GA President Geoff Levermore recently visited the Northern Unitarian District, and its constituent congregations, Newcastle upon Tyne and Stockton, for our Annual Meeting. Here’s his account of his visit!

“Many thanks to Hazel and David Warhurst and Louise Reeve for inviting me to the Northern Unitarian Association (NUA) Annual  Meeting and inviting me to give a talk and two services. Hazel and David kindly put me up in their house, with fine views and two heat pumps, for two nights. Many thanks! Louise also sorted a nice hotel for me and a nice Italian meal.

At the AGM, Louise outlined an interesting initiative Newcastle Unitarians are undertaking with Unitarian Transformers. At the meeting was the Rev. Paul Walker who takes a lot of services at Newcastle and Stockton. An ex-Anglican vicar, he has been Preacher of the Year.

The Newcastle service was at Northumbria University, having sold their large chapel to the university two years ago. Unfortunately, I turned the wrong way out of the hotel and walked the wrong way before Louise rescued me! Thanks to David Venus for the music. We had interesting conversations after the service. I could see that there are the opportunities for growth under trustees Louise, Jane Simpson, and David. The first picture is of some of the congregation having coffee after the service.

I then went to Stockton’s new, energy-efficient chapel:

Apologies that I had not put David Warhurst’s energy figures for it on my graph at the earlier talk! Before the service Victor Ball had been leading a Theosophy meeting; an interesting discussion. Thanks to all for filling in the questionnaire after the service (at Newcastle as well), and thanks to Jane Tomlin for the music. Another interesting discussion after the service and over dinner at Yarm; thanks again to Hazel and David Warhurst for putting me up for another night. An enjoyable weekend!”

And here is Margaret Robinson’s summary of Geoff’s service for us and Stockton:

“Sunday 12th October Professor Geoff Levermore (Unitarian GA President 2024-2026) on the theme ‘Where does religion end and politics start?’

Geoff discussed the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10, and its broader moral implications. He explored themes of love, moral obligations, and the Golden Rule across different religious contexts, while also touching on current political issues and the importance of interfaith dialogue. The conversation ended with a service that included prayers, meditation, and discussions about promoting religious toleration and respect for neighbour’s rights. That a true neighbour shows mercy and compassion to anyone in need, regardless of background. He noted that Jesus was speaking to Jews and emphasised his liberal interpretation of Jewish laws. The essence of Jewish law is to treat others as you would like to be treated, which Jesus expanded to include loving God.

Geoff discussed the hierarchy of moral obligations, which he described as concentric circles starting with family, then community, your nation, and finally everyone else. He explored the concept of love, noting that while it is partial and starts with specific individuals, it should not determine human rights. Geoff suggested that love in politics can be problematic, as too little love can be seen as uncaring, while too much can lead to chauvinism. He also touched on current political issues like trade wars, immigration, and the UK’s relationship with the EU, suggesting that love is often used for political purposes.
Geoff’s service that included prayers for those in need and a meditation period. He read an alternative version of the Lord’s Prayer. The service ended with a hymn, “The Golden Rule,” which Geoff explained was based on Confucius.”