The Revd Dr David Cornick, former General Secretary of both the United Reformed Church (URC) and Churches Together England (CTE), has received an award from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Mr Cornick received the Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism for 'outstanding sustained contribution to the development of ecumenical life and witness in England'.

The Church of England’s Lambeth Awards were launched by the Most Revd Justin Welby in 2016 in recognition of outstanding service in different fields.

Mr Cornick said: ‘I was astonished and surprised to be honoured by the award of the Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism by the Archbishop of Canterbury.  

‘I think it was an honouring not just of me and Churches Together in England, which I had the privilege of serving for ten years, but also of the United Reformed Church.

‘The citation draws attention to the vision of unity which the URC holds at its centre, and that my ministry and perceptions were rooted there. So, I hope all those in the URC who have been quietly working through the years to make local ecumenism work will feel that my recognition is theirs too.’

In total, 27 people received an award this year.

Commenting on their dedication, Mr Welby said: ‘The tireless work of these men and women for justice, peace and reconciliation is a great source of such hope. Praise God for those whose lives are dedicated to serving his purposes.’

Mr Cornick still serves the Church as the Chairman of the URC History Society council. 

Read more about this year’s Lambeth Awards here.

Picture: The Revd Dr David Cornick, left, with the Most Revd Justin Welby/Church of England
Published 1 May 2019