podcasting and webin'S as appi'opriate. Paiticipation and engageineiit with these activities and use of i'esouices grew steadily as the yeai. pi"ogi'essed and cii'cuiiistances foi congi'egations saw iiici'case in their life and witness. The Council's woi'k continiies to attract a wide l'ange of all ages from aci'oss the geogi'aphical spread of congregations i'epiesented within membei'ship of the deiioinination. Page 14
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IREI LAND ANNUAL REI PORT 4 or the year ended 31 December 2022 Council for Mission in Ireland Due to the Council Seci'etaiy, Rt Rev Dr David Bi"uce continuing as Moderator of tlie Genci'al Assembly for a second teiin, the Rev Jim Stothers sel'ved as Acting Secretai'y and Rev Robeit Bell had iesponsibility for Chaplaincy until the end of July 2022. Following the i"etii"ement of Very Rev Di David Bruce on 12" Novenibei. 2022, Mr Rick Hill took up tlie role as Council Seci'etai'y, having woi'ked in a shadowing capacity for the 3 months prioi.. During 2022, the Council SUPPOLted 30 Honie arAd Urban Mission ministei's, 14 deaconesses, 2 student deaconesses and 4 11.ish Missioii workeis. It also suppoited vaiious full and part-tinie chaplaincy appoinlments, 28 in Iiospitals, 5 in prisons, 12 iii The Al'med Foices and 6 in univei'sities and colleges, as well as cliaplaincy to farineis, fai.ming families and the ira1 coinniunity, which continues to be welcomed by many. Dui'ing the yeai. one Home Mission miiiistei was inducted into new work and one Home Mission ministei. Ictiied. 13 congregations exited the Homc Mission Scheme, Two deaconesses weie inducted new coiigi'egations, with the Council also noting the sad passing of oiie deaconess. A numbei. of deaconesses, Il'ish Mission Workers aiid Conimunity Outreach Woi'kers atteiided a retreat held by Cleopas at Droinantine. Two new appointments weie made within univei.sity Chaplaincy, both witliiii the teain at Queens Uiiiveisity. A Pai"t-time chaplain began woik at Woodlands Juvenile Justice Ceiitre. The Belfast Confereiice, di'awing togethei i"epiesentative groups from the tkn'ee Belfast Pi"esbytei'ies met four times and provided two Advisory Comments. Plamied construction of a new Chuich biiilding in Maynooth did Iiot commence in 2022. Howevei substantial pi'ogi"ess was made to plans aiid a subsequent grant inci'ease to the coiigi'egation was agreed by tlie Council which will enable buildiiig woi'k to commence in 2023. Other grant-aided mission pi'ojects began, pai'tiCLilaily through the fundiiig of personnel sei'ving witliin congi'egations. The Council niet twice in peison and three tiines online. With i'estiictions fiom the Covid-19 pIden7C easing, niost incctings i'everted to in-persoii with a facility to join online. Working patterns withiii the Mkssion Depaitment retui'ned to iioinial, with the pi'ovision for some home-working aii'aiigemcnts where agreed. Council staff, with coiiveneis and otheL'S, contl'ibuted to the publislied outputs of the dcnomination in piiiit aiid online. The iinplenientatkon of the Home Missioii Review was resumed with a schediile of Pathway Assessnicnts di'awn up, congi'egations linked to non-Hom¢ Mission congi'egations exiting tlie scheine and a small team of mentoi's being identified to offei" accompaiiiment to miiiisters. In tei'ms of Oligoing woi'k, tkll'ee Mission in Ireland eveiiing events wei'e held. The woik of South Belfast Fiiendship House and Intei'natÉonal Meeting Point retui'rAed to norinal levels of activity. Miiiistry within the ChaplaÉncy Centre on Elinwood Avenue in Belfast i'esuined on a limited basis aiid Deri'yvolgie Halls of residence remaiiied available to students. Page 15
