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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That the 41st General Council 2012 direct the General Secretary, General Council to issue a statement of concern that all current and future assessment hearings under both the National Energy Board and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency 1. exhibit a commitment to justice and compassion towards aboriginal neighbours affected by the proposed project; 2. ensure that the terms of reference encompass understanding of aboriginal cultures including their spirituality and relation to the land; and 3. ensure that the protection of the environment be given far more consideration than financial gain.
That the 41st General Council 2012: 1. strongly reaffirm Resolution M&O 1, “The United Church of Canada and Global Warming – The Unavoidable Challenge”, adopted at the 40th General Council, Kelowna, 2009;
That the 41st General Council (2012): 1) Publicly support the Native Ministries Council of British Columbia Conference in categorically rejecting construction of the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline; and
recommend to the General Secretary, General Council for implementation or study the following: take actions over the next 3 years to focus on the global ocean, in the lead-up to a possible focus on the global ocean at GC42 in Newfoundland;
That the 41st General Council 2012 direct the General Secretary, General Council to urge the Government of Canada and initiate an individual communication campaign across The United Church of Canada to: institute an immediate moratorium on the expansion of in situ bituminous sands developments;
That the 41st General Council 2012 direct the General Secretary, General Council to call on the Government of Canada and the leaders of Canadian political parties and also initiate an individual communication campaign across The United Church of Canada in support of this call, to:
The Permanent committee, Programs for Mission and Ministry, in reviewing its work through the 2009-2012 triennium discerned a common thread that linked each aspect of its work. Given its mandate to ensure that work comes before the Executive in an integrated manner it undertook and offers this report as one means of fulfilling that direction. The report will continue to serve as a working document for the PCPMM. It also believes that it can assist the General Council and its Executive l in their deliberations on the identity of the church.
The 40th General Council that met in Kelowna, British Columbia, in August 2009 approved a motion to add to the Doctrine section currently in the Basis of Union three other doctrinal statements that General Councils of the United Church have approved since 1925. Those three statements are the Statement of Faith (1940), A New Creed (adopted in 1968; revised in 1980 and again in 1994), and A Song of Faith (2006). For this proposed action to take place, the General Council authorized remits, which are votes by presbyteries and, in this case, also by pastoral charges, on whether to add some or all of these three statements to the Doctrine section of the Basis of Union. This background document is intended to help your pastoral charge’s session, church board, or church council as you prepare to vote on whether to include these other doctrinal statements in the Basis of Union.
That the 40th General Council 2009 approve taking the actions requested in the following proposals, and direct the Executive of the General Council either: to take such actions; or where action is required by another body or officer, to oversee the implementation of such action.
That the 40th General Council 2009, through the General Secretary, General Council, request the Government of Canada and the provincial and territorial governments to encourage, to support, and to provide financial incentives and subsidies to alternative and environmentally friendly sources of energy, and subsidies to the uranium/nuclear industry be limited to only medical and peaceful initiatives; and call on members and adherents of The United Church of Canada congregations to write their members of parliament to express the same desire.
