GCE45 GS31 Archives Committee for November 2025

1. What is the issue?

The National and regional archives play an important part for the life and call of The United Church of Canada. As the need grows for the services of the archives, it is increasingly important to establish strong and consistent policies to guide what materials are acquired, how access to records is maintained and how to ensure sustainability.

With the winding down of the Permanent Committee on Archives and History in 2019, the National and regional Archives lost a diverse body of voices and stakeholders which supported and advocated for the Archives, and could be brought together in consultation on policies, ideas and strategies. As such, the Archives do not have a body to consult in decision-making that represents all stakeholders of the Church and the needs and visions of those stakeholders.

2. Why is the issue important?

An Archives Committee is needed to ensure there is a unified, sustainable vision for Archives within the United Church of Canada and that advice and decision-making reflect the needs and visions of diverse voices within the Church.   It is important to have a group that can resource and assist the regional or General Council Executives in their decision-making.

3. How might the Executive of the General Council respond to this issue?

The General Secretary recommends that the General Council Executive :

1. approve the Terms of Reference for the Archive Committee  as laid out in the following appendix, and
2. directs the General Secretary to work with regional councils and Indigenous Ministries and Justice to populate the Working group

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

N/A