GCE44 GS 139 150th Anniversary of the Presbyterian Church in Canada for March 2025

1. What is the issue?

The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year 2025. The Presbyterian Church in Canada was instrumental in the formation of The United Church of Canada. The United Church has a long-standing ecumenical relationship with the Presbyterians. Acknowledging this milestone in the life of the Presbyterian Church is a way of honouring our shared history and lifting up our continuing relationship.

2. Why is this important?

This is the centennial year for the United Church and as we celebrate this anniversary, it is helpful to acknowledge our history. In 2026 the national office of the Presbyterian Church, along with the Anglicans, will be sharing office space with us. In 2015 on the 90th anniversary of the United Church, the Assembly of the Presbyterian Church made a formal motion to acknowledge the United Church’s 90th anniversary. The then Moderator of the church visited the General Council Office to bring greetings on behalf of the Assembly.

The United Church and the Presbyterian Church work together through our membership in the World Council of Churches, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the Canadian Council of Churches, the Truth and Reconciliation processes and through ecumenical shared ministries. This is an opportunity to acknowledge the sibling relationship.

3. How might the Executive of the General Council respond?

The General Secretary proposes that the Executive of the 44th General Council:

• formally acknowledges the history and ecumenical partnerships of the Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC).
• direct the Moderator to write a letter of acknowledgement and celebration to the Assembly of the PCC meeting in Waterloo, Ontario, in June 2025.
• invite Communities of Faith, communities in ecumenical shared ministry and regional councils to find ways of acknowledging this milestone with local Presbyterian communities.
• direct the General Secretary to identify an appropriate gift to acknowledge the anniversary, and
• Request that the 45th General Council take a moment to acknowledge the anniversary as the Principal Clerk will be present.
   

4. What would be the impact?

This is an opportunity to honour our history as well as deepen our friendship and collaboration.

5. How does this proposal help us live into the commitments on equity?

The church lives out its commitment to interculturalism as we build strength across our differences. 

6. For the body transmitting this proposal to the General Council Executive:  

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