Becoming an Anti-Racist Church

The United Church of Canada News

Historic Declaration to Become an Anti-Racist Church on Saturday October 24, 2020, the Commissioners of the 43rd General Council voted to declare the denomination to become an anti-racist church. “This doesn’t mean we have achieved this goal,” explains the Moderator, the Right Rev. Richard Bott, “but we are taking a stand and saying we are publicly committed to eliminating systemic racism from our practices and policies.”

New Anti-Racism and Equity Officer
Adele Halliday

As part of the work to become an anti-racist denomination, one of the last actions of outgoing General Secretary Nora Sanders was to create a new Anti-Racism and Equity Officer position in the General Council Office. We’re very pleased to announce that Adele Halliday will be taking on this role. Adele has been deeply engaged in related work in the Church in Mission Unit these past few years, and has worked within the United Church since 2004.

Welcome to New General Secretary, the Rev. Michael Blair

As well as business, there was also cause for celebration at the meeting, where new General Secretary, the Rev. Michael Blair, was covenanted into his new role. For the last eight years, the Rev. Blair has been serving in the General Council Office, Toronto, as the
Executive Minister, Church in Mission Unit, which maintains the relationships with overseas partners, develops faith formation resources for the church and initiates advocacy campaigns for the denomination.

Welcome, Michael!