THE PRtI SBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 Deeember 2022 Council for Global Mission During 2022 the Council for Global Missioii contiiiued to suppoi't individuals and their fainilies who have beeii called to seive oveiseas. At 31 Deceinbei. 2022 theie wei'e 25 global missioii woi'kei's sei.ving with pai'tner chuiches, agencies and institutions in tcn countiies, includiiig Zambia, Bi"azil, Romai)ia and Nepal. These global inissioii woikei's seive in a wide range of disciplines such as church-planting, healtlicaie, developnient, education, theological ti'aining, as well as woi'k amongst inaiginalised coinniuiiities and i'efugccs. The Council seeks to suppoit global mission workei's during CldIdacy, pi'eparation foi ovei'seas assignment, and to encouiage pastoral and pi'actical suppoit foi theni while oveis¢as and on honie assignment. They i'eceive a field allowancc and assistance with niedical ti'eatmeiit, acconimodation, ti'avel, and tlieii. children, s educational iieeds. In slowly emerging fi.om the COVID pandeniic, Council iepi'eseiitatives have been able to ti'avel inoie widely once again, working to ienew and sti'eiigtheii i'elatioiiships witli p.tner cliui'ches in inore than twenty counti'ies. Thei'e continues to be generous suppoi't fi'om tlie wider chui.ch foi specified global mission paitnei pi'ojects in which PCI global i]]ission woi'k¢i"s pai'ticipate and the Council continues to facilitate tliis, administei'iiig funds collected foi. such puiposes, Significant Iiish Government funding has also been hai'nessed foi. paitnei. projects in Kenya aiid Nepal tkn'ough the Intei'natÉonal and Iiisli faith- based missioiiai'y Inovement, Misean Caia. In the couise of the yeai the Couiicil pi'ovided gi.ants and scholarships fi'oin United Appeal funding towai'ds pai'tner church projects and in suppoi"t of chui.ch leadei's-in-ti'ainiiig in countries such as My]Ma1., liidonesia and Malawi, with an emphasis on the ti'aining. In 2022 the Council continued to wrestle with difficulties in transferi'ing fiinds to some locations due to theii. experience of growing coiiflict oi. pei'sccution. Congi'egational involvement with and suppoit foi" PCI'S global engagement has been encoui'aged tFll'ough global missioii workers pioviding monthly pi'ayei. bulletiiis and i'egulai 'Digital Dispatches, a sei'ies of video updates available on the PCI website. Wilh the easing of COVID I'esti'ictions, global inission woi'kers wei'e able to recomnience home assigi]ments which included opportuiiities to visit coiigregations ai'oiind Ireland and to speak about theiL' work. The chui'ch at congi'egational level is i'egulai'ly informed by the CouncÈl about global issues i'elating to the envii'oi]meiit, world faiths, intei'_cultural and intei'national i'elations, especially the Middle East. At times the focus may be on encoui"aging advocacy oi raising fiinds for emei'gency L'elief and sustaiiiable developinent iiiitiatives. Funds are normally cliaiineled tluough PCI'S developmeiit pai'tiiers, Clll'istian Aid Ireland and Tearfuiid, oi tluougli ovei'seas paitnei. chui.ch development depai'tments. Atteiition is di'awn to niatteis of global coiicei'ii thi'ough a flow of Pl'ess i'eleases and articles provided foi. the PCI'S publicatioiis, website and also piofiled on social media. A Moderator's Appeal in support of Ukrainian i'efugees was launched early in the yeai. and atti'acted an unpi'eccdented level of fiinding froni tlic widei. cliui'ch. This was followed up in the autumn by the launch of the 2022 World Developmeiit Appeal which is focusing oil the theine, ' Rekindling Hope, aiid dealing with the global challenge of migi'ation. Ovei. the past yeai. the administration of the Couiicil has been taken foi'ward by a small but dedicated staff team. Their oiigoiiig and effective ciideavoiii is deeply appieciated. Page 16
