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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That the General Secretary, General Council, create resources for people of all ages for the purpose of recognizing homophobia, changing our behaviour and establishing just relationships, and that attention be given to strategies for intervention and support on behalf of those who are caught in situations of homophobic abuse, In co-operation and consultation with Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble. sexuality, gay, lesbian, bisexual
When the 38th General Council-the highest decision-making body of The United Church of Canada-decided in 2003 to ask the federal government to recognize same-sex marriage in the marriage legislation, it was acting on a lengthy history of earlier actions. The purpose of this paper is to describe the United Church's historical and theological understanding of marriage.
In August 2000, the 37th General Council of The United Church of Canada overturned a policy that had been on its books since 1960 which stated that homosexuality is a sin. It reaffirmed that human sexual orientations and gender identities (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and heterosexual) are gifts from God, calling them “a part of the marvellous diversity of creation.” This resource was developed by the Justice, Global, and Ecumenical Relations Unit of The United Church of Canada, in response to this and other resolutions of the 37th and 38th General Council which called on the church to work for the civil recognition of same-sex partnerships, and to recognize them in church documentation and services of blessing, and for the recognition of them in federal marriage legislation.
Having heard Petition 66, therefore be it resolved that the 38th General Council find a way, on our behalf, to express our sincere regret to these women and express our sorrow for the loss of their leadership to the church.
BE IT RESOLVED that Saskatchewan Conference petition the 38th General Council to call upon the Government of Canada to recognize same sex marriages in the marriage legislation.
The Business Committee recommended that in response to Petitions #125, #126, #127 and #128, the 37th General Council renounce the 1960 statement that homosexuality is a sin...
BE IT RESOLVED that the 36th General Council request the Moderator write a letter to all provincial and territorial governments in Canada, and the Government of Bermuda, urging them to promote tolerance by having their Departments of Education require that all teachers and counsellors take a course of study on issues regarding gay, lesbian, and bi-sexual students...
Therefore be it resolved that the 36th General Council go on record as supporting the amendment of the Income Tax Act to redefine the word "spouse" by deleting the phrase "of the opposite sex" in section 252 (4) and thereby treating same-sex spouses the same as opposite sex spouses, and urge the Government of Canada to make such an amendment immediately. economic justice, taxation
THAT we urge the Government of Canada to ensure that female circumcision and sexual orientation be identified as a ground for gender persecution as outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Board guidelines.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 35th General Council authorize $100,000 for a fund for “Counselling Support for Complainants of Abuse” and refer Petition 88 to the Division of Ministry Personnel and Education, which will in turn report to the Executive of General Council for implementation.
