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The Executive of the General Council, March 3, 2018, Online Meeting 153

Draft Minutes

THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL

Draft MINUTES

Saturday, March 3, 2018

The Executive of the General Council of The United Church of Canada met electronically from

11:00 am on Saturday, March 3, 2018 until 6:40 p.m. EST. The Moderator, Jordan Cantwell,

presided.

Attendance

Cathy Anderson, Miriam Bowlby, Sue Brodrick, Jean Brown, Wendy Brown, Janice Brownlee,

Graham Brownmiller, Russel Burns, Jordan Cantwell, Brian Cornelius, Brenda Curtis, Ken

DeLisle, Larry Doyle, David Fines, Paula Gale, Vilvan Gunasingham, Cathy Hamilton, Sean

Handcock, Dan Hayward, SungMin Jung, Debra Kigar, Bev Kostichuk, Aidan Legault, Jean

Macdonald, Jim McKibbin, Gary Paterson, Tim Reaburn, Mary Royal-Duczek, Nora Sanders,

Lawrence Sankey, Norm Seli, Miriam Spies, Anna Stewart, Norma Thompson, Erin Todd,

Donalee Williams, Sybil Wilson, Doug Wright

Corresponding Members

David Allen, Michael Blair, Shirley Cleave, Bill Doyle, Doug Goodwin, Alan Hall, Laura

Hallman, Peter Hartmans, David Hewitt, Lauren Hodgson, Cheryl Jourdain, Will Kunder,

Rosemary Lambie, Jody Maltby, Faith March-MacCuish, Erik Mathiesen, Shannon McCarthy,

Bill Smith, Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa, Nancy Sutherland

Regrets

Janice Asiimwe, Félix Bigirimana, Judith Evenden, Gabrielle Lamouche, Marlene Lightning,

George Montour, Donna Rumpel, Phil Schuyler, Janet Sigurdson, Pauline Walker, Peggy

Mulambya Kabonde (Global Partner)

Saturday, March 3, 2018 – Session 1

Welcome The Moderator constituted the meeting in English and French.

The Moderator welcomed the Executive and invited members to acknowledge the land and First

Nations territory where they were situated.

Worship

Worship was led by Japhet Ndhlovu, Church in Mission Unit, who opened with a prayer. Japhet

offered a reflection on the history of King Shaka, leader of the Zulu people from 1816 to 1828,

and the understanding of God on the cross. The scripture reading was 1 Corinthians 1:25.

The Moderator noted that Bill Smith, Executive Secretary of Bay of Quinte Conference, would

be the theological reflector for this meeting. The Facilitation Group for this meeting comprised

Allan Buckingham, Hewitt Holmes, and Betty Kelly.

154 The Executive of the General Council, March 3, 2018, Online Meeting

Draft Minutes

Remembering Rick Balson

Rosemary Lambie, Executive Secretary of Montreal and Ottawa Conference, shared

remembrances of Rick Balson, who passed away in January. Rick had been a member of the

Executive since 2015 and was also a member of the Committee on Indigenous Justice and

Residential Schools, in addition to having been a long-time volunteer in Montreal and Ottawa

Conference.

The In Memoriam bulletin had been shared with the Executive before the meeting. (Addendum

A) The Moderator invited the group to take time during this meeting to hold these folks in prayer

and gratitude for the legacy they have left.

The General Secretary introduced the following two motions.

GS 77 Opening and Procedural Motions

Motion: Nora Sanders/Bev Kostichuk 2018-03-03-181

The General Secretary, General Council proposes:

Agenda

That the Executive of the General Council adopt the agenda for this meeting and that changes to

the agenda, which may be necessary as the meeting evolves, be made on the recommendation of

the Agenda Table.

Worship and Theological Reflection

That the worship leadership for this meeting be provided by Japhet Ndhlovu, and that theological

reflection be offered by Bill Smith.

Corresponding

That Shirley Cleave be named a corresponding member for this meeting.