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 Council for Social Witnes5 The Council continues to delivei" a social care sei'vice on behalf of the Presbytei'ian Chui'ch in li'eland. The pi'ogrammes provided l'ange fl'om Child and Adult safcguai.ding for the denoinination, tl]rough the Taking Care programme, to care of people with disabilities and oldei. people, including those with dementia. The Council's woi'k agaiiist their opeiational plan for 2022-3 has beeii pi'oductive and has seen staiidai'ds of care and coinpliaiice with external pi'actice stidardS and iegulatoi'y expectations improve Inai'kedly. The main focus of woi'k has, again, been on safe delivery of scivices and adhei'ence to constantly vaiying giiidance around infection conti'ol in the lattei. pai't of the Covid-19 pandeinic. Thi'oughout this period, in common with tlie lest of the social cal'e sectoi, the Council has been under great pi'essui'e to niaintain staffing levels as i'eci'iiitment and i'etention effoi'ts Iiave been cliallenging. Also, iii coinnioii witli the l'est of the sectoi., the Council has had to L'ely on sigiiificant use of costly agency staff to maintain safe service delivery. Disability Sei'vices aiins to delivci. a high sta11d'd of day, i'esidential, supported living and iespite caie in vai'ious of die CouLiciI' s services and oveisees the Miiiisti'y of tlie Kinghan Chul'ch and widei Ministry to the Deaf. It contiibutes to the disability, liealth and wellbeing work of the widei. Chui'ch. The Head of Disability Seivices is continuing a i'eview of oui. disability sei'vices witli othei. seiiior maiiagci's. Woi'k has contiiiued through this yeai" to establksh a cleai relationship between PCI and Peacchaven Tillst CLG. Tliis woi'k has taken loiiger than anticipated owiiig to a niiniber of legal aiid i'egulatoi'y matters and it is now anticipated this woik will conclude dui'ing 2023. Older People Services aims to delivei. a high standai'd of day, resideiitial, nuising and i"espite care to all oiii. users and to raise aW'enesS of oldei people's issues and needs. It ovei.sees one nursing home, five i'¢sidential cal'e hoines aiid one supported liviiig project in the Republic of Ireland. In total, we piovide services to ai'ound 23 5 iesidents. Specialist Sei'vices ainis to deliver a higli standai'd of seivice to those with addictions an(Uoi- histoiy of offending bcliaviouis and who i'equii'e suppoited liousing. These services continued tkn'oiighout the Covid-19 paiideniic, ld have now i"eturned to noi'mal iiiodes of woi'kirAg. Taking Cal'e (the Safeguarding Progi'amme of the Piesbytei'ian Church) aims to cieate a safe environment for all our membei's, iisei's, volunteeis and staff, Administs'atioii of AccessNI and Gaida checks continued throughout the pandemic, alid more flexible appi"oaches to ts'aiiiiiig ensuied that significant pi'ogi'ess has OCCULTed in raising awal'eiiess of both child and adult safeguai'ding in the chui'ch. Woi'k is Iindeiway to ievise the Taking Cal'e guidaiice and associated traiiiing. A pi'ogiainmc to update policies and procedures in 2023-4 is cuirently being developed. The Couiicil foi. Social Witiiess Biisiness and Finance Panel, which monitoi's the financial nianagement, humaii i'esouices, iiiformatioii technology and Pl'operty management foi" the Council., has i'etiii'ned to full operation alongside the Council, s othei. Cominittees and CSW itself. All meetings are now held iii peison WLth some Teams attendance fi'om a few niembei"s. Occupancy levels in oui. residential cal'e homes has not recovered siiice the Covid-19 pandemic. This is largely diie to challeiiges maintaining staffing levels, although soine histoi'ical pool. financial pei'foimaiice niay have been obscured by pandemic related payments fi'om health bodies. Thei'e has been distinct pi'ogi'ess in iinproving occupancy iii Lawnfield House, althoiigh this i'equires furthei. consolidation. The pi'oposed extension to Hai'old Mccauley House will not pioceed as it lias beeii assessed as pi'oviding inadeqiiatc i'etiirn on iiivestinent. Thei'e is recognition tliat th¢ Council's fiiiaiicial pei'foi'mance is Page 17
