SECTION B PROPOSALS. Proposals to the 43 rd General Council GC - 1 GC - 2 GC - 3 GC - 4 GC - 5 GC - 6 GC - 7

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1 SECTION B PROPOSALS Proposals to the 43 rd General Council GC - 1 GC - 2 GC - 3 GC - 4 GC - 5 GC - 6 GC - 7 Disaster Assistance Strategy Adding Line Numbers to Basis of Union 2.6, A Song of Faith Prioritizing Clusters and Networks Regional Council Assessments Sacraments Elder Policy Racism, Racial Discrimination, Racial Justice and White Privilege Living Into Right Relations Network Proposals to the 85 th Meeting of Alberta and Northwest Conference ANWC - 1 Living Into Right Relations Work in Regions 2 and 3

2 Alberta and Northwest Conference 85 th Conference Meeting - May 10-13, 2018 Proposal to the 43 rd General Council #1 Title: Disaster Assistance Strategy Originating Body: High River United Church, Foothills Presbytery Date: March 12, 2018 Financial Implications: Yes Staffing Implications: Yes Source of Funding: Intermediate Court Action: 1. What is the issue? We believe God is calling us to witness to the healing love of Christ through offering compassionate accompaniment to communities of faith, key leaders and ministry personnel working in communities which have been adversely affected by natural and/or humancaused disasters. We believe that an intentional strategy is needed to support long term recovery in disaster impacted communities of faith, with a focus on providing emotional and spiritual support to the key leaders and ministry personnel who are offering support to others. 2. Why is this issue important? In 1 st Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul reminds us that we are one body in Christ and that if one member suffers, all suffer together with it. (verse 26) With the advancing change in our climate, we are experiencing increased natural disasters on our continent, including flooding, ice storms, and forest fires, that are causing trauma and suffering in many communities. Communities of faith are at the centre of community lifeies, offering caring and support to those devastated in these situations. At the same time, the ministry personnel, key leaders, and congregational members are often dealing with having lost their own homes, church building and/or livelihoods because of the disaster, so these people. Ministry personnel, key leaders, and congregational members are suffering in the midst of the post-disaster chaos even as they seek to faithfully accompany others who are suffering in the catastrophic situation. As has been shown in past natural and human-caused catastrophic disasters, the people of The United Church of Canada are ready and willing to respond as the body of Christ, offering financial, spiritual and emotional support and encouragement. At the same time, there is no formal plan or strategy to draw together this support and deliver it in a timely manner. Studies of communities recovering after a disaster show that the recovery takes from 5 to 7 years, depending upon the severity of the disaster, and the resources that are made available in a timely manner for the physical recovery. While people across the country quickly offer financial and emotional support in the days and weeks immediately following the disaster hitting the media, theis support diminishes with time. However, those living in the midst of the disaster area face a long journey of recovery. Key leaders in these communities are often burned out after the initial stages of post-disaster response. Church communities are well positioned within their own communities to be centres of ongoing support in the long term disaster recovery for their area. What they need is information to understand what they are facing, resources to support the journey, and compassionate accompaniment by those who understand the journey.