Resource People

That resource people for this meeting be the Executive Ministers and Officers, David Allen,

Diane Bosman and Cynthia Gunn. That the Facilitation Group for this meeting be Allan

Buckingham, Hewitt Holmes and Betty Kelly.

Administrative Staff

That the administrative staff for this meeting be Shirley Welch, Stefanie Uyesugi-Cooper, Mary

Worrall, Stephen Fetter and Jamie Wilder. That the minute secretary for this meeting be Shirley

Welch.

Carried

Graham Brownmiller noted that there is a challenge with the wording of some of the proposals in

the consent docket, as many of them are not definitive, using words such as “could”. He also

noted some editing corrections. Nora confirmed that any editing will be corrected before the

proposals are brought to General Council.

GS 78 Consent Motions

Motion: Nora Sanders/Bev Kostichuk 2018-03-03-182

The General Secretary, General Council proposes that the Executive of the General Council:


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1. Approve the minutes of the Executive of the General Council meeting held on November 18-

20, 2017.

2. Receive for information, the minutes of the meetings of the Sub-Executive of the General

Council held December 14, 2017, and January 25, 2018.

3. Receive for information the following:

Moderator’s Accountability Report

General Secretary’s Accountability Report

Permanent Committee on Finance Accountability Report

Permanent Committee on Governance and Agenda Accountability Report

Permanent Committee on Ministry and Employment Policies and Services Accountability

Report

Permanent Committee on Programs for Mission and Ministry Accountability Report

Aboriginal Ministries Council Accountability Report

Committee on Indigenous Justice and Residential Schools Report

Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee Accountability Report

General Council 43 Planning Committee Report

Joint Grants Report

Nominations Committee Report

Pension Board Review Report and Recommendations

Theologies of Adoption Report

Report on Full Communion with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Correspondence to the Executive of the General Council received since the last meeting

of the Executive (sent to the Executive by email and found online)

4. Approve the following proposals [text of these proposals found in Addendum B]:

AMC 3 – Extension of Aboriginal Ministries Council Appointments

G&A 28 – Comprehensive Renewal Evaluation

G&A 29 – Conflict of Interest Policy

G&A 30 – Nomination Committee: Mandate and Membership

G&A 31 – Judicial Committee Membership

G&A 32 – Reports and Proposals to the 43rd General Council

GS 80 – 2018 Operating Budget

GS 81 – Carbon Reduction

GS 82 – Pension Plan Governance Review Proposal

GS 83 – Full Communion Agreement with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in

the United States and Canada

GS 84 – Remit-Related Revisions to the Basis of Union

MEPS 26 – Calculation for Year of Credited Service

MEPS 27 – Change to Policy: Ministry Positions Accountable to the Governing Body

MEPS 28 – Manse Heating

MEPS 29 – New Compensation Model: Remote Manse Allowance

MEPS 30 – New Covenant Policy

MEPS 31 – Re-Engaging Retired Ministry Personnel

PMM 16 – Children’s Ministry Strategy

PMM 17 – LGBTIQ+ Two Spirit Pride Sunday


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PMM 18 – LGBTQI2+ Communities and Human Rights

PMM 19 – Migrant Church – Migration

PMM 20 – Towards Peace in Palestine and Israel: A Call to Costly Solidarity

PMM 21 – The United Church of Canada Partner Council

5. Refer proposal LON 1 Mandatory Training for Ministry Personnel (TRC Call to Action #60)

to the General Secretary for consideration as the Office of Vocation is being developed.

Carried

Moderator’s Update

The Moderator spoke of her visit to the Red Sucker Lake First Nation in northern Manitoba and

the grief the community was going through at the time. To help the community one of the men

played music as his offering of support. It is important to offer support in whatever way you can.

