GC45 Recall Meeting: Sept. 13, 2025

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Summary

The recall meeting for the 45th General Council moved smoothly through several Way Forward proposals outstanding from the in-person meetings in Calgary, Alberta, in August. About 180 Commissioners joined online with a small group of General Council Office (GCO) staff gathered in person at the GCO with the Moderator, The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, and General Secretary, Rev. Michael Blair. Elder Lorraine Kakegamic was also online, offering leadership support, including prayer midway through the gathering. There was also the provision of equity support and chaplaincy

The moving multilingual opening worship, planned by Rev. Dr. Miriam Spies and Rev. Dr. Alydia Smith, included “Rab ki hove​ (Blest be God),” a traditional bhajan (devotional song) sung by Christians across South Asia, and the celebration of Communion.

The chair of business planning, Rev. Dr. Kenji Marui, outlined the business and procedures, and guided the court through the Way Forward proposals and recommendations scheduled for this recall meeting. The following proposals were carried:

GC45 WF33: GCE04 Funding Strategic Growth Initiatives

Just Peace: Israel-Palestine proposals:

• GC45 WF13: Proposals on Israel and Palestine HF01, SW02, SW03, SW05
• GC45 WF41: SW06 The IHRA Antisemitism Definition - A Threat to Charter Rights
• GC45 WF15: BNS02 Development of a Post Gaza Theology
• GC45 WF42: COM06 Emergency Resolution on Gaza
• GC45 WF22: PM03 Arms Embargo Now Signatory

Just Peace: the Philippines: CG45 WF12: COM01 Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines

Apologies

• GC45 WF18: NS01 – Apology from the United Church of Canada to the African Diaspora for Slavery and the Legacies of Slavery in Canada
• GC45 WF17: GS07 Updated Apology for United Church Participation in Residential Institutions and PM02 Truth Telling and Reconciliation Action 
• GC45 WF44: COM08 Land Return – National 20% of All Property Sales Given to The Indigenous United Church

The council also approved two additional Way Forward proposals:

GC45 WF35: SW01 Support for Broadview Magazine for Summer 2025

GC45 WF16: CS01 A Call for Full Inclusion and Pastoral Support for Individuals Accessing MAID Under Track Two for Summer 2025

The General Council covenanted with incoming members of the Executive before the General Secretary brought the business of the 45th General Council to a close. In a prayerful close to the meeting the Moderator invited participation in a litany prepared during the August meetings: A Litany of Invitation to the Church from GC45, Calgary, which is also available in French.

The first meeting of the Executive of the 45th General Council coincides with GCO staff leadership meetings and a full GCE orientation, in person, in Toronto, the last week of September.