THE PRLI SBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT Foi. the year ended 31 December 2022 seiiously impacted by failiiig to secure adequate fee income fi'om statiitoi'y fuiideis and individuals. The Council foi. Social Witness agi.ecd to endoi'se a revised chaiging model at a meeting in M'Ch 2023 which sliould i'esolve most of the income coiicerns for seivices within a 3-5 year period. Key challeiiges continue in the 'eaS of staff i"eciuitment and retention, seciiring statutory fundkng to coveL' Costs in oui. Specialist Services, and the need foi manageis to manage sei.vice budgets C'eful1Y. Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland The Ti'iistees oversaw the various Ti'ust fiinds foi. whicli they ale respoiisible aiid made disti'ibutions in accordaiice with the Lindei'lying terms of each fund, Most of these funds are invested within the General Investm¢iit Fuiid and the divideiid i'eceivcd dui'ing 2022 was 27.op pei share conipared to 26.op in 2021. The total amount dists'ibuted during 2022, iiicluding to iiiternal funds of the Chuich, was £478,469 compaied to £331,298 in 2021 . The largest distiibution is fi'om thc Commutation Fund, throiigh the Sustentation Fund to the Central Ministry Fund of the chui.ch wliich funds the "Regiuiii Doniini" payinent to iniiiistei's. Dui'ing 2022 no bequests weie received compai'ed to £67,387 in tlie previous yeai.. The Trustees coiitinue to bc thankful foi those who decide to financially support the Churcli in this way. At tlie start of 2021, and following appi'oval of a Cy-Pi"es Scheme by the Charity Conuiiission foi. Noi'them Ireland, the Ti'ustees foimally took ovci" i'esponsibility foi. the John Getty Will Triist with net assets of £460,5711'eceived. The oveiall value of investinents managed by tEie Tiustees decreased fi'om £17,361,052 to £15,937,554, of which £15,83 3,557 is invested Én the General Investment Fund. Page 18
THE PREI SBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REI PORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 FINANCIAL REVIEW These financial statemeiits consolidate the v.louS activities of the Councils of the Geiieral Assembly of tlie Pi'esbytei'iaii Chui'ch in Ii'elaiid and ceitain funds falling undei. the i'esponsibility of the Trustees of the Pi'esbytei'ian Chui'ch in Ireland. They do iiot includ¢ the financial activities of individual congi'egations of the Pi'esbytei'iaLI Cliui'ch in Ireland whicli have theii. OWLI sepai'ate legal Adentity aiid al'e iiidividually registered as chaiities. Fui'thei iiiforniation on the basis of accouiits pi"epai'ation is provided in Accounting Policies Note l. Tlie financial statements foi, each Couiicil and the Tiustees ale included within the "Accounts Book" which is preseiited annually to tlie Genei"al Assembly and whicli is available fl'om Assernbly Buildings. Each Ye Councils and tlie Tivstees iepoi't to tlie Geiieral Assembly and theii. i"eports al'e included within the "Annual Reports" Book to the Genei'al Assenibly which is also available fi'om Assembly Buildings. The "Minutes of the General Assembly and Statistics" Book includes sonie key statistical information and the latest figuies, which are foi. the yeai's ended 31 Decenibei. 2021 and 2020 'e: 2021 2020 530 532 196,334 202,994 88,031 89,102 354 373 £10,554,681 £10,882,625 Congiegations membei.ship Coinmunicant membership Ministei's in active duty Slipend paid to miiiistci's Congregational assessable income Noithei'ii Ii-eland Republic of Il'eland Coiigi'egational other iiicome Northern Ireland Repiiblic of Ireland Coiigregational expenditure Noitliem Ireland Republic of Iieland £36,621,642 £35,828,000 4,028,007 3,801,549 £29,273,568 £28,331,135 2,067,982 1,736,311 £54,907,989 £66,727,164 5,585,214 5,391,964 Dui'ing 2022 I'esouices expended exceeded incomilig resoui'ces by £1,756,112 (2021 .' a siirplus of £1,618,720). This was primaiily due to the impact of cost inci"eases witliin tlie Council foi" Social Witnesses i'esidential facilities which was iiot inatched by an inci'ease iii resideiitial fec income with some facilities opeiatiiig below expected occupancy levels. Oveiall fund balances deci'eased duriiig tlie yeai. fi'om £83,262,604 to £79,479,155 due to the net outgoing resoui'ces and a loss on investnients of £5,117,796. Tliis was paitially offset by