She also updated the members about her visit to Kenya and the many partners she was able to

visit. Among the highlights were: the National Council of Churches of Kenya’s (www.ncck.org)

life-saving HIV/AIDS education program that has lifted much of the stigma for people in the

massive northern Kenya Kakuma refugee camp, reducing suicides among infected people and

encouraging people to come forward to be tested and treated; and a community for people with

disabilities who can now support themselves because of the vocation training provided by the

church’s partner, Pembizo Christian Council (Twitter @pembizo). Both the NCCK and Pembizo

are ecumenical bodies and collaborate extensively on their work. The Moderator also spoke

about a program for Christians and Muslims where the focus is de-radicalization for the isolated

and hopeless youth in slums who can be easily radicalized by organizations like Al-Shabaab.

She expressed her gratitude for the partnerships we have in the United Church of Canada where

we can bring both our gifts and needs, which is important in our relationships.

In closing, the Moderator thanked the entire Executive for the work they have done this

triennium, noting how she has been inspired by the leadership the group has offered in their

work.

Global Partner

Due to difficulties with technology and time differences between Zambia and Canada, Rev. Dr.

Peggy Mulambya Kabonde shared her greeting to the Executive via video.

Stretch break for 5 minutes.

General Secretary’s Update

The General Secretary reported that the United Church will be contributing to a Senate hearing

on adoptions. Executive member Dan Hayward will speak on behalf of the church on March 22,

supported by staff person Amy Crawford.

Remit 6 (One Order) did not pass, so the current system will continue and will transition into the

Office of Vocation. A staffing model for the new regional councils is taking shape, with one

Executive Minister covering several regional councils, supporting the program and

http://www.ncck.org/newsite2


Draft Minutes

administrative regional council staff. Conversations between the General Secretary and regional

church leaders will be held next week to identify provisional Executive Ministers for each

region. Those recommendations for appointment will go to the Sub-Executive the week of March

19, and the provisional Executive Ministers will meet the week of March 26. They will work

with regional leadership and the General Council Office so regions can respond to their own

priorities, coordinating with the Office of Vocation. Diversity is a deep concern and as positions

become vacant, that will be a top priority.

With the full communion relationship with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) the United

Church has been invited to name a person to sit on their board. Dan Hayward will be sitting in

that role, and will be attending their meeting in April.

April 4, 2018 will be the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King. We will be

sending a small delegation to Washington, DC to join the United Church of Christ and other

denominations in a rally.

The General Secretary reported on “the Indaba”, a gathering in February of this year, and shared

remarks on the event from Peggy Mulambya Kabonde. The gathering brought together partners

from Africa and Asia to share, and compare notes. In particular, Peggy spoke about revising the

way they do mission. Nora reported that she was in touch with Peggy recently and she plans to

be at General Council in July.

Plenary Listening Session

The Executive took time in a plenary listening session regarding proposal GS 79 2019 Budget

Assumptions. This session was led by Erik Mathiesen. During this time Erik noted that there was

an error in the preamble of the proposal: the cost of living factor should be noted as 1.6% rather

than 1.9% as had been circulated. There was time for clarifying questions at the end of the

presentation.

Mary Royal-Duczek, chair of the Permanent Committee on Programs, briefly explained the

change to the proposal PMM 15 Iridesce: the Living Apology Project. This change will extend

the project and move the apology to a later date on the request of Affirm United / S’affirmer

Ensemble.

Prior to the meeting, there were some questions regarding the proposal, MEPS 24 Admission

Policy and Procedures around the English language requirement for admissions. The Moderator

advised members to review the Appendix to the proposal for an explanation.

Lunch break at 1:14 p.m. EST.


Welcome The Moderator welcomed the members of the Executive to the afternoon session of this meeting

of the Executive starting just after 2 p.m.

Discussion Session

Allan Buckingham reminded the Executive how decision-making will happen at this meeting.


Draft Minutes

The Executive broke into three discussion groups to consider the remaining proposals brought to

this meeting and to offer feedback for the Facilitation Group.

MEPS 24 – Admission Policy and Procedures

MEPS 25 – Board of Vocation and Candidacy Board

G&A 27 – Three Council Model Governance Requirements

GS 79 – 2019 Budget Assumptions

PMM 14 – Faith Formation Strategy (Spirit Awakening)

PMM 15 – Iridesce: the Living Apology Project

TICIF 4 – Theologies of Adoption

Once the Executive had reconvened from the discussion session, Bev Kostichuk advised that

following the in-camera session, the Executive would reconvene at 5:15 p.m. EST and continue

the meeting in the evening.