3 Background In Alberta and Northwest Conference, over the course of 5 years ( ), three large natural disasters devastated areas of Alberta, two of these being the largest of their kind in Canadian history. At the centre of each of these disasters, United Church of Canada congregations and ministry personnel were offering support and leadership during the evacuations and through all stages of the recovery. These disasters were: - the Slave Lake wild fires in the 2013 flooding which put 85% of High River under water and saw extensive damage and flooding in Canmore, Bragg Creek, Calgary, the Siksika First Nation, and other areas. - the 2016 Fort McMurray forest fires Several key experiences out of this series of disasters in ANW Conference have led to this proposal being put forward to General Council 43: 1) The Executive Secretary of Alberta & Northwest Conference took leadership in connecting the ministry personnel of these three communities. Through teleconferences, the United Church minister at Slave Lake was able to provide support and insights about the post-disaster journey to the ministers at High River United Church in Then, in 2016, the ministers of High River United Church were able to provide support and insights to the minister at Fort McMurray. In each case, the information received was key in helping the congregation, newly in the midst of disaster, understand what they were facing and what they could do. 2) Through the Presbyterian Church in Canada, High River United Church ministry personnel were connected with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance USA team. With funding provided through Alberta & Northwest Conference, three visits to High River ofby the PDA-USA team were arranged to High River. This was the first time that the PDA- USA had worked in Canada, and they were quite happy to come to offer their expertise and skills. On their first visit, about 8 months after the disaster, community sessions were arranged for first responders, medical personnel, the town council and mayor, the fire chief, and other key front line workers during the flood, evacuation and early days of the disaster. These sessions helped everyone understand what a community goes through post-disaster and what they, as key leaders and first responders, might be experiencing. The second PDA-USA visit, about 15 months post-disaster, was a followup to the first, offering sessions to anyone in the community, who needed emotional and spiritual support. The third visit, by one member of the PDA-USA team, took place about 27 months post-disaster and focussed on supporting the key leaders and ministry personnel of High River United Church. 3) Through the generous donations of churches and individuals across Canada, High River United Church was able to hire an ordained minister, trained in trauma counselling, to work alongside their incumbent ministry staff for 10 months. This minister was able to do most of the counselling and pastoral care, allowing the incumbent ministers to deal with the rebuilding of the church, the cleaning and repair of their own home, and to begin to recover emotionally from their own trauma in the situation. This person intentionally learned from the work of the PDA-USA and sought out courses to build skills in the area of post-disaster recovery. She was then able to provide similar support in Fort McMurray following the 2016 forest fires. The key learnings out of these experiences in Alberta & Northwest Conference are: 1) Long term emotional and spiritual support is key to the recovering of the vitality of congregations (and communities) affected by catastrophic disasters.

4 2) Ministry personnel and key congregational leaders in disaster situations need long term (up to 5 years) support from outside of their communities to remain spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthy and to be able to support the people of their congregations in their recovery 3) Support from someone who knows the territory of post-disaster recovery is the most helpful in understanding the chaos, the emotions, and the challenges of the situation and to find a way through to health and vitality. 4) Ministry Personnel and key congregational leaders are already overwhelmed in postdisaster situations, making it hard for them to reach out for emotional and spiritual support, just when they most need it. They need someone from the national (broader) church to take the initiative in offering support to them and to their congregation. Resources Presbyterian Disaster Assistance USA Out of Chaos, Hope United Church of Christ USA Disaster Ministries The PDA USA and UCC USA both work in conjunction with National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD) to provide compassionate and practical support in communities following disasters. Light Our Way: A Guide to Spiritual Care in Times of Disaster by National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD): A book of resources to help understand and support people who have experienced disaster in the journey of recovery. Recovering from Un-Natural Disasters by Laurie Kraus, David Holyan, and Bruce Wismer (John Knox Press, 2017) The three authors of this book are all involved with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance team and bring a wealth of knowledge from their involvement. 3. How might the General Council respond to the issue? We ask that General Council direct the formation of an intentional strategy to offer ongoing emotional and spiritual support to United Church of Canada ministry personnel and key community of faith leaders in areas affected by natural or human-caused disasters, as these people offer care to their congregations and broader communities post-disaster. This strategy could include one or more of the following: a. a gathering of United Church of Canada ministry personnel and key community of faith leaders from areas which have been affected by natural or human-caused disasters, who would like to be engaged in developing such a strategy, to draw on their experience and learnings, and to engage them, as they are emotionally ready, to be part of this ongoing support strategy. b. a national staff person who would make contact with ministry personnel and/or key community of faith leaders within the first week after a natural or human-caused disaster to determine needs for emotional, spiritual, and financial support, and to initiate an ongoing support strategy. c. engage conversation with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance USA and United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries, who work together through NVOAD (National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters) to learn from their long experience in responding to disaster situations, with the possible view of forming a collaborative partnership with one

5 or both of these denominations to resource and respond to Canadian churches in the midst of catastrophic situations. d. engage ecumenical partners, such as the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada, as well as interfaith partners, to be part of a collaborative disaster response strategy modelled on the work of the PDA-USA. e. gather and make available worship resources and other spiritual resources developed within communities of faith who have previously experienced catastrophic disasters. 4. For the courts transmitting this proposal to the General Council: Foothills Presbytery agrees with this proposal and passes it on to ANW Conference.

