Latest news with #45thGeneralCouncil
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- General
- Malaysian Reserve
Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath next Moderator of The United Church of Canada
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 10, 2025 /CNW/ – Every three years, The United Church of Canada's General Council meets, and during this time, a new Moderator is chosen. The 45th General Council, taking place in person and online at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre just selected Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath as the next Moderator, after three ballots. Born in Lusaka, Zambia, and raised in small Canadian towns, Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath studied history at McGill University and earned her Master of Divinity at Emmanuel College. Ordained in 1999, she began her ministry in Claresholm-Stavely Pastoral Charge in Alberta and has served Wall Street United Church in eastern Ontario since 2007. Rev. Dr. Heath has contributed to the wider church through leadership roles including Chair of Pastoral Relations in Foothills Presbytery, President of Bay of Quinte Conference, and member of the Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council Transition Commission. She has also lead retreats, workshops, and preaching conferences to support clergy and nurture faith. In sharing her hopes for the church, she says, 'As Moderator I will help to build up the church by deepening faith in Jesus, strengthening what is small and encouraging life-giving connections.' The installation service is at Knox United Church, 506 4 St. SW, Calgary, Alberta, on Monday, Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. MT. It is open to anyone who would like to attend in person, and is also available on the United Church YouTube channel, with live interpretation in English and French. Five nominees stood for selection by the Commissioners of General Council 45. The Moderator serves as the spiritual leader of The United Church of Canada, heartening and strengthening the whole of the church. They also preside at meetings of the General Council and its Executive and visit regions and congregations throughout the United Church, connecting communities of faith to one another.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- General
- Cision Canada
Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath next Moderator of The United Church of Canada
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Every three years, The United Church of Canada's General Council meets, and during this time, a new Moderator is chosen. The 45th General Council, taking place in person and online at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre just selected Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath as the next Moderator, after three ballots. Born in Lusaka, Zambia, and raised in small Canadian towns, Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath studied history at McGill University and earned her Master of Divinity at Emmanuel College. Ordained in 1999, she began her ministry in Claresholm-Stavely Pastoral Charge in Alberta and has served Wall Street United Church in eastern Ontario since 2007. Rev. Dr. Heath has contributed to the wider church through leadership roles including Chair of Pastoral Relations in Foothills Presbytery, President of Bay of Quinte Conference, and member of the Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council Transition Commission. She has also lead retreats, workshops, and preaching conferences to support clergy and nurture faith. In sharing her hopes for the church, she says, "As Moderator I will help to build up the church by deepening faith in Jesus, strengthening what is small and encouraging life-giving connections." The installation service is at Knox United Church, 506 4 St. SW, Calgary, Alberta, on Monday, Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. MT. It is open to anyone who would like to attend in person, and is also available on the United Church YouTube channel, with live interpretation in English and French. Five nominees stood for selection by the Commissioners of General Council 45. The Moderator serves as the spiritual leader of The United Church of Canada, heartening and strengthening the whole of the church. They also preside at meetings of the General Council and its Executive and visit regions and congregations throughout the United Church, connecting communities of faith to one another.
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- General
- Cision Canada
United Church apologizes for ongoing and past harm to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities in historic service Français
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, The United Church of Canada offered an apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities within the church in a special livestreamed and in-person worship service at Knox United Church in Calgary, Alberta. The apology was offered as the second day of the 45th General Council opened; the General Council wraps up on Monday, August 11 with the installation of the new Moderator, also at Knox United Church, at 7 pm. The United Church of Canada was the first denomination in Canada to affirm the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons into the life of church. In 1988, the 32nd General Council declared that "all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, who profess their faith in Jesus Christ are welcome to be or become members of The United Church of Canada" and that "all members of the United Church are eligible to be considered for ordered ministry." In 2012, "gender identity" was affirmed to not limit participation in membership or ministry. "We have failed to celebrate and delight in all of your beautiful Creation. We have wounded people instead of seeking wholeness. We are sorry." —Rev. Michael Blair, General Secretary While the 1988 decision was significant, there are still many painful stories of exclusion from before 1988, and those that continue into the present. By formally apologizing, the United Church reaffirms its commitment to radical hospitality and full inclusion of 2S and LGBTQIA+ people in all aspects of church life, including leadership, worship, and governance, strengthening the Church's witness to justice and love in action. "We lament the ways in which the church has failed you, and that homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia have hurt not only individuals but loved ones as well, including friends, families, and fellow siblings in Christ," the apology reads. "We recognize that change is required in the hearts and minds throughout The United Church of Canada, and, also, through actions taken at an institutional level. We offer this apology with awareness of the many ways in which healing from homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia is needed within our church." Tangible commitments, such as revising policies, providing reparative support, and ensuring 2S and LGBTQIA+ voices are centered in decision-making would help dismantle systemic barriers and foster a church culture where equity is actively pursued. The apology says, "The church should be a place of sanctuary and belonging for all people. You deserve a church that reflects God's unconditional and abiding love."
