GC45 GCE01 Review of the Roles of Moderator and General Secretary for Summer 2025

Origin: General Council Executive

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

The Executive of the General Council initiated a review of the Offices of Moderator and General Secretary. A final report is submitted to this meeting. Following are proposals arising from the work of the task group.

Good organizational practice requires periodic reviews of these two significant offices, particularly given the changing context of the United Church and the strategic directions it has set.

The United Church is experiencing significant change while facing considerable constraints that test its viability and sustainability. With limited resources, all roles—especially those of the Moderator and General Secretary—must be utilized to their fullest to support the church at all levels, from local communities of faith and regional councils to the national expression at the General Council.

It is equally import that these roles be accountable to the church, both in practice and perception, and have measurable outcomes and performance metrics. Accountability to a job description and performance standards ensures that the Executive can fulfill its fiduciary responsibility to the members.

2. Background information:

Detailed information is contained in the report of Task Group to Review of the Roles of Moderator and General Secretary which was received by the General Council Executive in March 2025. The Executive endorsed the conclusions and recommendations of the report and agreed to recommend it to General Council 45.

3. What might the General Council do?

The executive of the general council recommends that the General Council

1. receive the final report of the Task Group to Review of the Roles of Moderator and General Secretary and its appendices,
2. adopt and implement the recommendations of the report,
3. direct the Manual Committee to revise the bylaws consistent with these recommendations.

4. How does this help us live into equity:

This report aligns the work of the office of the Moderator with the strategic plan and equity commitments of the denomination. 

5. Is this proposal in response to assigned work – either from General Council or a previous GCE meeting? Please list proposal / motion numbers.

• Manual (2021) D.4
• 44th General Council Proposals:
  • GCE 08 - Review of the Offices of Moderator and General Secretary (2022-04-30-205)
  • NIC 01 - Recommendation from the National Indigenous Council for the Task Group to Review the Roles of the Moderator and General Secretary
• November 22-23, 2024, Executive of the General Council meeting:
  • GCE 04 REVIEW OF THE ROLES OF MODERATOR AND GENERAL SECRETARY
  • TASK GROUP TO REVIEW THE ROLES OF MODERATOR AND GENERAL SECRETARY

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