6 Alberta and Northwest Conference 85 th Conference Meeting - May 10-13, 2018 Proposal to the 43 rd General Council #2 Title: Adding Line Numbers to Basis of Union Section 2.6, A Song of Faith Originating Body: Foothills Presbytery Date: March 20, 2018 Financial Implications: None Staffing Implications: None Source of Funding: N/A Intermediate Court Action: 1. What is the issue? While the twenty Articles of Doctrine (1925) are structured in articles, and the Statement of Faith (1940) is structured in sections, the Song of Faith (2006) is intentionally without subject headings or section demarcations. 2. Why is this issue important? Quick reference to A Song of Faith, as well as focused teaching about it, are made more difficult due to the intentional lack of headings or demarcations. 3. How might the General Council respond to the issue? We affirm the decision to not include headings or demarcations, but acknowledge there are other ways to improve navigation through a lengthy document. In light of the above, we request that General Council 43 amend the Basis of Union by adding line numbers in the margin of Section 2.6 A Song of Faith in future editions of the Manual, so as to increase its usability in devotional and instructional applications. 4. For the courts transmitting this proposal to the General Council: Are there comments, affirmations, suggestions you would like to make with respect to this proposal?

7 Alberta and Northwest Conference 85 th Conference Meeting - May 10-13, 2018 Proposal to the 43 rd General Council #3 Title: Prioritizing Clusters and Networks Originating Body: Foothills Presbytery Date: March 20, 2018 Financial Implications: Administrative Costs (coordination, publication, communication); possibility for other costs at discretion of GCE/Church Councils Staffing Implications: N/A Source of Funding: Assessments of Communities of Faith, if necessary Intermediate Court Action: 1. What is the issue? We believe that our connectional understanding of being church calls for the prioritization of support at the denominational level for the formation of clusters and networks within the Three-Council Model, in keeping with the recommendations of the Comprehensive Review Task Group which considered clusters and networks to be central to the living out of our faith. 2. Why is this issue important? The history of this matter shows that the General Council Executive has not treated the formation of clusters and networks as being of high priority, even though communities of faith have been calling for it. a. The Fishing OOn the Other Side study document, February 2014, identified the following as priorities: we want groups of communities of faith to gather together for worship, mutual support, and faithful action, instead of governance, and we want to build networks for mission, worship, partnership, and justice, with staff enabling connections. It specifies that when consulted, communities of faith expressed a strong desire for connection with each other and with the wider church, and that staff located in the regions would facilitate connections, help uncover resources, and provide expertise. b. The United in God s Work report, March 2015, recommends that: clusters of communities of faith [should] be encouraged to gather regularly for collegiality, support, and learning, and networks [should] link people with common interests across the church. c. The proposals of the Comprehensive Review Task Group, March 2015, included the following in GC42-CR3: Although the clusters and networks would not be formal governance bodies, they would be central to the living out of our faith, and specified in GC42-CR9 that the General Secretary, in addressing remaining matters prior to the issuing of a remit, pay attention to the principle of the engagement of networks and clusters with the councils. d. The Study Guide ffor Remit 1, February 2016, stated that: tthere will be clusters and networks. These will not be formal governance bodies but organically formed communities of common interests, mission, and support,. and It defines clusters as local clusters of communities of faith that would provide community and support for communities of faith and their leaders, and focus on worship, mission, learning, collegiality, and strategic planning, and defines networks as groups of people in different parts of the country working on specific issues or on a project, and specifies

