GC40 Affirming the Participation and Ministry of Transgender People Within The United Church of Canada and Supporting Their Civil and Human Rights (GC 40 2009 – 086)

That the 40th General Council 2009:

1. encourage all congregations of The United Church of Canada to welcome transgender people into membership, ministry, and full participation;
2. encourage that all settings of The United Church of Canada learn about the realities of transgender experience and expression, including the gifts and callings and needs of transgender people, and are encouraged to engage in appropriate dialogue with transgender people;
3. that the General Secretary, General Council be encouraged to develop appropriate resources, in consultation with a representative group of transgender people within Affirm United and The United Church of Canada, to encourage the participation and ministry of transgender people in the life of the church and to prepare individuals and churches to receive such participation and ministry;
4. that the General Secretary, General Council, in cooperation with Affirm United’s Affirming Ministries Program, be encouraged to develop a program of education and advocacy, in consultation with a representative group of transgender people within The United Church of Canada, and then to provide leadership in advocating for the human and civil rights of transgender people; and
5. that a representative group of transgender people within The United Church of Canada shall be invited to report to the 41st General Council 2012 on progress made in regard to participation within The United Church of Canada and the development of education and advocacy concerning civil and human rights by The United Church of Canada, and to make additional suggestions.

GC40 2009 ROP, p. 197