GC45 GS03 Change to Basis of Union: IV. Regional Councils; SECTION 6.2.3 for Summer 2025

Origin: General Secretary, General Council

1. What is the issue? Why is it important?

Before the restructuring in 2019, presbyteries had the ability to appoint up to 10 lay members at large. This ability was lost during the transition from our former presbytery structure to our current regional council structure.

The ability of regional council to elect at large members is important to reflect the diversity within the regional council and have the benefit of these members input and wisdom. 

2. The General Secretary proposes a Remit 2 for the following changes to the Basis of Union:

6.2.3     lay members elected by the Community of Faith. respecting the balance of lay and ministry personnel where possible.

6.2.4     additional lay members elected by the Regional Council to reflect diversity; the total number not to exceed 10 percent of the number of lay members elected under section 6.2.3.

6.2.5     lay members who at the time of their retirement were designated lay ministers within the bounds of the Regional Council. 

3. For the body transmitting this proposal to the General Council: 

N/A

For the body transmitting this proposal to the General Council: 
Please select the appropriate option and provide the key discussion points for items being forwarded to the General Council: 
☑ Agree
☐ Disagree without forwarding to the General Council
☐ Disagree and forwarding to the General Council
☐ Take no action at this time


If you have questions regarding this proposal, please send them to: GCinfo@united-church.ca