8 that they would offer opportunities for communities of faith and people with shared interests and passions to connect outside decision-making bodies. e. A United Church webpage post entitled Some Definitions Around Clusters and Networks, updated November 29, 2017, states that the General Council Executive agreed that: those involved in clusters and networks will define their own meaning and responsibilities church councils will not define clusters and networks the church is encouraged to experiment with how clusters and networks can assist in living out the faith of The United Church of Canada clusters and networks are encouraged to seek support from local resources local bodies that wish to support clusters and networks are encouraged to do so church councils may support clusters and networks to their level of ability and within their areas of responsibility clusters and networks are encouraged to share their experiences with others in the church and the wider world through media available to the church following a period of experimentation, the church will learn intentionally from the experiences of clusters and networks The webpage also states that Remit 1 includes minimal definition of clusters and networks, without clarifying that this reflects only the text of the question itself. The Study Guide for Remit 1 included the definitions in point (d) above. f. The minutes of the General Council Executive meeting of November 18, 2017 state that the facilitation group on the above decision noted recognition that without support, clusters and networks may take time to form and may increase the loss experienced by the loss of Presbyteries, and the background of the motion in the workbook for the meeting includes the statement that clusters and networks are central to the living out of the faith of the United Church. Neither of these acknowledgements appear on the above quoted webpage. g. Some communities of faith do not have the leadership resources required to initiate clusters and networks without denominational support. For this and other reasons, many communities of faith will become increasingly isolated unless formation of clusters and networks is prioritized. 3. How might the General Council respond to the issue? We wish to affirm that those involved in clusters and networks will define their own meaning and responsibilities; that church councils will not define clusters and networks,; and that the church will learn intentionally from the experiences of clusters and networks following a period of experimentation. However, in light of the above, we request that General Council 43: a. affirm that clusters and networks will be central to living out our faith in the Three- Council Model, and essential to a healthy transition to the Three-Council Model, and b. instruct the General Council Executive and the Councils of the new model to develop a strategy that prioritizes the formation of clusters and networks beyond simply encouragement for their formation, including incentivizing their creation and facilitating communication during the period of experimentation, and c. establish an expectation that each community of faith will engage in the period of experimentation by forming or joining at least one cluster or network. 4. For the courts transmitting this proposal to the General Council: Are there comments, affirmations, suggestions you would like to make with respect to this proposal?

9 Alberta and Northwest Conference 85 th Conference Meeting - May 10-13, 2018 Proposal to the 43 rd General Council #4 Title: Regional Council Assessments Originating Body: Northern Lights Presbytery Date: March 20, 2018 Financial Implications: N/A Staffing Implications: N/A Source of Funding: N/A Intermediate Court Action: 1. What is the issue? There is much uncertainty and anxiety around how the new assessment system (should Remit 4 be enacted) will impact the budgets of local communities of faith. This uncertainty is increased when it is not known if Regional Councils will use their authority to provide an additional assessment. 2. Why is this issue important? When GC42 discussed the proposed three council model it decided to give Regional Councils the authority to impose assessments for projects that were not funded by the National Assessment. At the same time it is expected by many that as we transition to the new assessment model outlined in Remit 4 the assessments to communities of faith will increase, sometimes dramatically. For some communities of faith this creates a large amount of uncertainty and concern for their financial well being. At the same time, it is still not known how the monies collected under the national assessment will be distributed between the Denominational and Regional Councils and what they will be able to fund, nor is it known what projects and/or positions may be funded under Mission and Ministry using Mission and Service funds. As they have yet to meet and begin discussions, Regional Councils also have no idea what projects and/or positions may be needed within their bounds to support the mission and ministry of communities of faith. Therefore they need time to discern what those needs are as well as possible ways of accessing resources (from National Assessments, from Mission & Service monies, from other sources) to meet those needs. Given these unknowns it seems that to hold up the potential to add an additional assessment to communities of faith at this time is premature and anxiety provoking. 3. How might the General Council respond to the issue? General Council 43 could declare a moratorium on Regional Councils issuing additional assessments during the first triennium while the church adjusts to a new governance and financial structure. General Council 43 could strongly discourage the imposing of additional assessments by Regional Councils during this period of transition. Remembering the vision of Christian Community presented in Acts 4:32-37, General Council 43 could direct the Office of the General Secretary to create a system of resource sharing to balance out the reality of some Regional Councils will have more resources than others. 4. For the courts transmitting this proposal to the General Council: Are there comments, affirmations, suggestions you would like to make with respect to this proposal?

