GC45

GC45 Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee Accountability Report for Summer 2025

Origin: Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith

Overview:

The Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee met twice in person throughout the triennium and periodically online, with smaller working groups meeting more frequently. For the first two years of this triennium (2022-2025), TICIF focused primarily on theological work assigned by General Council, developing principles for the United Church’s justice work.

The committee also connects with United Church members who have been named to Canadian and global ecumenical bodies, as well as to Canadian interfaith bodies. The committee continues to wrestle with how best to engage the inter-church and inter-faith work that is part of its mandate, since the elimination of the ecumenical and interfaith program coordinator position in July 2020. The committee is starting a practice of inviting these representatives to one of the meetings each year so that there is greater understanding of the work that each is involved in.

The committee had two unexpected resignations in the last few months of this triennium, as well as the sudden and tragic death of chair, Alison Etter, in February 2024. The remaining eleven elected members represent a diversity of regions, leadership, and theological perspectives within the church. The committee has staff support from the Program Assistant, Theology and Ministry Leadership, and the Executive Minister, Theology and Ministry Leadership.