GCE45 NOM04 Recommendations for Appointment for December 2025

1. What is the issue?

We believe that the Holy Spirit calls us to use our God‐given gifts. Our gifts differ, but all are needed. The practices of Christian spiritual formation call on us to practice individual and group discernment in selecting and affirming leaders for the church.  

2. Why is the issue important?

The Executive of the General Council needs to appoint and authorize members to serve on committees and task groups which conduct work on its behalf and as delegates to represent The United Church of Canada.  

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

The Nominations Committee recommends that 

The Sub-Executive appoint the following members with terms as noted: 

The Manual Committee (December 2025 – GC46 August 2028)

• Fred Braman (Lay Person, Nakonha:ka), chairperson, 4th term
• Catherine Grant (Lay Person, Eastern Ontario Outaouais), 3rd term
• Beth Moore (Lay Person, Shining Waters), 3rd term
• Bob Fillier (Ordained Minister, Eastern Ontario Outaouais), 2nd term
• Alicia Lukaszewicz-Southall (Lay Person, Nakonha:ka), 1st term
• Matthew Tyhurst (Lay Person, Horseshoe Falls), 1st term

4. What will be the impact?

These appointments enable the responsibilities and commitments of these groups to be carried out.  Appointments are offered with a view to the strategic objective of Invigorate Leadership: Adapting and Innovating for Bold Discipleship.

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

In its discernment, the Nominations Committee considers diversity with regards to geography, gender identity and ministry stream, as well as the myriad ways that our lives, cultures and lived experiences make each of us unique.  All members of committees and representatives of The United Church of Canada to ecumenical bodies are expected to uphold the United Church’s commitments to equity in the roles to which they are being appointed. 

On this occasion, these appointments strengthen the generally under‐represented presence of members from East Central Ontario Regional Council in denominational committee work.  

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

The Nominations Committee conducts its work in accordance with the mandate outlined in the Manual, the Terms of Reference set out in Policy 2.08 The Nominations Committee and the expectations set out in Policy 1.08 Committee Membership An open call for nominations was held in September and October. The Nominations Committee met on November 27 to resume its discernment postponed from November 13. In addition to the recommendations in this report, the Nominations Committee discerned recommendations that will be shared with the Board of Vocation. The Nominations Committee offers gratitude to all who offered their gifts, and prays for faith and joy in the service of all those who are appointed.

The Nominations Committee: Lynella Reid‐James (chair), Allan Buckingham, Florence Bukam, Jun‐Hyok Chon, Norm Seli, Jessica Taylor, Katherine Brittain (GCE). Regrets: Alcris Limongi (GCE) Diane Bosman & Jamie Wilder (staff)