Commissioners are United Church ministry personnel or members who have been chosen for this role through their regional council, the National Indigenous Organization, or the Executive of General Council. They are selected for their wisdom and their knowledge. Some Commissioners also bring an important perspective that would be lost without their presence.
Although selected by other bodies, Commissioners do not “represent” those bodies. They are expected to approach each matter with openness and in a spirit of prayer to find the best way forward for the church as a whole. They discern for themselves how they will vote and are not tied the views of the body that elected them. Their role is to help the church live into its Call to Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice.
Being a Commissioner is a three-year commitment that involves extensive preparation before meetings as well as the meetings themselves. Additionally, Commissioners are expected to share the decisions of the General Council throughout the church with local and regional council presentations.
Orientation is provided for Commissioners along with support with technology and travel plans.