GC45 GC45 WF28: COM02 Faith Workers Bill of Rights for Summer 2025 Nearly all groups who discussed COM02 were strongly opposed. A small number of groups saw value in protections and care for ministry personnel and other employees while still having concerns with this proposal as written. Many discussion groups expressed concern that the proposal would shift the church's theological understanding of ministry, making the covenantal relationship between ministry personnel and congregations into a form of secular employment. Additionally, some discussion groups expressed concern for the term “Faith Worker”. Further, the “Faith Workers Bill of Rights” largely duplicates the church’s existing policies found in ethical standards, in the “Creating Safe and Respectful Environments” policy, and in already existing access to counselling and mental health support available through the church's benefits plan. Therefore, the Way Forward Team proposes: That, in response to COM02 Faith Workers Bill of Rights, the 45th General Council, 2025, take no further action on COM02 Faith Workers Bill of Rights for Summer 2025 Save to PDF True Document Date August 11, 2025 Document Type Way Forward Originating Body Way Forward Committee Latest News Monday, Aug. 11: Decision session summary The final day of GC45 began with a moving service that remembered the Communion of Saints, before settling business on a number of proposals. Sunday, Aug. 10: Summary of the day After the Alvin Dixon Walk/Run raised over $25,000, participants heard from Toward 2035, Indigenous Ministry and Justice, and a message of continued support from Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson. Saturday, Aug. 9: Summary of the day Youth Forum members and leadership animators challenged the church to examine how it relates to youth, and to follow their leadership, and the Moderator-elect, Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath listened carefully.
