GC32 Nuclear-Powered Submarines (1988N765.02)
WHEREAS nuclear-powered submarines will not increase our security; and WHEREAS the use of nuclear technology for military purpose will be seen as being provocative and as contravening our previous agreements to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes only; and WHEREAS the cost of nuclear submarines is not justifiable on any grounds, especially in view of unmet human needs; for example, the predicted famine in Africa this year:
GCE Food Aid (1988F513)
support food aid for emergency needs but remain very cautious about supporting the use of food aid for other purposes, relying upon the wisdom of our partners in such instances, insuring that the root causes of under-development will be addressed and that the food aid will not have adverse consequences for long-term agricultural productivity Keywords: Economic security, Social Assistance Systems, Social Programs, Foreign Aid, Food Aid, Emergency Aid, Food Security
GC32 Justice in the Middle East 1988 (1988J753)
WHEREAS no authentic peace is possible without justice; and WHEREAS the suffering of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation is severe and unacceptable; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 32nd General Council: Affirm strongly the interfaith organizations in Canada that are working for reconciliation in Israel and the occupied territories; Request the Division of World Outreach to consider providing further support and assistance to organizations in Israel that are striving for cooperation and peace, including the Middle East Council of Churches in its particular ministry of reconciliation;
GC32 Human Rights and Aid to Central America
WHEREAS we believe that the Canadian government’s policy and practice of aid for Central American countries do not respect the situation as we see it through our partner’s experience and from our visits; and 1. whether or not a receiving government protects the human rights of its citizens, and 2. whether or not the receiving government is committed to authentic development which will benefit the whole of its people, and there is now a regionally created peace plan (the Esquipulas II Peace Accord) to which all concerned countries have agreed, a country’s compliance to its terms is not an additional criterion; and
GC32 Oil Drilling on Georges Bank (1988O326)
WHEREAS the proposed drilling for oil on the Georges Bank might result in serious economic loss to fishermen in the area: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 32nd General Council request the General Secretary of General Council to urge the appropriate federal and provincial authorities to conduct an environmental assessment study to ensure that such drilling will not seriously damage the fishery.
GC32 Refugee Policy (1988R265)
WHEREAS the prophets called God’s people to care for the refugees and sojourners in their midst: “Do not mistreat foreigners who are living in your land. Treat them as you would a fellow Israelite, and love them as you love yourselves. Remember that you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 19:33-34); and WHEREAS we name ourselves after the One who said “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35); and Refugees, Asylum
GC32 Overfishing by Foreign Vessels (1988O823)
WHEREAS it has been demonstrated that overfishing of stocks of fish which straddle the 200 mile limit is seriously reducing the fish available to Canadian fishermen: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 32nd General Council request the General Secretary to invite the Government of Canada, through the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, to take action to obtain international agreement on quotas for the various fish species.
GC32 Plant Breeders’ Rights Legislation (1988P416)
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 32nd General Council requests the General Secretary of General Council to request the federal government to develop a white paper for discussion purposes on the impact of plant breeders’ rights legislation on Canadian and developing countries before proceeding further.
GC32 Uranium Exports (1988U628)
WHEREAS the 28th General Council (1980) expressed The United Church of Canada’s deep concern for the well-being of this and future generations and the belief that science and technology should serve the quest for a just, participatory and sustainable society; and where an ability to solve many of the problems associated with uranium mining/nuclear power has not been demonstrated;
GC32 Membership Ministry and Human Sexuality (1988)
That the 32nd General Council receive the report Toward A Christian Understanding of Sexual Orientations, Lifestyles and Ministry along with the Dissenting Statements, as fulfilling the mandate given by the 30th General Council, 1984. [ROP 1988, page 96]