10 Alberta and Northwest Conference 85 th Conference Meeting - May 10-13, 2018 Proposal to the 43 rd General Council #5 Title: Sacraments Elders Policy Originating Body: Northern Lights Presbytery Date: March 20, 2018 Financial Implications: N/A Staffing Implications: N/A Source of Funding: N/A Intermediate Court Action: 1. What is the issue? The current Manual Section I (c) states that The Conference may grant a licence to administer the sacraments to members of congregations without a settled or appointed member of the order of ministry or designated lay minister. A member holding a licence to administer the sacraments is called a sacraments elder. It is recommended that the Sacraments Elders Policy be changed so that the Conference may grant a license to members of congregations that have a settled or appointed member of the order of ministry or designated lay minister. 2. Why is this issue important? Sacraments are integral to our understanding and experience of being Church. The Basis of Union (3) states that it shall be the duty of Session to have the oversight of the administration of the sacraments. Some congregations are not able to regularly celebrate the sacraments. The policies and procedures of The United Church of Canada exist to support the church in living out God s mission in the world. The sacraments elder policy and procedures are one way of ensuring that each congregation can celebrate its sacramental life: by licensing lay members of the United Church to administer the sacraments within their own congregation. Congregations want and need the Sacraments to be given on a regular basis. The need for Sacrament Elders is not a temporary blip in the life of a congregation but is part of the new normal. Many congregations are served by part-time ministry who are not necessarily available in a timely manner to preside at sacraments when required. Even when congregations have full-time ministry they are serving larger geographic areas and there are times when the minister is not available to preside due to other commitments whether on leave or serving the wider church. This problem is especially true in rural presbyteries where congregations are very far apart geographically. 3. How might the General Council respond to the issue? General Council direct that the policy be changed based on this proposal. 4. For the courts transmitting this proposal to the General Council: Are there comments, affirmations, suggestions you would like to make with respect to this proposal?

11 Alberta and Northwest Conference 85 th Conference Meeting - May 10-13, 2018 Proposal to the 43 rd General Council #6 Title: Racism, Racial Discrimination, Racial Justice and White Privilege Originating Body: Intercultural Ministry Standing Committee of the Alberta and Northwest Conference Date: April 5, 2018 Financial Implications: Each Region to provide their own Staffing Implications: Each Region to provide their own Source of Funding: Regional Councils Intermediate Court Action: Continue to work with financial and human resources available 1. What is the Issue? We believe the God of Distributive/Restorative Justice, revealed in Jesus the Christ through the Holy Spirit, is calling us to respond to the challenges of Racism, racial discrimination and racial justice along with/and White privilege that still exists in The United Church of Canada, in personal relationships and the prevailing systems of the church. White privilege is so engrained in the system that it causes injustice. It affects decisionmaking. 2. Why is this issue important? The United Church of Canada has described a Vision for Becoming an Intercultural Church. If this vision is to be honored and lived into, then Intercultural mission and ministry needs to be intentional at every level of the church. Sometimes though mere intention is not enough. This is both a justice and theological issue. It is based on Jesus teachings and expectation to, Love your neighbors as you love yourself. What ethnic minorities need in The United Church of Canada is not equality, but equity, because of their minority status. It is important for the church to hear the voices of the minorities, especially of those who are racially marginalized. Canada is probably the most diverse country in the world. It is made up of many diverse cultures, races and languages. And the demography of Canada is fast changing in its open policy to immigrants. Therefore, as a Canadian Church, The United Church of Canada should be willing to serve these diverse communities according to their need. The United Church of Canada did acknowledge the existing problem and proclaimed that it would work towards becoming an accepting, open, justice seeking and inclusive church. Indeed, the General Council 39 and 41 did agree upon, apart from announcing and covenanting that it is committed to Transformative living. However, the process in becoming an Intercultural Church has been very slow, if not almost invisible. Racism is unacceptable for it is de-humanizing, dividing and oppressive. Racism and White supremacy have caused and can continue to cause broken and wounded hearts and minds, apart from twisting human souls. It is the shame of colonial identity. 3. How might the General Council respond to the issue? In order to recommit, and ensure a continued focus on becoming an intercultural church the General Council could: 1. Have an Inter-Cultural Ministry Standing Committee at every structural level - Communities of Faith/Regional Councils/Denominational Council, to carry out this important and challenging mission of the church,

12 2. Develop policy and guidelines for the regions on this issue, 3. Assist leaders with spiritual guidance and support, 4. Provide guidelines and governance to protect ethnic and migrant leaders of the church in regional councils, 5. Oversee working conditions to ensure ethnic and migrant workers/ volunteers are fully accepted and work towards achieving the goals and mission of the church, 6. Check that each region is intentional and determined to meet these needs in their given context, 7. Provide funds for a Regional gathering each year and for a Denominational gathering every second year for spiritual caring, fellowship, connections and growing together in these ministries, 8. When not possible for the Denominational Council to fund a staff member, encourage Regional Council to support a staff member to carry out this important work where funds are available, 9. Where not possible for one region to support a staff member, share the staff member with another neighboring or needy region. 4. For the courts transmitting this proposal to the General Council: Are there comments, affirmations, suggestions you would like to make with respect to this proposal?

