The Manual Committee

Description

The Manual Committee

The Manual is the official rulebook of The United Church of Canada. It contains our Basis of Union and Bylaws and sets out how the church is governed, how decisions are made, and the responsibilities of our three levels of council: community of faith, regional council, and the General Council. The Manual Committee supports the General Secretary by reviewing and recommending changes to ensure that the language of The Manual is clear, accurate, and reflects the most recent decisions of the church. 

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; and 
• conducting any remits under section 8.6.2(1) of the Basis of Union. 

Membership

The committee will be made up of six members.  It is desirable to have one or two members who are lawyers or bring a legal background.

Member Skills and Experience

This committee is seeking a minister who can enrich the team with theological insights and experience with the role and practical use of The Manual in ministerial life. The committee also hopes to increase its regional and racial diversity. In particular, the committee encourages expressions of interest from people who identify as racialized and from those living in British Columbia, the Prairies provinces, or the Atlantic provinces. 

Members must have good writing skills and be comfortable with the plain language style of The Manual. 

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. 

United Church Relationship: Active participant

Expectations and Term

• Online meetings: four to six per year
• In-person meetings: Once or twice each term (three years), in Toronto, as needed.
• Expectations between meetings: Members prepare for meetings with significant reading. Urgent matters may be dealt with by email exchange followed by short videoconference calls.
• Additional appointment possibilities or expectations: The committee may at times form working groups of members with interests and skills required for particular aspects of this mandate.
• Appointment term: December 2026 to August 2028 (46th General Council), with the possibility of reappointment for up to two additional three-year terms.

For more information about this 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

• 45-31 The Manual Committee.pdf (157.43 KB) (PDF)