This Library contains documents from all recent United Church governance meetings, including General Council and its Executive. It also includes “Our Beliefs Explained” official policy documents dating back several decades. If you can't find something you think should be included, contact gcbusiness@united-church.ca.
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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.
During the most recent remit process, we identified that the governing body is responsible for the vote. However, the Manual does not clearly specify whether the remit vote is limited to the governing body or if it includes the congregation as well.
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.
While the Manual states that regional councils can assess and recognize ministries that are not traditional communities of faith, it does not provide a definition. This proposal aims to define such ministries.
In the tradition of our forebears and the Christian traditions that came together to form the United Church 100 years ago, we believe God is calling the Church in our day to lift a prophetic voice, both encouraging and examining the nation, supporting it when we can, and challenging it when necessary.
Like many other faith groups in Canada, congregations of The United Church of Canada have always accepted responsibility for ensuring that their paid accountable leaders are housed for the duration of their ministries. While for many decades this housing was a manse held in trust by the congregation, the past fifty years have seen a significant shift away from the provision of manses toward the provision of a housing allowance.
The United Church of Canada has historically supported compassionate end-of-life choices, including Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). However, with the expansion of MAID legislation in Canada, there is a need for the church to deepen its theological understanding and pastoral support for individuals seeking MAID under Tract Two.
In the development, adoption and implementation of the Strategic Plan (2021) with its Call and Vision and strategic operation plan, the Executive of the General Council was committed to seeking to reverse the narrative of decline that is so prevalent in the life of the church. There is no doubt that church has lived experience of decline, and the data supports this. The Executive Leaders have committed to foster a climate of data informed decision making and to lead from the future.
The United Church of Canada, as an operator of residential institutions, is being asked to issue an updated apology for its role and the actions of its employees in that system. Calls for an updated apology have come from a survivor/United Church settler group in Port Alberni; Pacific Mountain Regional Council (PM02); and in the Final Report of the Special Interlocutor for Missing and Disappeared Children and Unmarked Burials.
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.
