This Library contains documents from all recent United Church governance meetings, including General Council and its Executive. It will also soon include “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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The United Church of Canada looks at the recent legal developments in regards to Medical Assistance in Dying with considerable interest. We are not opposed in principle to the legislation allowing assistance in dying and to such assistance being the informed, free choice of terminally ill patients. There are occasions where unrelenting suffering and what we know about the effect of pain on the human body can make Medical Assistance in Dying a preferable option. However, we urge a cautious approach by legislators and medical professionals implementing these laws, as well as by individuals, families and communities of faith who are considering making use of this new legislative option. To this end, we advocate community-focused and theologically robust discernment on a case-by-case basis that also ensures the protection and care of those potentially made vulnerable by this new law and others like it.
That the Executive of the General Council: 1. receive the report of the Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying 2. adopt the report as an official statement of the United Church on the subject of Medical Assistance in Dying.
That the Executive of the General Council encourage all Conferences, Districts, and Presbyteries, to incorporate at least one half hour in their 2016 meetings to read aloud the 1986 Apology to First Nations People and the 1988 response from the All Native Circle Conference as a way to recognize the 30th anniversary of the Apology. Apology to First Nations People, 30th anniversary of the Apology, Apology
That the Executive of the General Council, in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action 48 (text below): 1. formally adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and comply with its principles, norms, and standards as a framework for reconciliation;
On June 2, 2015, the United Church of Canada, along with the other church parties to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, welcomed the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation C...
That the Executive of the General Council, in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action 48:formally adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous ...
Encourage The United Church of Canada Foundation and direct the Executive of the General Council to take active steps to sell their holdings in the 200 largest fossil fuel companies; Keywords: fossil fuel, fossil fuel divestment
That the 42nd General Council direct the General Secretary, General Council to ask publicly for commitment from the Federal Government that all Canadian communities, including First Nations communities, have access to running potable water by 2018; and encourage The United Church of Canada congregations and members to do likewise.
That the 42nd General Council commit the church to encourage the federal and provincial governments to implement an economy-wide price on greenhouse gas emissions where currently such a price does not exist.
That the 42nd General Council (2015) direct the General Secretary, General Council to: a. Call upon the Government of Canada to: i. Conduct a full Public Inquiry into the more than 1200 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada; ii. Support and continue to support the struggle against the devaluation of women by conducting this inquiry;
