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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WHEREAS The United Church of Canada has an ethical investment policy which screens against investment in alcohol, military products or tobacco products; and
That the 39th General Council 2006 1. Receive for information the report on Ethical Investment for Peace in Palestine and Israel. 2. Direct that the report inform the purpose statement(s) to be developed by this General Council. 3. Through the General Secretary, General Council invite the membership, congregations and organizations of The United Church of Canada to contribute to the realization of a just peace in Palestine and Israel through:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 37th General Council 1. commit The United Church of Canada, through its ongoing work with coalitions, support advocacy urging the Government of Canada to include the following principles drawn from “Alternatives for the Americas” in all trade negotiations: 1a: Democracy and participation: Citizens should actively participate in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of any trade agreements. 1b: Sovereignty and social welfare: Individual countries should maintain the power to take care of their citizens in the short and long term.
In response to petitions 114, 115, 117, 118 and 119, all of which relate to Housing, Be it resolved that the 37th General Council express its alarm and concern about the housing crisis throughout the country, acknowledge the caring response of many congregations, outreach ministries and individuals to those without adequate housing, and call on the Government of Canada
WHEREAS The United Church of Canada has long critiqued unregulated capitalism which enshrines private gain over public benefit, as evidenced in policy statements dating back to 1950: "The axioms and postulates of laissez-faire are anti-Christian, and lead in the direction, not of democracy, but of managerial dictatorship;"
Rationale and Faith Base: Paul's advice (Rom. 14:13 TEV): "You should decide never to do anything that would make your brother stumble or fall into sin."
Rationale and Faith Base: Jesus, quoting the Old Testament, said (Mk. 12:30 TEV): '"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second most important commandment is this: 'Love your neighbour as you love yourself,"' Furthermore, Paul advised (Rom. 14:13 TEV): "You should decide never to do anything that would make your brother stumble or fall into sin."
That the General Council urge formally constituted groups of the United Church of Canada to avoid applying for or using funds generated from lotteries, casinos, or other activities in the gaming industry.
The 34th General Council commends the Division of Mission in Canada for its action to date [on conscientious objectors and redirection of taxes for non-military purposes] and encourages its continued action in this regard and requests that it work in conjunction with Project Ploughshares and the Canadian Council of Churches in its overtures to government.
Whereas there is a shortage of affordable and suitable housing; and Whereas children are adversely affected by housing that is not suitable; and Whereas a disproportionate number of Canadian living in inadequate and unsuitable housing are women and children (89%); and Whereas waiting lists for suitable housing are already excessively long and the waiting time up to two years; and