13 Alberta and Northwest Conference 85 th Conference Meeting - May 10-13, 2018 Proposal to General Council 43 #7 Title: Living Into Right Relations Network Originating Body: Living into Right Relations Standing Committee, Alberta and Northwest Conference Date: March 5, 2018 Financial Implications: Budget to support LIRR network, Justice and Reconciliation Fund Staffing Implications: Two General Council Staff. Currently there are 2 Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animators Source of Funding: Mission and Service Fund Intermediate Court Action: 1. What is the issue? (describe in broad terms) We believe God/Jesus/Holy Spirit is calling the church to continue to live out its apologies to Indigenous peoples in Canada, and implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation to establish and maintain good relations. The Caretakers of our Indigenous Circle have called for indigenization and decolonization of the church: this is something that all communities of faith need to engage, as Indigenous church and as descendants of the colonizing church. In 2008, over 90 Indigenous and non-indigenous people from each Conference, a group which became known as the Living into Right Relations (LIRR) Network, covenanted to: Explore, develop, and nurture just and respectful relationships between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal people across the church. Facilitate processes to inform and engage the church and Canadians in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) process With the conclusion of the TRC, and its issue of 94 Calls to Action, the LIRR Network has continued to thrive, -, albeit with members of some Conferences being more active than others, and within a variety of models,, to respond to those Calls to Action. The General Council has identified this work as a clear priority. The Network has been supported by two General Council staff (Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animators) as well as by some hours offered by some Conference and Presbytery staff. LIRR and Indigenous Justice Facebook pages, electronic newsletters, worship resources, webinars, and videos (all largely prepared and posted by staff) have been primary ways of sharing resources and ideas, and encouraging one another in taking steps on the journey of reconciliation nationally. The Justice and Reconciliation Fund, with a current annual budget of $100,000, is available to any United Church group to foster dialogue, reconciliation, and relationshipbuilding between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. As we move to the 3-court model and a new financing model, we want to ensure that the LIRR Network is immediately recognized under the definition of a network which links people working on specific issues (e.g., supportive housing, intercultural ministry, youth ministry) or for project work (e.g., event planning) that function through the whole church ; and as such continues to be supported by staff and funding from the whole church.

14 2. Why is this issue important? The LIRR Network was instrumental in raising the awareness of the work of the TRC across the country, and in encouraging participation in TRC hearings wherever they were held. Other churches, civil society, educational institutions, and governments have applauded the leadership of the United Church in addressing the residential school legacy, and other Indigenous justice issues. Hundreds of members in the LIRR Network are actively engaged in drawing attention to the TRC s 94 Calls to Action and taking steps to eliminate racism towards Indigenous peoples, to build a new relationship based on an understanding of nation-to-nation identities and appreciation of Indigenous spirituality and culture, to educate ourselves about our shared history, and to make reparations. This is the most important task before Canada and the church today. It cannot be left to people in widespread locations with limited means to search each other out, and seek resources on an ad hoc basis. Notes from the fall 2017 General Council Executive meeting, contain these comments regarding clusters and networks. Clusters are defined as local clusters of communities of faith that would provide community and support for communities of faith and their leaders, and focus on worship, mission, learning, collegiality, and strategic planning, while networks would link people working on specific issues (e.g., supportive housing, intercultural ministry, youth ministry) or for project work (e.g., event planning) that function through the whole church. Before the vote on this motion was called, facilitators noted that there was a concern expressed that without financial support, clusters and network will take time to form, and that may increase the loss experienced by the loss of presbyteries. It was also suggested that there should be encouragement for establishing clusters and networks prior to the change to the Three Council Model, with everyone sharing best practices. Furthermore, tthe Executive agreed that those involved in clusters and networks will define their own meaning and responsibilities church councils will not define clusters and networks the church is encouraged to experiment with how clusters and networks can assist in living out the faith of The United Church of Canada clusters and networks are encouraged to seek support from local resources local bodies that wish to support clusters and networks are encouraged to do so church councils may support clusters and networks to their level of ability and within their areas of responsibility clusters and networks are encouraged to share their experiences with others in the church and the wider world through media available to the church following a period of experimentation, the church will learn intentionally from the experiences of clusters and networks From News post Nov. 28, 2017 on Remit Implementation The Indigenous Communities of Faith in the United Church, through the report of the Caretakers of our Indigenous Circle (September 2017) in Call #8 Concerning Sustainable Support, called for: Relational connections between Indigenous and non-indigenous communities of faith and Regions be encouraged to continue. Local engagement and support of Indigenous work is valuable and needs to increase;

