Dreaming a Better World into Being: For the Sake of God’s Beloved World

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The 45th General Council, held from August 7–11, saw United Church members from across the nation unite in faith and reflection on the church’s path forward, joined by global, ecumenical, and interfaith partners. Following the triennial meeting, The United Church of Canada renewed its commitment to justice, peace, the integrity of Creation, and the flourishing and well-being of all peoples and the world.

“Dreaming a Better World into Being: For the Sake of God’s Beloved World” stems from several decisions made at General Council 45 in Calgary, Alberta.

The church calls for urgent action on peace and justice issues internationally:

• ongoing genocide and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza;
• violence and violation of human rights in many parts of Latin America; and
• lasting tensions on the Korean peninsula.

It urges all levels of Canadian society to:

• defend those Indigenous Peoples most affected by the climate crisis and those without access to clean drinking water;
• reiterates the church’s apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities for harms done by the United Church past and present; and
• calls for government action to revoke harmful legislation related to these communities.

The statement includes urgent calls for action by government and wider society on several other issues, including:

• housing and mental health crises faced by youth and young adults;
• the overdose crisis and lack of harm reduction resources;
• increasing polarization; and
• erosion of democratic processes.

Read the full statement.