GC45 GS05 Editorial changes to The Manual, section I.1.2.4 for Summer 2025

Origin: General Secretary

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

An amendment to section I.1.2.4 was approved at G44 in February 2022 to allow ministers from other denominations to serve in United Church communities of faith when United Church ministry personnel are unavailable for short-term vacancies.

It is important to periodically review amended sections to ensure clarity and improve the accessibility of the Manual.

2.  What is the recommendation?

The General Council approved subsection d) of I.1.2.4 as follows: 
Admission Minister, Diaconal Supply and Ordained Supply

1. Definition:
   1. An “admission minister” is a diaconal minister (or equivalent) of another 
      denomination or an ordained minister of another denomination who 
      is in the process of admission to the order of ministry of the United Church.                           (2021)
   2. A “diaconal supply” is a diaconal minister (or equivalent) of another 
      denomination whose credentials have been approved by the United Church and who is not in the process of admission to the order of ministry of the United Church.                                                                         (2021)
   3. An “ordained supply” is an ordained minister of another denomination whose credentials have been approved by the United Church and who is not in the process of admission to the order of ministry of the United Church.
       
2. Eligibility: To be eligible for appointment as an admission minister, the minister 
   must first complete certain steps in the process of admission to the order of 
   ministry of the United Church.                                     (2021)

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For policies and procedures for the admission of ministers 
from other denominations, see the resource available from 
the General Council Office.

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See also Entering Minsitry H.8 

3. Ethnocultural or linguistic specific congregation: The regional 
   council may appoint a diaconal supply or ordained supply to a community of 
   faith that has been designated as an ethnocultural or linguistic specific 
   community of faith by the appropriate General Council working unit. That minister does not have to be in the admission process.       

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There are additional policies and procedures for appointing and reappointing an admission minister, diaconal supply or ordained supply. See the resources available from 
the General Council Office.                              (2021)

Original Wording

Diaconal Supply/Ordained Supply - short term supply:

4. A diaconal or ordained minister from another denomination may serve in an appointment to a United Church community of faith for a period of time, normally up to two years, without a requirement that they be in the process of admission to the order of ministry in the United Church.

Proposed wording

Diaconal Supply/Ordained Supply - short term supply:

4. A diaconal or ordained minister from another denomination, whose credentials have been approved by the United Church, may serve in an appointment to a United Church community of faith for a period of time not to exceed two years without prior approval of the Regional Council, without being required to enter the admission process. 

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

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