The Manual Committee

Description

The Manual Committee (2–3 vacancies) 

This committee is seeking members who bring strong writing and analytical skills and a collaborative spirit along with legal expertise, theological insight, or intercultural experience. 

Mandate 

The Manual Committee serves the church at the pleasure of, and through the office of, the General Secretary. Its responsibilities are to assist the General Secretary in 

• preparing changes to The Manual that are required to implement decisions of the General Council
• preparing changes to the wording and organization of The Manual where its provisions are redundant, ambiguous, or otherwise unclear in expressing the intention of the General Council
• conducting any remits under section 8.6.2(1) of the Basis of Union 

Membership 

The committee is made up of six appointed members who reflect the diversity of The United Church, with particular attention to its equity commitments and the presence of both lay people and ministry personnel from across the geography of the church. It is desirable to have one or two members who are lawyers or bring a legal background. A chair is selected from the members of The Manual Committee. The chair’s duties include facilitating meetings and fostering an effective and respectful team. 

Member Skills and Experience 

Specific skills and traits that would be assets to this work include an appreciation of the importance of detail and accuracy, ability to think conceptually and reflect critically on text, and awareness of and sensitivity to the diversity of the United Church. Members must have good writing skills and be comfortable with the plain language style of The Manual. 

To broaden age, ministry-stream, and geographic diversity, we particularly encourage interest from youth (age 30 and under), ministry personnel, and individuals from Atlantic Canada. 

This committee would additionally be strengthened by members who bring an intercultural lens to this work, based on 

• lived experience as an Indigenous, racialized, or Francophone person
• leadership with Indigenous, racialized, or Francophone communities, or those that include a diversity of cultures
• proficiency in languages in addition to English 

Committee members will be  

• active in a community of faith or ministry 
• committed to the calling of the United Church and willing to discern God’s yearnings for this work
• predisposed to collaboration and teamwork
• able to listen deeply and open to spiritual practices of discernment
• committed to right relations, the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the vision of becoming an intercultural church, and the journey to becoming an anti-racist denomination
• comfortable with and able to participate in electronic meetings
• able to commit the time required for this responsibility 

United Church Relationship: Active participant or full member 

Expectations and Term 

The committee holds four to six meetings each year primarily by videoconference call, with in-person meetings in Toronto as needed. Meetings may occur during the week or on weekends, based on the availability of members. Additional urgent matters may be dealt with by email exchange followed by short videoconference calls. Members are expected to attend all meetings. The committee may at times form working groups of members with interests and skills required for particular aspects of this mandate. 

For more information about this volunteer opportunity, please see the complete description, below.

To Express Interest

To apply for this vacancy, please express interest or nominate someone.

All submissions will be acknowledged by e-mail. If you do not receive acknowledgement, please contact Member Engagement. Incomplete or late submissions cannot be considered.

For further information or assistance in expressing interest or nominating someone, please contact:

Member Engagement
Toll-Free: 1-800-268-3781
E-mail: 

Downloads

• 45-15 The Manual Committee.pdf (211.08 KB) (PDF)