In the 'backgrounder' to the report, we are reminded that the impetus for the Comprehensive Review was both structural and financial, particularly the need to identify at least $11 million in cost savings. But the main goal was to enable the church to participate more energetically and faithfully in God's new creation.
As my friend Dale Skinner, minister at St. Stephen's on the Hill United, notes: The proposals in the report acknowledge the reality of change that has taken place in Canada since the original organization of the United Church of Canada was adopted at its founding 90 years ago. During those 90 years, there have been significant shifts in population demographics, social values, communication and the way people view the place of church in society. Where the United Church of Canada was once seen as the national church of Canada and being a Christian and a Canadian were synonymous, nowadays the church has been relegated to a different place in the life of the nation and in the lives of individuals. As many of us realize, these changes have not only had an impact on the United Church of Canada in the national and regional bodies of General Council, Conference and Presbytery, they have been deeply felt and continue to challenge many congregations. Thus, just as the national church is taking seriously the way it organizes itself, so must congregations engage in continual discernment as to how they seek to be the church in this time and place.
The Task Group acknowledges that the proposals they are recommending will dramatically change the church we know today.
We would have to let go of things we have always done and things we cherish. We would have to live within our means and accept that we will be smaller. We would have to have the courage to turn our gaze outward, look for new places where the Spirit is active, experiment, and take risks. We would need to expand our vision of partnership with others who share our commitments for healing our world, both ecumenically and in our larger society. And we would also have to be prepared to let ministries end. While these changes would be painful, we believe they offer the best path forward. Our Christian faith tells us that in death and loss there is hope of resurrection and new life. We are well aware that our task group is the latest in a long line of committees stretching back decades that have been mandated to recommend structural change. In the past, the church has often responded by deferring decisions, striking more committees, and mandating more research. We can no longer wait....It will not be easy. It has always been challenging and countercultural to proclaim Jesus as our purpose and passion.
Leading up to this final document, the Comprehensive Review Task Group offered two other documents - 'Fishing on the Other Side' and 'Trust the Body'. These documents were discussed in congregational, presbytery and conference groups and through online forums on the UCC website. Feedback from these documents helped to shape the proposals that are now before us. In all there are 6 proposals. The proposals are fully outlined in the 40-page report; however I offer a brief summary below.
1. 'Chasing the Spirit'
The United Church will make a commitment to supporting new ministries and new forms of ministry through an initiative that tentatively would be called Chasing the Spirit. This commitment would be supported by allocating 10% of annual givings to the Mission and Service Fund in local and regional initiatives to transform existing ministries and launch new ones.
2. Aboriginal Ministries
The UCC will place a high priority on building relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people based on mutuality, respect, and equity, and the church will continue to live out its apologies to Aboriginal people.
3. Three-Council Model
The UCC will reduce its governance structure from four courts (currently the Pastoral Charge, Presbytery, Conference and General Council) to three councils, with the denominational and regional councils focused on providing support and services to communities of faith. Communities of faith would include congregations as we know them, as well as other forms of Christian community. Communities of faith would have a much broader range of decision-making authority than they currently do, including initiating and ending calls and appointments of ministers and buying and selling property, subject to denominational and regional policies.
4. A College of Ministers
A College of Ministers would be established to accredit, oversee, and discipline ministers. All ministers serving in paid positions would be members of the College, and it would be governed by a board composed of equal numbers of ministers and laypersons.
5. An Association of Ministers
A working group of ministers would be struck to study the concept of an association of ministers that would offer support to and foster collegiality among ministers.
6. Funding a New Model
The UCC would spend only what it receives and reduce its spending from 2015 levels by at least $11 million by 2018. Communities of faith would pay an annual assessment that would cover governance and support services, while donations to the Mission and Service Fund would fund only ministry and mission activities, such as global mission and outreach ministries.
So, what is next?
1. I want to encourage all of you who are part of the United Church of Canada to take the time to carefully and prayerfully read and reflect on the Comprehensive Review Document 'United in God's Work'. There will be some paper copies available at EMUC; however in an effort to be good stewards, you are invited to read the full report online by going to http://www.gc42.ca/comprehensive-review-report
2. Join other United Church folk at a Halton Presbytery Event to learn more about the report and to reflect and give feedback. Halton Presbytery is holding a special meeting from 7 - 9 pm on March 24th at Wellington Square United Church 2121 Caroline Street, Burlington. I have urged the Leadership Circle and the Trustees of EMUC to attend this gathering and I encourage other EMUC folk to attend as well. A signup sheet will be posted at EMUC so that folks can carpool...or you contact the church office office@emuc.ca
3. Pray for the church as we enter this significant time of discerning and deciding the leading of Christ's Spirit for our denomination and for our congregations. Pray for those who will be elected as delegates (commissioners) to the 42nd General Council in August.
The prayer that follows is included in the Comprehensive Review.
O Holy One, Source of All, Creator of all that is and will be,
Christ, Saviour, and Redeemer, hope of the world to come,
Spirit and Sustainer, Advocate, breath of life and love...
We give thanks for your creation,
In awe and wonder, we marvel at the new life
and beauty you are continually creating.
And we know, beyond all sense of knowing,
that what you are doing is good.
We draw inspiration and strength from places
where we already see hope lived out and the Spirit unleashed.
And we know that your Spirit - that sense of unwavering hope -
is stirring and speaking life in the very depths of our being
and inviting us to be part of your new creation.
We know our attention sometimes strays
and we focus on things that do not serve your mission.
But your mission is our mission.
We pray for insight, that we may sense your call.
We pray for the strength to let go.
And we pray for the courage to travel more lightly.
May we draw closer to you and your vision,
as inspired and invited by Jesus' own example.
Propel us into your future, which is rooted in the richness of our past.
This is our prayer, and in the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
May it be so, Amen.
Peace, Kathy Toivanen
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