In-Camera Time

The voting members of the Executive moved to an in-camera session to hear the report of the

General Secretary’s Supervision Committee.

Motion: Bev Kostichuk/Norma Thompson 2018-03-03-183

That the Executive of the General Council move into an in camera session with the following

membership: voting members of the Executive of the General Council.

Carried


Welcome The Moderator welcomed the members of the Executive to the evening session of this meeting of

the Executive.

Motion: Bev Kostichuk/Graham Brownmiller 2018-03-03-184

That the Executive of the General Council move out of the in-camera Session

Carried

Facilitation Group Overview

Allan Buckingham introduced and thanked Hewitt Holmes and Betty Kelly, co-members of the

Facilitation Group, for the work they did in compiling the feedback from the discussion sessions

conducted earlier today.

The Facilitation Group presented a summary and a suggested way of dealing with each of the

proposals based on the feedback provided.

Decision Making Session

MEPS 24 – Admission Policy and Procedures (including Admissions Task Group Report &

Appendix)

Facilitation Group’s remarks:

Concerns in all groups about English and/or French as language requirements


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A note that Intercultural congregations need to be able to call someone speaking their

own language but these folks are being invited to be part of a church that is

predominantly English speaking

Recognition that it’s hard to find jobs in the United Church of Canada if you don’t speak

English

Could be short-sighted to stop gifts for ministry at the door because of language

restrictions

Need to protect congregations if the match is not good but appointment is 3 years

Concerns over length of work permits

General affirmations for the content of the proposal

Motion: Paula Gale/Debra Kigar 2018-03-03-185

The Executive of the General Council accepts the recommendation of the Permanent Committee

on Ministry and Employment, Policies and Services and requests implementation of the

following effective September 1, 2019:

1. That a definition of admission be added to the policy and that the procedures be

redesigned according to the recommendations below. An example of the process is

provided in Appendix B. The definition of admission is to enable ordered ministers from

other recognized denominations to transfer their ordination or commissioning into The

United Church of Canada.

2. That policies and procedures be established for ministers from other denominations who

apply to serve within The United Church of Canada but not be admitted, in order to

enable them to serve within the United Church. This includes ministers whose leadership

is required for short periods of time, ministers who serve ethno-linguistic specific

communities of faith and ministers from migrant church contexts.

3. That the process for admission be understood as distinct and separate from the process for

candidacy by ensuring that the Office of Vocation include a specialized and trained

committee to oversee and assess admission applicants. That the interview committee seek

to reflect the diversity of the Canadian reality and, where possible, include a member who

is from the country or denomination of origin of the applicant being interviewed and a

minister who was previously admitted to the order of ministry in the United Church.

4. That the implementation of the Office of Vocation ensure resources are available to

support admission applicants and pastoral charges for immigration.

5. That the application to enter the admission process include letters of reference and a letter

of standing, rather than contact information being provided and the General Council

Office being responsible for sending a request to obtain these items.

6. That the committee assessing applications to enter the admission process seek to include

diversity in terms of gender, age, race, cultural background and other related identity

groups such as orientation.


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7. That proficiency in the English language be named as an eligibility requirement to enter

the admission process and that this requirement be assessed by conducting all interviews

with admission applicants in English. The English language proficiency continue to be

evaluated as we continue our work at being an Intercultural church.

8. That the first two components of the current process (Application and Credential

Clearance and Initial Interview) be streamlined into one component in which applications

will be assessed and, if eligible, applicants will be invited to an interview. Following the

interview, the applicant will receive a letter confirming acceptance into the admission

process and eligibility to seek an appointment or ministry employment in The United

Church of Canada.

9. That admission applicants who are interviewed using technology be interviewed in

person within the first 6 months of their ministry employment in Canada.

