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.
Helpful topics
WHEREAS The United Church of Canada has a long history of critiquing unrestrained capitalism and advocating a humane and just economic system; and
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."
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.
The Canadian health care system is under severe pressure (for example, reductions in federal transfer payments to support provincial health care programmes, cutbacks in hospital budgets and in community services, layoffs to hospital and other health care system personnel, the threat of user fees, and the potential of a two-tiered system). In response to this pressure and sparked by a sense of urgency, Unit IV of the Division of Mission in Canada established a Health Task Group in 1991 to engage the church in a process of education, animation and policy formation.
