GC45 WF02: ECO04 Training on Conflict and Change for Summer 2025

Discussion groups were overwhelmingly in support of the need for lay and ministry personnel training in conflict resolution and in change management.

There are already training and resources available in the United Church, including modules in United Fresh Start, as part of the process of ministry formation, ChurchX, training for conflict resolution facilitators, and in training offered by the Interim Ministry Network. Ministry personnel already have continuing education funds available for conflict resolution and change management courses offered by educational institutions and other bodies.

Therefore, the Way Forward Team proposes

That, in response to ECO04 Training on Conflict and Change, the 45th General Council, 2025: 

• Take no further action on ECO04, and
• encourage the Office of Vocation and Regional Councils to highlight the already existing resources on conflict resolution and change management for lay leaders and ministry personnel.