the change in the pi'ovision requii'cd foi. peiisioii benefits undei. Fiiiancial Repoiting stIdal.d No. 102 as detailed iii Note 14 to the financial stateinents Oiie of the maiii soui'ces of ceiitral inconie is quai'tel'ly assessments fi'om coiigregations. Congrcgational assessments, other than foi. the Pension Fuiid, calculated as a peicentage of a coiigi'egation's assessable income in the pi'eceding yeaL'. The bands used iii 2022 and 2021 ale shown below. The assessinent foi, the Pelision Fund is based on the stipend paid to the ministei of the congiegatioii and the l'ate foi. 2022 and 2021 was 24.0 %. Page 19
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 Assessable income First £10,999 Next £54,000 at Next £65,000 at Next £65,000 at Next £65,000 at Thei'eafteL' at 2022 2021 10.75% 3.50% Nil Nil Received from assessinents £6,043,153 £6,216,746 An analysis of the aniounts allocated to each of the assessmeiit funds is shown in Note 2 to the financial statemeiits. The woi'k of each Council is dependent on a giant being allocated by thc General CouiicÉl out of conti"ibutions i'eceived froni congicgations to the ai]nual United Appeal foi. Missions. Dui'ing 2022 £3,395,948 was iaised froin congi'egations foi. the Appeal compai'ed to £3,340,218 iii 2021. The gi'ants awai'ded to Coulicils in 2022 and 2021 were as follows. 2022 2021 Genei'al Council Council foi Mission in Ireland Council foi Global Mission Council foi Coiigi'egational Life and Witness Council for Training in Ministry Coiincil foi. Social Witness 200,000 1,065,000 1,000,000 640,000 375,000 245,000 123,000 724,500 1,061,500 412,500 402,000 224,500 3,525,000 2,948,000 Income fioLlI donatioiis and bequests decreased fi'om £689,703 in 2021 to £569,050 iii 2022, reflecting a lowel. level of bequest inconie. The aniount iaised toward the World Development aiid Special Appeals in 2022 was £1,941,822 compared to £462,577 in 2021 and ieflect conti'ibutions to the crisis iii Ukraine. Ovei'all expenditure increased fi'om £25,677,375 in 2021 to £30,055,736. This iiicludes expenditiii'e on chai'itable activities foi. which an analysis is pi"ovided in Note l O to the financial statements. Page 20
THE PRESBYTLRIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL PORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 Coiincils and the Ti"ustees hold iiivestments in the Genei'al Investment Fund. This is a common investment fund managed by tlie Tiustees of the Pi'esbyterian Cliurcli in Iieland in which chai'ities connected with the Presbyterian Church in Irelalid can invest. The I"i"ustees of the Piesbytel'il Church in Iielaiid prepare Sep.ate financial statements for the General Inv¢stTnent Fund which are iiot incoiporated into the accouiits of the Gcnei"al Asseinbly of the Piesbyterian Chui'ch in li'eland. The shal'es in the Fund are valued on a monthly basis and dividends declai'ed on two occasions diiriiig the yeai., 31 Maich and 30 Scpteinbei.. The TL'UStees declared a dividend of 27.op pei. share in 2022 (2021: 26.Op), The value of a shal'e iii the Fund at 31 December 2022 was £12.2209 coinp'ed to £13.3155 at 31 Decembei 2021. The T]SteeS of the Presbyteiian Chui'ch iii Ireland ovei-all investmeiit sti'ategy is to prodiice ali acceptable lnual rate of i'etum but also to provide capital growth oveL' the medium to longei. teim. All Fuiids are invested in acooi'dance with the ethical investiiient policy appioved by the Genei'al Assembly of the Pi'esbytei'ian Church in Ii'eland. The Ti'ustees have delegated iiivestment managemeiit of the Geiiei'al Investment Fund to Newton Investment Maiiageinent Liinited who maiiage tlie Fiinds on a discretionaiy basis. The TrLlStees of the Pi'esbytei'ian Cliuich iii Ii'elaiid meet with the investment managers on a regular basis to ieview chaiiges in the poitfolios and iiivestment pel'foimance. The TLllStees liave agi'ced an investment perfoi'mance composite benchii1.k with Newton Investment Maiiageinent coinpi'ising the FT Goveinment All Stocks Index, FTSE