Moderator Nominations

Nominating someone to be Moderator

A nominee for Moderator must be a full member, lay or ordered, of The United Church of Canada but is not required to be a Commissioner of the General Council.

There are two ways to nominate someone:

1. Regional Councils and the National Indigenous Council: Nominations can be made by a motion at a meeting of these councils (or their Executive). The minutes and motion must be submitted to the General Secretary as soon as possible after the meeting and no later than the close of nominations.
2. General Council: Nominations can be made in writing to the General Secretary, moved by a Commissioner, and seconded by at least one other Commissioner up until the close of nominations.

Being a nominee for Moderator

Nominees traditionally do not “campaign” to be Moderator but rather allow their name to stand.

General Councils generally begin with online sessions, followed by in-person sessions in the host region's city. In person sessions are also available to Commissioners online. Nominees for Moderator should plan to be present throughout General Council. For nominees who are not Commissioners, it is proposed that they be given a voice but not a vote at the meeting.

Ways for Commissioners and the church to get to know the nominees throughout General Council will likely include:

• being introduced at General Council following the close of nominations
• opportunities through the United Church websites and social media
• informal meet-and-greet times in person during General Council.

Nominees may receive invitations from others in the church or media to share about themselves. Nominees determine for themselves how and if to participate in any invitations.

Being elected Moderator

The Moderator is elected by a majority ballot.

• Nominees are informed of ballot results before those results are announced in Council.
• The Moderator-elect may briefly address the Council immediately after the announcement is made.
• The Moderator-elect will spend time providing media interviews. The United Church will offer communication support at that time.

The new Moderator will preach at a service of installation. This will mark the official close of the in-person General Council. The role of Moderator begins immediately after installation.

See Moderator Nominees for GC45 for additional information.