Churches Together in England (CTE) is a membership of 49 churches, created to promote unity across the Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Anglican and Reformed churches.
Hannah Brock Womack, who is in a same sex marriage was nominated for the fourth presidency position by a group of Reformed churches and the Quakers.
Upon her appointment, the CTE requested Womack “not exercise” her role “for the sake of our ecumenical unity”.
The URC’s secretary for ecumenical and interfaith relations, Rev Philip Brooks told Premier the action taken was unjust.
“We would never turn anybody away in an office who was in a same sex marriage. We think it’s unfair that Hannah hasn’t been able to take up her position.
“We pray for the Church to genuinely come together, to find the grace and understanding to find a more just solution to what has been a very difficult situation.”
URC acknowledges that its own denomination does not have a “single view” on same sex marriage and the Church as a whole is divided on the issue but said CTE has a responsibility to model unity and inclusivity.
Brooks said: “Even in the time where we were deliberating as to whether to allow our local churches to register for same sex marriage, we have always made sure that those people who are in same sex marriages are able to serve in offices in the church.
“Though we may discern the Bible very differently, CTE has been a very good way for churches to associate…
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