10. That the circulation of names be removed as a requirement of the admission process.

11. That the ministry employment be a minimum of one full calendar year in length and no

less than of half-time.

12. That, where possible, the length of appointment for admission applicants who are subject

to the requirements of immigration be three years, rather than one-year renewable.

13. That the admission applicant consults with the Office of Vocation regarding opportunities

for employment to ensure gifts for ministry are a match with available ministry

vacancies.

14. That Search Committees receive training regarding intercultural interviewing.

15. That the Covenant Policy (previous Pastoral Relations policy) include a requirement that

communities of faith who covenant with an admission applicant must be oriented to the

admission policy and procedures and receive intercultural training and support for

immigration requirements (as applicable).

16. That mentorship be mandatory, resources for mentors be developed, mentors receive

training specific to the role, and mentors be assigned by the Office of Vocation once the

admission applicant has secured an appointment.

17. That specific Learning Outcomes for Admission Applicants be developed and used to

a. guide the creation of orientation resources and programming

b. assess an admission applicant’s understanding and knowledge of ministry leadership

within The United Church of Canada throughout the process, especially during the

interviews.


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18. That orientation to the requirements of the admission process, ministry within The United

Church of Canada and the realities of life in Canada take place throughout the process as

follows:

a. Before submitting documentation for credential clearance, ministers from other

denominations who express an interest in being admitted will receive orientation to

The United Church of Canada, the realities of the Canadian context, the expectations

of the policy and procedures, immigration requirements (if applicable) and the

possible financial implications.

b. Following formal entry into the admission process, the Office of Vocation will

initiate a meeting with the applicant to provide orientation to employment in The

United Church of Canada including support in understanding appointment process or

other employment opportunities and preparing for interview(s). Included in this will

be an orientation to the various resources available, including financial assistance

loans and grants, minimum salary scale, pension and benefits, etc.

c. Once the admission applicant has secured employment, they will be oriented to

United Church polity, theology and history through a variety of learning methods, for

example, learning circles, one-on-one learning, workshops, etc. Assessment of this

learning will be done by the Office of Vocation using the Learning Outcomes for

Admission Applicants (see #17 above).

19. That the expertise inherent in the United Church theological schools be understood as a

valuable resource and that the Church endeavour to partner with the schools to develop

the orientation resources for admission applicants.

20. That ongoing networking and support for admission applicants be provided during their

process (for example, online cluster groups, regional gatherings, support groups for those

going through immigration, etc.) and that this be offered in collaboration between the

appropriate General Council units and Office of Vocation.

21. That funds be made available (by the Financial Assistance Committee or other sources)

to assist admission applicants in completing the mandatory trainings required of all

ministry personnel.

Motion to Amend: Cathy Hamilton/Dan Hayward

That in point #7 the words “or French” be added after each instance of the word “English” so

that point 7 would read as follows:

7. That proficiency in the English or French language be named as an eligibility

requirement to enter the admission process and that this requirement be assessed by

conducting all interviews with admission applicants in English or French. The English or

French language proficiency continue to be evaluated as we continue our work at being

an Intercultural church.

Carried

Motion as amended.

Carried


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MEPS 25 – Board of Vocation and Candidacy Board


Affirmations of the work done

Some questions from group 3 were asked and answered

Motion: Wendy Brown/Norm Seli 2018-03-03-186

The Executive of the General Council recommends to the 43rd General Council that:

1. The Board of Vocation consists of 12 people with discretion to add another 2 to ensure

appropriate balance of intercultural, ordained, diaconal, designated lay ministry, and lay

members. The Indigenous Church would elect one Board member in addition to those

elected by the General Council.

2. The Board of Vocation is elected by the General Council as approved by GC42 and that

for 2018, should the General Council decide to enact the Office of Vocation remit, GC43

refer the election to GCE so the nomination process can be followed.

3. For 2018 the Conferences nominate five people to a pool to populate the Board, its

committees and candidacy boards. The nominations process of General Council would

provide the GCE a slate of 12-14 people for election to the Board of Vocation. This

would include naming the Chair of the Board of Vocation. The Indigenous Church would

elect a person to the Board of Vocation.

