GC45 WF38: NAK02 Address Declining Membership by Expanding the United Church of Canada’s Intercultural Ministry for Summer 2025

Discussion groups had mixed reactions to this proposal. Many discussion groups identified that this work is already being done in many regions and areas of the church, in particular through the Growth Animators. 

The United Church of Canada has a long history of engaging in intercultural ministry and officially adopted our commitment to becoming an intercultural church at the 39th General Council in 2006. Other policies have been adopted since then through the work of the General Council and the General Council Executive.  

The United Church of Canada defines intercultural as “living together with a respectful awareness of each other’s differences. We do this by examining ourselves, building relationships, and distributing power fairly.”  

The Vision for Becoming an Intercultural Church (2012) states that:  

“We strive to become an intercultural church to deepen our understandings and experiences of God and of one another. Within the United Church, a variety of cultural expressions of faith are affirmed and welcomed. Part of the vision of the intercultural church is to create a space where we can sustain our own cultural identities while also affirming those of one another.”  

This vision guides every level of the United Church as they engage in this work.  

There are currently regional networks and teams focused on intercultural ministry and equity; and that there is work happening in the growth area in terms of migrant and diaspora communities. 

There are also partners who are engaged in the work of theological reflection and spiritual enrichment, such as our full communion partner, the United Church of Christ, USA with a daily devotional. 

Therefore, the Way Forward Team proposes that: 

The, in response to NAK02 Address Declining Membership by Expanding the United Church of Canada’s Intercultural Ministry, 45th General Council, 2025: 

1. encourage regional councils to animate engagement of intercultural ministry, equity and growth and support communities of faith in this work. 
2. Take no further action on NAK02 Address Declining Membership by Expanding the United Church of Canada’s Intercultural Ministry