This page is a summary of the work that is being done on the national level regarding the future of the church in terms of leadership, structure and resources at every level. Significant changes will occur over the next two or three years so I hope you will become familiar with what is currently taking place.

Assembly Council created a working group in November 2023 to explore and recommend pathways of openness and possibility regarding the future of the church.

There are two resources that may be of interest to you. Both can be downloaded from the Reports for General Assembly page on presbyterian.ca.

• • • In the Information section, Narratives of Hope and Possibility – A brochure
      • • This is a summary of the working group’s report. It provides background to the work.
    • In the Reports section, Assembly Council – Revised is the full report of Assembly Council
      • • The working group’s report is p. 2 – 19, with the recommendations on p. 17-19

You can view the presentation of the report and the discussion on the video of the June 2, 2025 Sederunt 2:

Sederunt 2 Video

1:29:08 Introduction by the Convener of Assembly Council, Cherie Inksetter

1:31:30 Rev. Dr. Jean Morris presenting the working group report

1:45:28 Rev. Jennifer Cameron and Rev. Bethany McCaffrey (members of working group) making comments

1:45:28 Rev. Jennifer Cameron

1:50:06 Rev. Bethany McCaffrey

1:56:38 Discussion following small group conversations with responses to the report – support and concerns

Discussion took place on the recommendations in Sederunt 7 on June 4, 2025:

Sederunt 7 Video

The following recommendations were adopted by the General Assembly.

Recommendation ASC-001 

That, subject to the addition of the words “in collaboration with local synods, presbyteries and congregations”, to item 10 of the Terms of Reference following the words “Regional Leadership Teams”, the General Assembly appoint a Special Commission called the Change Leadership Team for a 2-year term with the following Terms of Reference and the proposed skills for the Change Leadership Team members.

(The terms of reference are in the full report that is attached.)

Recommendation ASC-002

That the Change Leadership Team (Special Commission) propose a strategy and steps for the implementation of a renewed structure that will meet current and future needs, in consultation with Clerks of presbyteries, synods and General Assembly, and report to the 2027 General Assembly.

Recommendation ASC-003

That the Change Leadership Team (Special Commission), in consultation with representatives from the Assembly Council, the Life and Mission Agency, the Trustee Board, the National Indigenous Ministries Council and presbytery clerks, revisit the policy on the allocation of the resources from the sale of closed congregations and make recommendations to the General Assembly in 2026.

Recommendation ASC-004

That the General Assembly appoint a Special Committee to develop a National Framework for the Use of Property for The Presbyterian Church in Canada with the following Terms of Reference and that their report be presented to the 2026 General Assembly.

An additional motion was passed, naming the members of the Change Leadership Team. The list of the members can be obtained from Reports for General Assembly in the Reports Section under Assembly Council – Change Leadership Team – Members and Biographies.

Significant changes will be taking place as a result of these decisions. The Change Leadership Team is a “commission” which means they have the authority to act on behalf of General Assembly. There will be more information coming out about this initiative. Be aware of the decisions that have been made and take time to read about the work of the commission.