4. The nominees not on the slate for election to the Board would become part of a pool for

the Board of Vocation to populate the committees of the Board including the Candidacy

Boards whose responsibilities are identified in the Candidacy Pathway remit.

5. There will be up to six Candidacy Boards serving different geographies. One of these

Candidacy Boards will be named by the Indigenous Church and will serve the Indigenous

Church. Part of the responsibilities of the Office of Vocation ministers is to resource the

Candidacy Boards.

6. The Board of Vocation may appoint commissions to assist it in fulfilling its

responsibilities. Candidacy Boards are commissions of the Board of Vocation and would

have the responsibilities outlined in the Candidacy Pathway including, but not limited to,

naming candidates, terminating candidacy, and determining readiness for accreditation

for ordination, commissioning to the diaconal ministry and recognizing designated lay

ministers.

7. The regional councils have responsibility for ordaining, commissioning to the diaconal

ministry, and designating lay ministers. They decide on the basis of the determination of

readiness by the Board of Vocation through the appropriate Candidacy Board and

confirmation that the requirement for call or appointment has been fulfilled.

Amendment: Graham Brownmiller/Larry Doyle

That in point #4 the wording be changed to read:


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“The nominees not on the slate for election to the Board be asked to become part of a pool for

the Board of Vocation to populate the committees of the Board including the Candidacy Boards

whose responsibilities are identified in the Candidacy Pathway remit.”

It was noted that in point #3 it is clear that the nominees are already part of a pool.

Defeated

Original motion as moved.

Carried

G&A 27 – Three Council Model Governance Requirements [original proposal and appendix

found at Addenda C]


Questions about specific French language membership of the Denominational Council

One group noted that the Executive had previously decided not to include specific groups

Concerns over using Proportional Representation for distributing Commissioners and

how it reflects the diversity of the church

Concerns over the size of the Executive and lack of Regional representation of Executive

(note: a proposal will be coming to GC43)

One group had a desire to change item 21 to say that the sub-Executive may make these

decisions at duly called meetings this would remove "or by signing written resolutions in

lieu of meetings as long as the resolutions are signed by all members of the sub-

Executive".

The same group noted: “If we are going to be bound by the way we have always done

things, we are not doing a new thing. If we are going to be dealing with a small sub-

Executive, then we need to trust that they will be able to establish trust together for a new

way of handling governance. We might be ready to move to this model in the future but it

is a lot to make the change to a smaller Denominational Structure and change the method

of decision-making at the same time.”

There was a question asked about whether there are guiding principles underlying the

policy about a balance of ministry personnel and lay members. This question would also

apply to the issue of there being diversity of voice.

Jim McKibbin spoke of concerns he had about this motion, but did not offer any amendments.

Motion: Sue Brodrick/Graham Brownmiller 2018-03-03-187

The Executive of the General Council approves the policies set out in the appendix, with the

following changes, for each of the three councils and recommends their approval to the 43rd

General Council.

From the Appendix:

7. Meetings:

The regional council will decide on the frequency, time, place of its meetings

provided it meets the minimum requirement set out in Remit 1 of meeting at least

annually as the full regional council or through its Executive. All meetings must be

called by the leading elder, presiding officer or secretary (or their equivalents within


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the regional council structure). Special meetings may be called for urgent business.

Amendment: David Fines/Jean Macdonald

To add a new point after #9 f), to add four more members representing the francophone

constituency.

Defeated

Amendment: Bev Kostichuk/Graham Brownmiller

That in point #9 e) the words “...where possible” be added, so that the point reads: “204 members

elected by the regional councils, where possible, at least a year before the next regular in-person

meeting...”

Carried

Motion as amended.

Carried

Recorded Abstentions: David Fines and Jim McKibbin

GS 79 – 2019 Budget Assumptions [complete proposal with corrected background re: COLA

found at Addenda D]


This is the approval of budget assumptions but will the 260 commissioners feel

competent to make decisions. How deep will they want/need to dig?

