wfn.org | United Church of Canada Response to Unionizing Clergy

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

For Immediate Release
Friday November 12, 2004

UNITED CHURCH RESPONSE TO UNIONIZING CLERGY

Toronto:  "Trade unions can and do work for good in society, but they
are not a good fit for United Church clergy," according to the Rev. Dr.
Jim Sinclair, General Secretary of the General Council of The United
Church of Canada.

Sinclair made his comments in a statement released today following the
announcement last week that the Canadian Auto Workers Union was
launching a membership drive to unionize United Church ministers. Along
with this statement, the United Church also released a pastoral letter
written by the church's Moderator, the Right Rev. Dr. Peter Short.

Sinclair explains that in The United Church of Canada the role of the
minister is complex. It is based on a covenantal relationship between
different parties, under God, rather than a contractual one between
employer and employee. "Labour relations legislation was not designed or
intended to regulate the relationship between a minister and the
church," says Sinclair.

He adds, "Unionization of the clergy would fundamentally change the
theological understanding of the covenant role of a minister within The
United Church of Canada, and the character of the relationship with her
or his congregation. It is also difficult to imagine how ministers could
be members of a bargaining unit and at the same time continue to
exercise their presbytery responsibilities of governance and management
within The United Church of Canada."

Sinclair says the United Church is very aware of the challenges that
ministers and congregations face in maintaining a healthy relationship.
He does not believe, however, that hope for renewal lies within the
adversarial approach of the union/management labour relations model.

"A continuing goal of the United Church and its ministers is to foster
healthy congregations," comments Sinclair. He says the denomination has
undertaken several initiatives in recent years to provide more effective
support and supervision to ministers and congregations. "The church
believes that when one hurts, we all hurt, and is always saddened to
hear of situations where wholeness and health have not been achieved,"
says Sinclair.

Referring to recent media attention to these matters, Sinclair comments,
"I know there are those who are anxious about the present discussion of
unionization. Frankly, I encourage it. It provides a welcome opportunity
for members of The United Church of Canada to examine their ministry of
caring for all who are associated with the church, ministers and
congregations alike, to address where it is deficient, and certainly to
affirm where it is effective and faithful."

For further information, please contact:
Mary-Frances Denis
Communications Officer
The United Church of Canada
416-231-7680 ext. 2016 (office)
mdenis@united-church.ca

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