News
The United Church of Canada was holding its 43rd General Council (GC43) this week in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada under the theme of “Risking Faith, Daring Hope.”
Being 21-27 July, the GC43 is featuring speakers including World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Isabel Apawo Phiri, as well as many indigenous members of the church who are sharing their traditions and offering insights into reconciliation.
"The church needs to be courageous not perfect!" Phiri said quoting Pope John XXIII as she addressed the Council, and encouraged the participants not to consult their fears but their hopes for the future.
In an opening sermon on 22 July, Rev. Miriam Spies, who serves on the WCC Central Committee, described how Jesus called the first disciples to join a Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. “Jesus dared to send them out with all that they needed: authority to heal, sandals, a staff, and someone to accompany them,” she said. “At the very beginning of his ministry, Jesus sent out disciples, knowing God’s mission in the world takes time and takes community.”
It is a pilgrimage that takes risks in faith and dares to hope with compassion in God’s world, added Spies: “Along this pilgrimage where we are called to take risks in faith and dare to hope, we are washed, fed, and renewed with the life of Jesus by the grace of God.”
