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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WHEREAS nuclear-powered submarines will not increase our security; and WHEREAS the use of nuclear technology for military purpose will be seen as being provocative and as contravening our previous agreements to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes only; and WHEREAS the cost of nuclear submarines is not justifiable on any grounds, especially in view of unmet human needs; for example, the predicted famine in Africa this year:
WHEREAS the proposed drilling for oil on the Georges Bank might result in serious economic loss to fishermen in the area: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 32nd General Council request the General Secretary of General Council to urge the appropriate federal and provincial authorities to conduct an environmental assessment study to ensure that such drilling will not seriously damage the fishery.
WHEREAS it has been demonstrated that overfishing of stocks of fish which straddle the 200 mile limit is seriously reducing the fish available to Canadian fishermen: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 32nd General Council request the General Secretary to invite the Government of Canada, through the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, to take action to obtain international agreement on quotas for the various fish species.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 32nd General Council requests the General Secretary of General Council to request the federal government to develop a white paper for discussion purposes on the impact of plant breeders’ rights legislation on Canadian and developing countries before proceeding further.
WHEREAS the 28th General Council (1980) expressed The United Church of Canada’s deep concern for the well-being of this and future generations and the belief that science and technology should serve the quest for a just, participatory and sustainable society; and where an ability to solve many of the problems associated with uranium mining/nuclear power has not been demonstrated;
That the 32nd General Council receive the report Toward A Christian Understanding of Sexual Orientations, Lifestyles and Ministry along with the Dissenting Statements, as fulfilling the mandate given by the 30th General Council, 1984. [ROP 1988, page 96]
In 1988, the United Church’s 32nd General Council made two decisions about sexual orientation, church membership and leadership. General Council declared that:
WHEREAS the ministry and compassion of Jesus was extended to the marginalized, as seen in Luke 10:25-37, when Jesus was asked “Who is my neighbour?” by a teacher of the law and he answered him by telling the parable of the Good Samaritan; and WHEREAS the AIDS crisis challenges us profoundly to be the church as a healing community; and WHEREAS as a member of the World Council of Churches, the United Church is called upon to:
Having heard petition #81, the Sessional Committee No. 11 recognizes the theological rationale and preamble, but offers the following resolution: 1 That the General Council of The United Church of Canada reaffirm The United Church of Canada’s previous statements concerning anti-semitism. 2 Review our actions and acknowledge the silence of our church during the years 1933-1945 in relation to the Holocaust in Europe. Racism, Justice, Anti-Semitism, Holocaust, Jews, Theological Education, Ecumenical, Interfaith, Religious, Religion, Ethno-cultural
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 63rd Annual Meeting of the British Columbia Conference of The United Church of Canada petition the General Council to urge the Canadian Government to: 1 Rescind its endorsement of the marketing guidelines of the Canadian Infant Formula Association; and 2 Communicate this request to the Hon. Jake Epp, Minister of National Health and Welfare; 3 Urge congregations to write their member of parliament to affirm the request in No. 1.
