Rev. Dr. Hans Kouwenberg told Assembly Council, at its pre-General Assembly meeting in March, that the Aboriginal and Church Leaders' Tour on which he represented the Presbyterian Church was “one of the most phenomenal experiences of my life.” The Church's healing and reconciliation animator, Lori Ransom, reported that the turn-out for all four stops along the Canadian tour exceeded expectations (with about 1,500 people attending). There was strong Aboriginal participation, and it was a true step forward in having these two groups “walk together.”
“There was a remarkable sense that this was good; that this was something they were pleased about,” she said. The churches were challenged to carry the momentum forward, with the final message being the “need to do more.”
Council agreed to use saved monies from the church's residential schools settlement fund (totaling approximately $784,000) on the PCC's participation in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Justice Ministries' Healing and Reconciliation program, healing and reconciliation proposals from the church's established aboriginal mission agencies, and events linked to the leaders' tour follow-up and possible General Assembly events.
The current regional staffing model – under review after the WMS cut its funding by 50 per cent – was affirmed but several areas were identified as needing clarification. Regional staff, while maintaining their independence, should seek to strengthen relationships with national church staff, resulting in better service and assistance to congregations and presbyteries; Assembly Council will keep tabs on the work of the Long Range Planning Committee and monitor what regional needs might be identified that the regional staff can act upon; Assembly Council will communicate concerns to synods regarding reporting relationships of regional staff (staff currently report to volunteer committees with high turnover) ensuring that local needs are truly being met; and Assembly Council will clarify the grant process with synods. A human resources manual will be produced which will be used by all synods, and the staffing model will be reviewed by Assembly Council on a needs basis. The
Management Team and Finance Committee will give serious consideration to making up the $190,000 shortfall in funding resulting from the WMS decision.
The per kilometre travel allowance rate will be raised from $0.35 to $0.40 effective July 1. This applies to national staff, pulpit supply, and boards and committees of the church, and should act as a suggestion for other groups granting travel allowances. The rate had not been changed for five years, and the rate will now be reviewed annually.
The Policy for Dealing with Allegations of Racial Harassment, and the Statement of Commitment Toward Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Leadership at the National Level of the Presbyterian Church, were finally adopted after nearly four years of work. Three case studies that can be used to help churches understand the policy will also be developed. It will go to assembly for final approval before being distributed to congregations.
