GC45 EOO02 Gospel for Summer 2025

Origin: Eastern Ontario Outaouais  

1. What is the issue? Why is it important?

Much of our current expression is an interpretation of what we believe the gospel would have us do resulting in

1. an abrogated {to have parts removed} gospel when in our interpretations of what the gospel would have us do finds us displacing the biblical gospel behind why we are doing it;
2. the social implications of Jesus' teaching are shared but not the saving significance of his person; and
3. without a recognizable gospel some within the church either distance themselves from or question whether they still find themselves within this church.

2. What is happening now?

This issue is both fundamental to our understanding of the bible recognized as the primary document of our faith and an integral part of the faith of many people within our denomination, though without a recognizable biblical understanding of the gospel being repeated leaves question whether it is still part of our faith.

3. What is the recommendation?

It is proposed that the General Secretary or the General Council Executive appoint a commission

• to document a biblical understanding of gospel, and
• to report back to the next General Council.

4. Background information:

The impact will be that an understanding of gospel has not been displaced, but is still part of this denomination's expression of faith as it pursues several interpretations of where that faith takes us. The primary people impacted will be those for whom a recognizable biblical understanding of gospel has been silent, confirming that they are still part of this church. Cost and staff time should be moderate depending upon how extensively the commission chooses to document. The risk otherwise is a growing congregationalism which isolates itself from a shared expression of faith.

5. How does this proposal help us to live into our church's commitments on equity?

The church has reached out to the many different voices within itself helping all find a place - this would recognize the distance some feel from our expression, affirm the whole gospel is an integral part of our history reminding us in the midst of our differences of our shared roots, and recognize a primary understanding of our faith.

For the body transmitting this proposal to the General Council: 
Please select the appropriate option and provide the key discussion points for items being forwarded to the General Council: 
☐ Agree
☐ Disagree without forwarding to the General Council
☑ Disagree and forwarding to the General Council

Comments:

• The gathering was not convinced that the proposed solution in this proposal was the right way to go, but was anxious about sending a message that the Gospel should not be central to our work. There is enthusiasm about reaffirming our attachment to the Gospel, which is why the proposal is forwarded. The debate expressed concern about emphasizing one particular facet or interpretation of the Gospel, particularly if it gave the impression that one is more authentic than others.

If you have questions regarding this proposal, please send them to: GCinfo@united-church.ca