Preparing for GC45

General Council is the decision-making body of the United Church as a whole. It brings together Commissioners (those elected to be members of this meeting of the General Council) to help set the course for the future of the United Church.

The General Council of The United Church of Canada will meet in Calgary in August 2025. Canadian Shield Regional Council may elect 14 commissioners to attend the meeting and serve as members of the General Council for three years, beginning in June 2025.

Commissioners who are unable to be in Calgary can participate online and will need to be available for the following dates and times:

Sunday, April 27, 2025 (online)
4:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET: Orientation to GC45, meeting technology and travel planning.

Sunday, June 22, 2025 (online)
4:00 to 7:00 p.m. ET: Opening of General Council

Saturday, June 28, 2025 (online)
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET: Learning and discussion
4:00 to 7:00 p.m. ET: Learning and discussion

August 7-11, 2025 (in person and online)
General Council worship, business, election and installation of the 45th Moderator

Please see the position description for GC45 Commissioners (PDF | 2 pages) for further details on what expectations will be required.

Process for electing commissioners to the 45th General Council Meeting

After a process of recruitment and discernment, the CSRC Nominations Committee will propose a slate of 9 commissioners.

Principles of nominations:

• Equitable representation lay persons and ministry personnel persons
• Attention to the principles of diversity as set forth by the General Council – including indigenous representation
• Importance of there being representation of the regional council executive through its serving chair
• Importance of encouraging engagement and leadership from youth
•  At least two or three additional alternates will be elected.

The regional council will vote on the slate of commissioners at an online regional meeting being held on Tuesday September 17, 2024 at 7 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact Susan Whitehead at swhitehead@united-church.ca.

Deadline for Nominations is Monday, September 9, 2024.