2019 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
June 2-6
Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario
The 145th General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada will take place at Wilfrid Laurier University , Waterloo, Ontario from Sunday June 2 to Thursday June 6. The opening worship will be at St. Andrew’s Church , Kitchener on Sunday at 7:30 pm.
Book of Reports
The latest edition of the Book of Reports, including reports to the 2019 General Assembly and information for General Assembly participants is now available for download and the printed edition is available for order.
2019 Book of ReportsYou may also order a printed copy of the Book of Reports for $40 plus shipping by contacting Hannah Cho at 1-800-619-7301 ext. 224.
This Book of Reports contains general information, reports of the committees and appendices for the Assembly and is divided into the following sections:
- General Information Concerning the Assembly: consists of information about things you will need for your preparation for the Assembly including commissioners list, agenda and daily schedules.
- Report Synopsis: contains each committee’s purpose, report summary and recommendations with concise preambles.
- Reports to the General Assembly: are the complete reports of the committees of the General Assembly. The reports provide details on the various activities and foci of the committees, along with comprehensive preambles to the recommendations.
- Appendices: includes background information concerning the General Assembly such as terms of reference and financial statements.
- Supplementary Material: are new reports and any revisions to the Assembly documents that will be prepared just before the Assembly
Please note: Commissioners are asked to pay particular attention to the General Information Concerning the Assembly section as it contains travel, accommodation and expense materials and specific information regarding this General Assembly. A new pdf version will be posted just before the Assembly with any supplementary materials that are needed.
If you have any questions about using the Book of Reports on a computer or tablet, please check the support page here, or contact the Communications Office.
The report of the Special Committee of Former Moderators will be available on the website of The Presbyterian Church in Canada on May 21. It will be posted in English, Korean and French.
Wilfrid Laurier University Campus Map for General Assembly
New Information
Webinars to help prepare for General Assembly
Description:
At General Assembly in June, commissioners will vote on a series of recommendations related to repudiating (rejecting) the Doctrine of Discovery, a theological and legal principle from the 1400s that legitimized European colonization of non-Christian lands and peoples. During this webinar, Justice Ministries staff will answer questions about the Doctrine of Discovery, its influence on The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s ministry with Indigenous people, and what repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery means. This webinar is suitable for commissioners as preparation for General Assembly and to other members of the church who are interested in the PCC’s ministry of healing and reconciliation.
Downloads:
Repudiating the Doctrine of DiscoveryClick here to watch “Doctrine of Discovery; Stolen lands, Strong Hearts” , a film by The Anglican Church of Canada about the history, legacy and current impacts of the Doctrine of Discovery.
Watch the webinar
Facilitator: the Rev. Ian Ross-McDonald, General Secretary
Host: the Life and Mission Agency
Description:
In a response to a request from a congregation that the PCC endorse the Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth, this webinar will discuss the PCC’s study of the Statement, which will also be presented to the General Assembly in June. The Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth was developed by a national coalition of organizations concerned with the wellbeing of children. The study concludes that there is clear and compelling evidence that the physical punishment of children and youth plays no useful role in their upbringing and poses only risks to their development. Additionally, the General Assembly will be asked to consider requesting the Canadian Government to repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada (which allows parents and teachers to use force to correct a child’s behaviour). This is in line with the 6th Call to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The text of the Joint Statement can be found at www.cheo.on.ca/en/physicalpunishment . The response to the overture can be downloaded below. Also available to download is a theological statement about the physical punishment of children and youth.
Downloads:
Endorsing the Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and YouthTheological Statement About the Physical Punishment of Children and YouthOverture No 20 re: Endorsing the Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and YouthWatch the webinar
Videos to help prepare for General Assembly
About the General Assembly
Book of Reports
Decision making part 1
Preparing for General Assembly
General Assembly Terminology
Decision making part 2
Registration
Travel Regulations
Central Presbyteries
East and West Presbyteries
Resource
Registration Forms
Completing the registration form:
- Download the form and save it to your computer.
- Fill in your information.
- Save the completed form.
- Click the “submit” button.
Central Presbyteries
East and West Presbyteries
Young Adult Representatives
Young Adult Representatives – Parental Permission Form
Resource
Fill-in forms with Adobe Reader
If you do not have Adobe Reader, click here to download it free of charge.
Events Information
Book of Reports
For further information contact Terrie-Lee Hamilton at 1-800-619-7301, 416-441-1111, ext. 225