Medical Assistance in Dying
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.
GCE42 Medical Assistance in Dying (GCE 42 2017)
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.
Theologies of Disabilities Report
The Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee was asked by the Executive of General Council in November 2013 to develop a theology of disability,[1] which could include concepts such as healing, cure, sin, and normalcy. From the beginning, we wrestled with the notion of developing a theology of disability because the category “disability” is not neatly defined or clear. With this principle in mind, we invited people living with disabilities, and allies, to tell their own stories. The italicized sections of this report represent a small selection of the 35 submissions received in writing, video performance, and artistic work which we received in answer to our invitation to tell the church a story over a cup of coffee about living with a disability, or being an ally with a person with a disability. We have been honoured to be entrusted with these stories, some painful and some joyful, that have enriched the development of this report.
PMM8 French Language Translation Strategy
In 2012 the General Secretary, the General Council was asked by the Executive to do a consultation with the French Ministries constituency. The consultation resulted in a restructuring of the structure of Ministries in French (MiF). A couple of the issues raised by the consultation were the issue of the bilingual nature of the church and issues of translation.
GC41 Including Persons Living with Mental Health Issues (GC41 2012 - 032)
That the 41st General Council 2012 direct the General Secretary, General Council to 1) request the federal Department of Health and the provincial and territorial ministries of health to increase funding to provide adequate mental health services for children, youth and adults; 2) request the provincial and territorial ministries of education and local school boards to include education on mental health issues and inclusiveness of students living with mental health issues as part of the curriculum; and
GC40 A Vision for French Ministries in The United Church of Canada
Ours is a broad vision of The United Church of Canada as a Church called to live out a renewed understanding of the Gospel in our contemporary context.
GC38 A Petition Requesting the United Church of Canada Develop a Position on Human Cloning (2003P262)
WHEREAS we read in Genesis (Gen 1.1) ‘In the beginning God created’ and; WHEREAS throughout scripture we hear an underlying theme of reverence for life and; WHEREAS in our creed we affirm that ‘We are called to live with respect in Creation’ and;
GCE Animal-to-Human Transplants (2002A535)
Animal to human organ and tissue transplantation poses significant risks both to transplant patients and to society at large – including the possibility of new diseases crossing the species barrier and causing future epidemics Keywords: Organ Transplants, Xenotransplantation, Organ Donation
GC36 Health Policy (1997H265)
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 36th General Council: Call upon the Government of Canada to renew its commitment and support for a national medicare program based on the five fundamental principles of the Canadian Health Act: universality, accessibility, portability, comprehensiveness, and public administration.
Caring for the Dying
MANDATE OF THE COMMITTEE The task group was asked to prepare a position statement for the United Church on current issues that surround life-threatening illness, disability, and death, with a view to assisting church members and congregations faced with making difficult choices.