All-share Index, FTSE Woi'ld ex UK Iiidex, the Propeity IPD and the Stei'liiig Cash LIBID 7 day i"ate. Duiing 2022 the Genei'al Iiivestsnent Fund showed a Iiegative return of 5.50% (2021 i'eturn of15.870/0). RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEI MINTS The Geneial Council is responsible foi. preparing the Annual Report and tlie financial statenients in accoidance with applicable law and United Kingdorn Generally Accepted Accouiitiiig PractACe. Tlie Geneial Council is L'equii'ed to pi'epai'e financial stateiiients for each financial year which give a tiue id fail. view of the state of affaii"s of tlie General Assembly and the financial activities foi that yeai. In prepai'ing the fin1claI stateinents the Genei'al Council is rcquii'ed to.. select suitable accounting policies and tlien apply them consistently make judgements and estimates tliat ale i'casonable and pi'udent state whcthei. applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any mateiial departures disclosed and explained in tlie fiiiancial statements; and pi'epai'e the financial statements on the goiiig concern basis unless it is inappi'opriate to pi'esuine that the Fulids will contliiue iii opei'ation. The Council is i'espoiisible foi keeping adeqiiate accounting i"ecoi'ds that al'e sufficient to show ld explain the funds tiaiisactions and disclose with I"easonable accuracy at any tiine the financial position of the Funds aiid enable th¢m to ensiiie that the financial statements coniply with the Statcnicnt of Recommended Pi'actice "Accouiiting and Repoi'ting by Charities" They are also i'espoiisible for safeguai.ding the assets of the Fuiids and hence for taking ieasonable steps for the pieventioii and detection of fiaud aiid other ii-iegulaiities. Page 21
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 GOING CONCERN The activities of tlie Couiicils of the Genei'al Assembly of the Piesbyterian chui.ch in Ireland al'e dependent on conts'ibutions fi'om congi"egations to the Uiiited Appeal and the vai'ious Assessment Funds, and in particulai in the case of the Council foi. Social Witness fees earned from L'esidential ce activities. Tlie deficit iiiciiired by th¢ Council foi. Social Witness dui.ing 2022 is not sustaiiiable. The Council has beeii notified, by tlie i-elevant Healtli Tiiists, that fee.% foi. residents in its Oldei People Sei-vices al'e to inci.ease by 7.43 % from l Api'il 2023. While this is welcomed it is not sufficient to covei the curreiit cost of providiiig the i-elated sei'vices. Tlie Council has thei'efoie agi'eed to the intioduction of i'esident, s top- up fees fi'om l April 2023 biit as these can only be applied to new residents it will take some tiine foi" the full financial benefit to be realiscd. Tlie CoLiiiciI is also addi-essing the causes of uiiderocciipancy in some of its facilities. With i'egai'd to its Disability and Specialist Seivices the Coiincil is in discussion with fuiiding partners with the aim of ensuriiig the full cost of these services is covered. It is anticipated tliese measiires will allow tlie Councils facilities to opeiate on a sustainable financial footing. The Ti'ustees have assessed thc ability of the Geneial Assembly to continue as a going concei'n foi the pei'iod to 31 May 2024. In particulai., the Ti'ustees have consideied tEie General Assembly's available liquid resources, financial commitmeiits and foi'ecast cash flows foi. the period to 31 May 2024, including considei'ing the I'isk of increases iii expenditure due to inflationaiy piessui.es and cxpected chaiiges in the amount of income fiom congi'egations and resideiitial care activities. Based on theii. assessment the Genel'al Assembly is expected to continue to opeiate within its cash facilities and meet its obligations as they fall due. As a consequence, the Ti'ustees have assessed that it is appropiiate to pi'epare the Geiieial Asselnbly's finaiicial statements on the going concei'n basis. Page 22