One group asked for more clarity between M&S and assessments.

Concern about the sharing of resources, and how that will happen. We can't insist, and in

some cases, suggestions are taken as merely that, "suggestions". How do we encourage a

spirit of generosity?

A concern was raised about funding levels, particularly of Regions, as well as capacity of

Regional staff to effectively support local communities of faith.

Recognition of the challenge of declining revenue trends and a desire to re-imagine more

streamlined ways to do things.

Motion: Debra Kigar/Sue Brodrick 2018-03-03-188

Approve the 2019 operating budget assumptions and principles as outlined.

Carried

PMM 14 – Faith Formation Strategy (Spirit Awakening)


General affirmations

Questions about how pilot congregations are chosen and their diversity

Question about funding which was answered, it will use existing budget

Motion: Sybil Wilson/SungMin Jung 2018-03-03-189

The Executive of the General Council

o Affirms the emphasis and need for strengthening faith formation in the denomination,

through a renewed culture of transformational faith and,


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o Directs the General Secretary, General Council to develop pilot initiatives to activate the

Spirit Awakening Strategy for the 2018-2021 triennium in collaboration with Embracing

the Spirit.

Carried

PMM 15 – Iridesce: the Living Apology Project

Note that this motion had been updated by the Permanent Committee on Programs from what

had been circulated in the workbook.


Affirmations for the importance of the work

Sadness raised about delaying a formal apology from the church

Recognition of the reasons for delaying the timeline

Consensus to move forward

Motion: Ken DeLisle/Wendy Brown 2018-03-03-190

The Executive of the General Council:

a) Receives this proposal

b) Invites the 43rd General Council to:

i. Recommit The United Church of Canada to the full inclusion of all people.

ii. Extends The Living Apology Project, to report to the spring 2020 meeting of the

Executive of the General Council

iii. Requests the Executive / General Secretary to appoint a group to work with the

outcomes of The Living Apology Project, to offer an apology to the LGBTQ2+

community at the Denominational Council in 2021

iv. Reaffirms the church's endorsement of the Affirming Ministries Program and invites

all communities of faith to participate.

v. Directs the General Secretary, General Council to develop resources for ministers,

church leadership, and the wider church in their ministry with LGBTQ2+

communities that:

a. offers pastoral care

b. creates opportunities for healing and reconciliation c. demonstrates respectful

engagement in conflict/disagreement

Carried

TICIF 4 – Theologies of Adoption


Affirmations of the strength of the report

How much learning needs to happen before the church is ready to engage in An Act of

Repentance?

General desire for adoption and affirmation of the report

One group suggested encouraging more conversation to see if the further actions are

possible

Motion: Sean Handcock/Donalee Williams 2018-03-03-191

The Executive of the General Council:


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o Adopts the report and asks the General Secretary, General Council to place the report on

the United Church’s website;

o Commends the report to the Church for study and guidance for making decisions that

reflect ethical adoption practices;

o Repents for its part during the 1940 – 1980 period in the general societal shaming of

women who gave birth to children outside a marriage relationship;

o Consider doing further research into the policies and practices of United Church-run

maternity homes during the 1940 – 1980 period to determine whether residents were

coerced into placing their children for adoption.

Carried

Closing Procedural Motion

Authorizing the Sub-Executive of the General Council

Motion: Nora Sanders/SungMin Jung 2018-03-03-192

That the Executive of the General Council authorize its Sub-Executive to deal with the business

placed before it by this meeting of the Executive and any emergent business that may arise prior

to the next meeting of the Executive of the General Council.

Carried

The Moderator and General Secretary extended their thanks and courtesies to the staff and

volunteers who supported this meeting.

Theological Reflection

Bill Smith led a theological reflection.

The Moderator closed the meeting with a prayer and extinguished the Christ candle.

The meeting finished at 6:40 p.m. EST.

_______________________________ ____________________________________

Moderator, Jordan Cantwell General Secretary, Nora Sanders

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