15 The LIRR Network functions to facilitate reconciliation throughout the whole church. It seems unreasonable and unfaithful that an existing network responding to national Calls to Action and a building of nation-to-nation relationships should have to seek support from local resources. The support of this vitally important ministry should not be left to the possibility of no one having the responsibility to seek/provide resources, or the possibility of there being no or very limited local resources, however/wherever they might be located. 3. How might the General Council respond to the issue? Alberta and Northwest Conference asks General Council to 1) Immediately recognize the establishment/existence of the Living into Right Relations (LIRR) Network when the 3-court model is implemented; 2) Recognize that the purpose of the LIRR Network is to assist communities of faith, clusters, and regions to: - implement the United Nations Declaration as a framework for reconciliation; - indigenize and decolonize the church,, - respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action (in particular those directed at the churches),, - learn about the legacy of residential schools, and the history of Indigenous peoples and their contributions, - work ecumenically, particularly with respect to promoting KAIROS (Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives) campaigns and initiatives as they pertain to truth and reconciliation, and Indigenous justice concerns, - live out and theologically reflect on the meaning of the 1986 and 1998 apologies, and - and continue to explore, develop, and nurture just and respectful relationships including a deep appreciation of Indigenous spirituality and acts of reparation; 3) Provide at least two staff persons beyond 2018 to support the ongoing work of a Living into Right Relations Network (or its equivalent); 4) Provide Mission and Service Funds to employ staff in the General Council office and in the regions to support the LIRR work, including particularly the use of communications media and the, developmenting and sharing of resources; 5) Maintain the Justice and Reconciliation Fund with its current purpose and a budget of $100,000 per year for the next 5 years; 6) Convene a national gathering of the LIRR Network in 2019 (self-registering, all those who have been working actively to foster dialogue, learn our shared history, and implement the TRC Calls to Action or wish to do so); and 7) Include the oversight and nurture of the LIRR Network withinas part of the work of a national working committee within the new governance structure that would advise the General Council of the United Church on taking and animating actions on any matters relating to Indigenous justice, truth and reconciliation, and the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. 4. For the courts transmitting this proposal to the General Council: Are there comments, affirmations, suggestions you would like to make with respect to this proposal?

16 Alberta and Northwest Conference 85 th Conference Meeting - May 10-13, 2018 Proposal to Alberta and Northwest Conference #1 Title: Living into Right Relations Work in Regions 2 and 3 Originating Body: Living into Right Relations (LIRR) Standing Committee of Alberta and Northwest Conference Date: April 17, 2018 Financial Implications: $40,000 and LIRR Trust Fund Staffing Implications: Some Source of Funding: Intermediate Court Action: 1. What is the issue? With the demise of Presbyteries and Conferences, and the establishment of two regions to govern most of the communities of faith that were part of ANW Conference, we believe Creator is calling us to find a way to carry on the vital ministry of reconciliation within the regions, to continue to seek justice for and with Indigenous Peoples and to build good relations. In 2016, the LIRR Standing Committee invited all communities of faith within ANW Conference to appoint two witnesses, people who would facilitate and encourage their community to take steps on the journey of reconciliation. In May 2017, a gathering was held for witnesses to equip them for that role, and another is planned for October 2018 and The journey of truth and reconciliation has really only just begun. 2. Why is this issue important? We believe Creator is calling the church to continue to live out its apologies to Indigenous peoples in Canada, and to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation to establish and maintain good relations. The Caretakers of our Indigenous Circle have called for indigenization and decolonization of the church: this is something that all communities of faith need to engage, as Indigenous church, as descendants of the colonizing church, as intercultural church. In 2008, inspired by a national United Church gathering of Indigenous and non-indigenous people to encourage participation in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission work, ANW Conference established the Living into Right Relations Ad Hoc Committee. It became the LIRR Standing Committee effective January 1, 2013, and in 2015 was re-mandated as follows: to develop and effect methods of building awareness, changing perceptions, increasing dialogue and developing skills for reconciling and enhancing relationships between Indigenous and non-indigenous groups, organizations and individuals within but not limited to Alberta and Northwest Conference of the United Church; to find ways and means for living out the apologies given by the The United Church of Canada to First Nations Peoples and to former students of residential schools, their families and communities, and developing a deeper and broader vision for our life together; to monitor the recommendations and outcomes of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, with a view to taking appropriate action;