THE PREI SBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANINUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2022 RESERVES POLICY Councils of the Genei'al Assembly al'e gelierally funded thl'ough the United Appeal aiid noi'inally have any i'eveiiue ieserves taken into accouiit when being awarded theii awiual giant. Theiefore, such Councils do not noi'mally liold significant reveiiue resei'ves. The policy of the General Couiicil in relation to Uiiited Appeal Fuiids is to hold no mole tliaii one year's gi'aiits to funded Councils in i'eseives. Tlie policy ielating to the Assessnieiit Funds is to hold no mole than one yeai", s expenditiii'e as i"cvenue reserves. Councils oi Agencies of the General Assenibly ale perniitted to niaintain capital iesei'ves (equivalent to coriesponding fixed assets), aiid these noi'mally relate to funding for pi'operties oi. to restiicted bequests Iield in the foiin of investments, which provlde incoine to cover aimual iecui'iing expenditui'e. The Trust¢es policy is to inaintaiii the capital in the vai'ious Funds linder management. Iii tlie Gcneial Investment Fund divideiids are paid based on dividend aiid intei'est income received during the year subject to maintaiiiing a balance in the Dividend Eqiialisation Resei've to mininiise fluctuations in the level of dividends paid. Foi all other Funds, the objective is to dists'ibute incoine receivable dui'ing the year. RISK REVIEW A review of major i'isks has been uiideitaken by the Councils of the Cliui'ch and the Trustees, and systeins and pi'ocedures impleni¢nted to manage identified risks. The pi'incipal i'isks al'e iii relation to the likelihood of i'eputational dainage aiid financial risks associated with fuiiding foi. the pension scheine and other i'etiiemcnt benefits. It is recognised that the ongoing work of the Genei"al Assembly Councils is dependent on funding from congregations, tlll'ough theii members, fi'orn coiigiegational assessincnts aiid contributions towai'ds the United Appeal. These i'isks ale mitigated by Councils and the Tiiistees iegulai'ly nionitoiiiig the ai'eas of work falling under tlieii. i'esponsibility and thiough i'epoi-ts to the Gencial Assembly at its annual ineeting. DISCLOSURE OF INFORIIIATION TO AUDITORS So fai" as eacli person who was a meinbei. of the Genei'al Council at the date of approving this report is awai'e, thei'e is iio i'el¢vant aiidit infoimation, being inforination needed by the auditoi. in connectioii with pi'eparing its iepoit, of which the auditoi. is unaware. Having made eiiquii'ies of fellow Council meinbers and the General Assembly auditor, each Council membei has taken all the steps that they al'e obliged to take as a Council member in ordei. to make themselves awai'e of any i'elevant aiidit infoimatAon and to establish that tlie auditoi- is aW.e of that iiiformation. AUDITORS Ei'nst & Yoiing LLP have expiessed theii willingness to continue in office as auditois and a iesolution pioposing their i'eappointmeLIt will be proposed at tlie Genei'al Assembly. Page 23
THE PREI SBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT Foi. the year ended 31 Dccember 2022 Bankers Danske Bank Limited Donegall Squai'e West Belfast, BTI 6JS Santandei (UK) plc 301 St Vincent Sti'eet Glasgow, G2 5HN General Assembly Solicitor Mi" Stephen Gowdy King & Gowdy, Solicitoi's 298 Uppei Newtownai'ds Road Belfast, BT4 3EJ Investinent Advisers Newtoii Invcstinent Management Limited Mellon Financial Centie 160 Queen Victoria Sli'eet Loiidon, EC4V 4LA Independent Auditors Ei'nst & Young LLP 16 Bedfoid House Bedfoid Sti'eet Belfast, BT2 7DT Pension Consultants Deloitte Total Rewai'd and Benefits Limited. Lincoln Buildiiig 27-45 Gi'eat Victoiia Sti'eet, Belfast, BT2 7SL Clerk of the Assembly R¢v T D Giibben Fiiiancial Secretaiy Mi. C Knox The Presbyteiian Chui'ch in Ireland Assembly Buildiiigs 2-1 O Fishei"wick Place Belfast BTI 6DW Registered Chal'ity in Noitheiii Ii"¢laiid (NIC104483) Registeied Chai'ity in Republic of Il'eland (20015695) For the Genei-al Council 31 May 2023 Page 24