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This summer, General Synod 35 will evaluate three proposed amendments to the United Church of Christ (UCC) Constitution and Bylaws. The focus is on understanding the rationale and practical implications of these changes.
The third set of proposed amendments addresses Unified Governance within the UCC. These changes suggest that Associate General Ministers will no longer be elected or serve on the UCC Board of Directors.
The UCC has been restructuring its governance for some time, with this proposal marking another step in that process. Since a 2017 amendment, Associate General Ministers have not served as chief executives of Covenanted Ministries. Their roles are assigned by the General Minister and President (GMP) and confirmed by the UCC Board (UCCB). The GMP serves as the chief executive, responsible for budgetary decisions and human resources.
The proposal argues that treating Associate General Ministers as co-equals with the GMP in elections and accountability has led to confusion about their roles. As they do not handle budget or human resource decisions, it is suggested there is no need for them to be elected by General Synod or serve as Officers of the UCC.
For those seeking more information or wishing to discuss these proposals further, contact can be made with UCCB Chair Julia Gaughan at gaughanj@ucc.org.
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