Rev. Éric Hébert-Daly Appointed as the New General Secretary

The United Church of Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Éric Hébert-Daly as its new General Secretary beginning January 1, 2027. The role of General Secretary, General Council is a permanent position, providing leadership in the direction, management, and coordination of the denomination working in close collaboration with the Moderator, who is elected every three years as the church’s spiritual leader.   

Since January of 2023, Rev. Hébert-Daly has been the Executive Minister for East Central Ontario, Eastern Ontario Outaouais and Nakonha:ka Regional Councils, overseeing regional staff, and guiding and supporting councils, committees, and teams. From 2018 to 2022, he served at the General Council Office as Responsable, Ministères en français (Ministries in French), bringing strategic, financial, and administrative leadership to Francophone communities of faith across the country. Prior to his ordination in 2020, Rev. Hébert-Daly had a significant career in political and non-profit leadership.   

Rev. Hébert-Daly was on the project team that developed the church’s Call and Vision and the General Council’s strategic plan in 2021. Committed to a church with purpose, he has played an important role, both regionally and nationally, in helping to develop  Toward 2035—a hope-filled whole-church strategy for a bolder future. In his denominational roles, he has brought skill and passion to strengthening invitation, including supporting the emergence of new migrant, diaspora and Francophone communities in The United Church of Canada.   

Rev. Hébert-Daly was born to an Acadian family and has family roots in both Ontario and New Brunswick. He will be the first Francophone to take on the role of General Secretary.         

The Rev. Hébert-Daly follows the Rev. Michael Blair, who is retiring after over 6 years as General Secretary. Rev. Blair will continue until the new General Secretary is in place, as well as enabling a transition period in the month of January 2027. Opportunities to express deep gratitude to Rev. Blair for his faithful and transformative leadership will come in November and December.    

The Rev. Hébert-Daly was appointed by the church’s General Council Executive during their online meeting on September 25 and 26, after a search process that lasted 7 months. Regarding the appointment, Blair says, “The church is in good hands with Éric as the General Secretary. He brings a deep love for the church and a commitment to its thriving future. His keen strategic impulses and leadership acumen will be a rich gift for such a time as this. My prayers and encouragement are with him as he takes on this significant role.”