I am deeply honoured to become the Moderator-Elect of the Free Churches Group. I look forward to supporting the current Moderator, Reverend Canon Helen Cameron, during the first year of a four-year term and to learning more about the work of the Free Churches. As a committed ecumenist, I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the 27 Free Churches denominations/groups who are currently members of the Free Churches Group. I understand that the FCG is growing, and it will be a pleasure to be part of the leadership team welcoming new members. I see this role as a calling and feel deeply connected to our diverse and vibrant Free Churches community. My extensive experience within the United Reformed Church (URC) has shaped my commitment to ecumenism. I believe that by working together, we can more significantly contribute to the common mission of sharing the love of Jesus Christ and the hope that His love brings to our world.
I have just completed my year as Moderator of the URC General Assembly and currently serve as the immediate past Moderator. This role provided me with broad leadership and representational experience both within the three-nation context of the United Kingdom and internationally. My contributions to the URC, including roles on the Mission Committee, the Church Life Review Group, the Business Committee, and the Faith and Order Committee, have deepened my understanding of church operations and honed my ability to lead complex discussions and initiatives.
As a Black woman - the first women of an ethnically minoritised background to become General Assembly Moderator in the URC, I bring a strong commitment to diversity and empowerment. My advocacy for racial justice within the URC and my role in Cascades of Grace, an initiative empowering minoritised women, underscore this commitment.
My curiosity about the triune nature of God, coupled with my background in community education and development, ministry formation, and anti-racism training, highlights my dedication to theological ecumenism and fostering an intercultural church environment. My academic work, including a thesis on intercultural inclusion, remains central to my ethos.
As an Associate Tutor in Womanist Practical Theology at Westminster College and a member of the editorial boards for the Journal of Practical Theology and the International Journal of Black Theology, I engage in scholarly discussions that bridge theory and practice. My pastoral service and community engagement further exemplify this commitment.
My upbringing in Trinidad and Tobago, which included attending Roman Catholic and Methodist churches and participating in Anglican and Pentecostal denominational activities, has shaped my approach to faith and diversity. This background, combined with proven presentation skills and the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences, equips me to represent and collaborate within the Free Churches Group leadership.
I am confident that my vision, experience, and commitment to ecumenical networking, justice, and empowerment have prepared me well for this role. I look forward to contributing to the Free Churches Group and furthering our impact on communities and society.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Free Churches in England and Wales.
Tessa