Letters from the General Secretary

April 17, 2009

This update is a follow-up to the April 2 communication that indicated that I would share further details about the changes to the management structure as information was available.

I am therefore very pleased to be able to announce the appointment of

• Bruce Gregersen as the new General Council Officer, Programs
• Carol Hancock as the new General Council Officer, Conciliar Relations

Having worked closely with both Carol and Bruce over the past three years, I have appreciated not only their leadership skills but also the depth of their vision for the church. I am confident that the passion and commitment they have for the mission of the General Council Office and of The United Church of Canada will enable them to move into these new roles with ease and enthusiasm.

Carol’s new role will encompass a broader vision of the relationship between the meeting life and governance role of the General Council and the connection between the General Council and the courts of the church. There will also be a particular emphasis on improving communication and engagement with the whole church. The Conference Executive Secretaries and Speaker will report to this position.

As the new General Council Officer, Programs, Bruce will provide guidance, grounded in theology, to four executive ministries:

• Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations
• Financial Stewardship
• Resource Production and Distribution
• a new multi-faceted unit that consolidates work related to intercultural, French, congregational, and community ministries

I am also pleased to announce that Michael Blair has agreed to accept the role of leading the new unit related to intercultural, French, congregational, and community ministries. Pierre Goldberger and Harry Oussoren will work with him until their respective retirements, participating in the development of the new unit.

Additional updates about the implementation of the changes to the management structure will be shared as more plans are finalized in coming days and weeks.

• Nora Sanders
  General Secretary of the General Council
  The United Church of Canada
  3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
  Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
  Tel: 416-231-5931 ext. 2013
  Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 2013
  Fax: 416-231-3103
  E-mail: Nora Sanders