General News and Announcements

November 30, 2011

You are invited to engage in an open survey on the United Church's pastoral relations and oversight and discipline proposed models as well as further simplification of church processes. The full report and a brief slide summary are available in the Ministry Leadership Survey.

The Permanent Committee on Ministry and Employment Policies and Services presented its report, "Effective Leadership and Healthy Pastoral Relationships," to the Executive of the General Council at its November 2011 meeting. The report [PDF: 12 pp/272 KB] included a proposed new model for pastoral relations and oversight and discipline that would shift some of the responsibilities for these processes from presbyteries to Conferences, and from volunteers to paid staff. After reviewing and discussing the report, the Executive directed the General Secretary to consult with the wider church on the proposed model and, based on the outcomes of the consultation, to provide options for possible implementation.

The feedback that is received prior to mid-February will assist in revising the proposals in preparation for the March 2012 Executive of the General Council meeting. Feedback received after mid-February and before the GCE will be shared with the Executive during presentation time.

All church members are welcome to participate in and share their thoughts on these proposed changes. If you have a group that would like to work together to review the proposal and respond, contact Philip Isard for a package of resources that you may find helpful. A staff resource might also be available to work with your group.