GC32 Racism (1988R117.01)

Having heard petition #81, the Sessional Committee No. 11 recognizes the theological rationale and preamble, but offers the following resolution:

1. That the General Council of The United Church of Canada reaffirm The United Church of Canada’s previous statements concerning anti-semitism.

2. Review our actions and acknowledge the silence of our church during the years 1933-1945 in relation to the Holocaust in Europe. 

3. Request that Canadian government to implement article 4(b) of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with the view to ensuring that Canadian civil law reflects the full intention of article 4(b) of the United Nations International Covenant on civil and political rights.

4. Prepare a church-wide study to develop awareness of the Christian roots of anti-semitism with a view to seeking ways of becoming more sensitive to our Jewish sisters and brothers in our preaching and practice today.

5. The 32nd General Council of The United Church of Canada urges the conference, in consultation with the Jewish community, to express to provincial and territorial ministers of education the United Church’s support for the provision of adequate education for elementary school students on the facts of the Holocaust, its significance in history, and its role in modern Jewish opinion and thought.

6. The 32nd General Council requests the theological schools to ensure that an opportunity is provided for students to wrestle with the issues surrounding the Holocaust and anti-semitism.