2019 GENERAL ASSEMBLY
June 2-6
Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario
The 145th General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada took place at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, from Sunday, June 2 to Thursday, June 6.
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Watch the business of General Assembly as available on our YouTube Channel.
Highlights of the 2019 General Assembly
Daily Prayer
We give thanks and pray for congregations offering Vacation Bible Schools over the summer.
Daily Prayer
We pray that congregations searching for a new minister will be filled with hope, wisdom and patience.
Daily Prayer
We pray for Hans Lessing, Philip Peacock and Phil Tanis as they share leadership of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.
Daily Prayer
We pray for the members and work of the Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee.
Daily Prayer
(International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) We pray that all governments uphold the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous […]
Lewis Smollett
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Frederick Lewis Andrew Smollett, husband […]
General Assembly 2019 Minutes (final)
Ecumenical/Interfaith and International Guests
Cutting Edge of Mission Award
Mr. Kerry Rice, Stated Clerk, Presbyterian Church USA
Korean Christian Church in Japan
PWS&D Video
Presbyterians Sharing Video
Assembly Information
Book of Reports
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
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 final edition of the Book of Reports, including reports to the 2019 General Assembly and information for General Assembly participants, is now available for download. It contains the original and supplemental reports and all revised pages. Commissioners are reminded to pay particular attention to the front portion of the book as it contains information about travel, accommodation and expenses and specific items regarding this General Assembly.
This download contains just the new and revised pages to the Book of Reports.
Supplementary MaterialWebinars 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/about-us/physical-punishment.aspx . 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
For further information contact Terrie-Lee Hamilton at 1-800-619-7301, 416-441-1111, ext. 225