General News and Announcements

May 25, 2010

Significant changes are being proposed to the way The United Church of Canada funds theological schools.

In early May, the Executive of the General Council approved a direction to General Secretary Nora Sanders to reduce overall grants to theological schools by 10 percent from 2010 levels using an approach that reduces or eliminates funding for some theological schools while increasing funding for others. This direction reflects a broad consensus, gained through research and consultation, that across-the-board funding reductions would diminish the effectiveness of United Church funding for theological education.

This approach is also grounded in core principles expressed in the Basis of Union that the church should thoroughly equip a limited number of schools to provide excellent training for church leadership, pay due regard to regional needs, and avoid duplication within each region.

After conversations with the deans and principals of the 11 theological schools that currently receive funding from the United Church, the General Secretary is recommending that the United Church cease funding the following schools as of June 30, 2011: the Queen’s School of Religion, the Faculty of Theology of the University of Winnipeg, St. Stephen’s College, and the Vancouver School of Theology. She is also recommending that a significant portion of the released funds be distributed among the seven schools that would retain funding, and that consultations with the deans and principals of those schools be held in the fall of 2010 to review funding distribution.

The United Church affirms the importance of continuing strong ties with all 11 theological schools, and looks forward to discussions on important aspects of our cooperative and supportive relationships. These conversations will not affect testamur, the certificate issued upon satisfactory completion of the course of study required for candidates by the General Council.

Also part of the recommendations is that the Francis Sandy Theological Centre, the Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Resource Centre, and their constituencies be asked to begin intentional conversations around consolidating their programs.

The Sub-Executive of the General Council will consider these recommendations at a meeting to be held in the next few weeks.

These recommendations are part of Planning for a Future Grounded in Faith and Action, a plan the Executive approved on May 3 to ensure a vibrant, faithful, and sustainable future for the United Church. The plan directed that a high priority be given to the recruitment, identification, and support of ministry personnel, with a particular focus on a diverse new generation of leaders.

• Read the report: Theological School Funding Issues, May 2010 [PDF: 8 pp/92 KB]
• Read the recommendations: Funding for United Church Theological Schools: Recommendations [PDF: 1 p/28 KB]