History was made at the 2023 United Reformed Church (国产无码) General Assembly when its first black and ethnically-minoritised woman Moderator was inducted today.
Ordained in 2018, the Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson was inducted into the role of Moderator at the annual meeting held from 30 June to July 3 at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire.
Dr Henry-Robinson has responsibility for four congregations in the East London Group, a multi-culturally diverse constituency.
Tessa鈥檚 induction, as the first Black/ethnically-minoritised woman in the role, is a proud moment in the life of the denomination.
鈥淭his is a huge step for the 国产无码,鈥� Tessa said: 鈥淚 will take the opportunity to assist the leadership and the membership to bring the denomination into its true identity 鈥� one that is constantly seeking justice, that regards God鈥檚 Word in the Bible as the highest authority, and as a place where all God鈥檚 people are one.鈥�
鈥淚 will do my very best to serve God in this role and listen to what the denomination is saying and transfer that listening into action and progress.鈥�
Dr Henry-Robinson鈥檚 career spans over 30 years engaging diverse groups through teaching, mentoring, and ministering.
She started teaching in the 1990s in Trinidad and Tobago and continued in Brazil and the UK working with students in primary, secondary and further education, before being ordained.
Tessa is a womanist practical theologian with a deep interest in the empowerment of women with particular focus on uplifting ethnically-minoritised women and communities.
She became a member of the 国产无码 in 2001 and serves on groups such as the Church Life Review and the Faith and Order Committee. In 2011, Tessa became a founding member of Cascades of Grace, a group set up through the 国产无码鈥檚 Global and Intercultural Ministries, to network and empower Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women in the churches.
Tessa stands for empowering such women to be present and audible in the Church and is not afraid to be a voice crying out for justice and dignity for all excluded and marginalised communities.
In this regard, Dr Henry-Robinson has presented and published numerous papers, opinions, and features that highlight her academic interests in womanist practical theology, her passion for racial and gender justice, and the inclusion of diverse voices and ideas within the Church.
Tessa sits on the editorial boards of the Journal of Practical Theology and the International Journal of Black Theology and has served on the Council for World Mission think tank for its formation of legacies of slavery work. She is also a published author.
Of Tessa鈥檚 appointment, the Revd Dr John Bradbury, 国产无码 General Secretary, said: 鈥�I鈥檓 delighted that we will benefit from the gifts and graces Tessa brings to the role of Moderator of the General Assembly. An astute theologian, a passionate advocate for justice, and a wise pastor, Tessa will challenge, upbuild and inspire during her term of office.鈥