Global Day of Prayer to End Famine

The United Church is observing the Global Day of Prayer to End Famine on May 21, 2017.

The Moderator has invited United Church faith communities to pray for all who are facing extreme hunger. You may wish to use the Prayer for Extreme Hunger and resources from the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and the World Council of Churches in your church.

To support the relief efforts of our partners by contributing to the United Church's Extreme Hunger Appeal. The need remains great.

[Photo: Canadian Foodgrains Bank]

Statement on Medical Assistance in Dying

At its May 6–7, 2017 meeting, the Executive of the General Council adopted a report on medical assistance in dying as an official statement of the United Church.

The Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee, which drafted the report, acknowledged their challenge was to take into account the range and complexity of the issues.

You can find a summary of the May 6-7 meeting, including a look at the new logo for General Council 43 and an overview of a discussion on the church and white privilege, in United Church Commons.

[Photo: Simon Cocks, Flickr (CC BY 2.0)]

Take Action for Mining Justice

May is the month of action for mining justice. Take Action: write a letter or tweet, attend a public action, write a Letter to the Editor, watch a Public action webinar. Urge your MP to support a mining human rights ombudsperson.

[Image: Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability]

International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is May 17, 2017. See our resources for worship and study and share this prayer by Ruth Wood, "For the Great Diversity You Have Created."

Recently, United Church minister Cindy Bourgeois was among the leaders for Cuba's historic first transgender religious ceremony. Find out more.

You can take action and support rights for transgender Canadians by contacting your senator as soon as possible and urge the Senate to make Bill C-16 law.

Remit Reminder

A reminder to governing bodies of United Church Pastoral Charges:

The June 30, 2017 deadline for pastoral charges to vote on remits 1, 2, 3, and 4 is fast approaching! For more information and to download extra copies of the voting forms, see the 42nd General Council website.

Our gifts for Mission & Service bring healing, justice, and hope to life. Donate today.

Please note: Beginning in 2017, we are sending United Church E-ssentials to all pastoral charges, presbyteries, and Conferences. This bi-weekly newsletter is a way to keep connected to the work of the United Church and consolidate the number of messages faith communities receive from the General Council Office. We hope you find it helpful. Comments or questions? Please let us know!