17 to encourage the governments to uphold the treaties and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and to access, assess and promote resources for use in churches and other organizations. The LIRR Standing Committee has worked in conjunction with All Tribes Presbytery of the All Native Circle Conference and KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives (e.g. conducting Blanket Exercises, Bill C-262 campaign). They have also connected with other similar committees/circles working in other Conferences, and with General Council resource staff. An ANW Conference Executive Secretary and the Office Coordinator have provided support to hold events and communicate within the church. The LIRR Standing Committee currently has 13 members, 5five of whom bring an Indigenous perspective;, and 2two of those 5 are external partners to the church. Charlene Burns, General Council Western Community Capacity Development Coordinator, is also serving as a resource staff person. The Committee s 2017 and 2018 annual budget was $8500. In 2016, Ebenezer United Church in Edmonton, from the proceeds of the sale of its pset aside $15,000 (set up in a trust fund) from the proceeds of the sale of its property for the work of the LIRR Standing Committee. $ 2,659 of the Trust Fund was used to help sponsor the May 2017 witness gathering at Camp Kasota East for some 70 attendees, and will also likely be used for the October 2018 gathering at Camp Kiwanis (Calgary). The LIRR Standing Committee hosts a Facebook page and webpage. 3. How might the Conference respond to the issue? We propose that ANW Conference endorse and recommend the following vision to the Commissions responsible for making decisions regarding the set-upformation and budgets of Regions 2 and 3: 1) That there be one Being Good Relations Circle, operating as a network for Regions 2 and 3 essentially northern Alberta, northeastern BC, and the NWT; and southern Alberta. 2) That the Terms of Reference of the Being Good Relations Circle include a mandate of: a) developing and effecting ways of building awareness, changing perceptions, increasing dialogue and developing skills for reconciling and enhancing relationships between Indigenous and non-indigenous groups, organizations and individuals within but not limited to Regions 2 and 3 of the United Church, b) finding ways and means for living out the apologies given by the United Church of Canada to First Nations Peoples and to former students of residential schools, their families and communities, and developing a deeper and broader vision for our healing and life together, c) to monitor the Calls to Action and outcomes of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, with a view to taking appropriate actions, particularly as the Calls pertain to the church, d) to encourage the governments and the church to uphold the treaties and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and

18 e) to access, assess and promote resources for use in churches and other organizations; and 3) That the present ANW Conference Living into Right Relations Committee be asked to serve through 2019, with a view to changing 1/3 of theits members in We also propose that ANW Conference effect the following: 1) When Conference representatives are in discussions about staffing and funding in the Regions, that they ask for: i) staff support for the Being Good Relations Circle to beact a resource person,, ii) help with effective communications and administration, and assistance in organizing events, and iii) a budget to fund the Circle s work; 2) Any remaining funds from the LIRR Conference Trust Fund and the 2018 budget line be transferred to Region 2 with the understanding that the funds are for the use of the Circle within Regions 2 and 3; 3) Support Living into Right Relations work in Regions 2 and 3 by designating forty thousand dollars ($40,000.00) from its existing resources to be used over the next five years; and Welcome any donations to the LIRR Trust Fund in For the courts transmitting this proposal to Conference: Are there comments, affirmations, suggestions you would like to make with respect to this proposal?