CANADIAN UNITARIAN COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT
1999–2000

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CANADIAN UNITARIAN COUNCIL•ANNUAL REPORT•1999–2000       1

CUC RULES OF PROCEDURE

SPEAKERS

Visitors who are members of member societies shall have the privilege of the floor after all delegates have had the opportunity to speak on any motion. Other visitors shall have the privilege of the floor at the discretion of the chair. Members of the Board of Trustees who may not be delegates and Ministers currently serving or retired from member socieities shall have the privilege of the floor on the same terms as a delegate.

TO SPEAK

A delegate desiring to speak shall address the chair giving his/her name and society affiliation, and be duly recognized before speaking. A delegate may speak for not more than three minutes at any one time unless this time limit is extended by two-thirds consent of the delegates present and voting. No one may speak twice on a particular question unless all delegates who wish to speak on that question have had the opportunity to do so except for the mover of a motion who may also speak at the close of debate.

MOTIONS

Motions shall be stated orally and immediately handed in writing to the chair before action or debate on the motion shall take place. Only accredited delegates may introduce motions, and all motions must bear the name of the delegate and that of the society he/she represents.

LIMIT ON DEBATE

Not more than 20 minutes shall be allowed for debate on any given motion, except by two-thirds consent of the delegates present and voting, when debate on such a motion may be extended for a further period or periods of fifteen minutes.

VOTING

Only accredited delegates shall be entitled to vote, and their voting cards must be displayed at the time of voting.

OTHER RULES OF PROCEDURE

Bourinot’s Rules of Order Revised shall govern.

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BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA

CANADIAN UNITARIAN COUNCIL•ANNUAL REPORT•1999–2000       3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 1999-2000

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MINUTES OF THE 1999 CUC ANNUAL MEETING

SATURDAY MAY 22, 1999

1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President John Hopewell at 2:20 p.m.

2. INVOCATION AND CHALICE LIGHTING
Joyce Poley led the invocation in song and the chalice was lit.

3. OFFICIAL CALL TO MEETING The Secretary, Lisa Dessens, read the official call to meeting.

The following representatives of other organizations brought greetings:

• St. Lawrence District – Kathryn McIntyre, Past President
• Unitarian Universalist Association – Rev. William G. Sinkford, Director of Congregational, District and Extension Services
• Northeast District – Rev. Calvin Dame, UUA Trustee from the Northeast District
• British General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches – Letter from Jeff Teagle, General Secretary read by Ellen Campbell
• International Association for Religious Freedom – Rev. Harold Rosen, Local Chair for the Vancouver Congress and President, Canadian Chapter
• International Council of Unitarians and Universalists – John Slattery, Treasurer
• UU Ministers of Canada – Rev. Allison Barrett, Past President
• UU United Nations Office – Elaine Harvey, Vice President
• UU Women’s Federation – Rev. Katie Stein Sather, Board
• Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice – Bob Van Alstyne, President
• Chaplains’ Association – Elizabeth McGugan, President
• Canadian Unitarian Universalist Historical Society – Janet Evans

4. REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
The members of the Credentials Committee were introduced: Doug Greig, Chair, Doug Campbell, and Kay Laidlaw. It was reported that 93 delegates were present, representing 8 provinces and 35 congregations.

5. ADOPTION OF RULES OF PROCEDURE
The Rules of Procedure printed in the 1998-99 Annual Report were presented.

Moved by Barbara Bowmar, Kelowna, seconded by Rev. Brian Kiely, Edmonton, that the Rules of Procedure be adopted.

Carried

Bernie Keeler was appointed as Parliamentarian. He gave a brief description of his duties.

Yvonne Greig was appointed to be Timekeeper. In the event of a counted vote, the Credentials Committee will be tellers.

6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
It was moved by Joy Silver, Beacon, that the revised agenda be adopted.

Carried

7. MINUTES OF 1998 ANNUAL MEETING

The Minutes of the 37th Annual Meeting were presented. It was noted that the numbering of the meetings was incorrect.

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MINUTES OF THE 1999 CUC ANNUAL MEETING

Moved by Dorothy Keeler, Edmonton, seconded by Joop Schuyff, Victoria, that the Minutes of the meeting of May 16-18, 1998 be adopted with revisions.

Carried

8. ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual Report was presented, and questions and comments invited on its contents.

President’s Report
John Hopewell reported that he would be stepping down as president. He recognised the board for its hard work and commitment to the use of consensus. John thanked the board and staff for their support. As part of his report he called on John Slattery.

ICUU Representative and new Treasurer John Slattery reported that the ICUU met on May 4, 1999, in Hungary. He shared his experiences at the meeting. Regional groupings are developing in Europe and the Far East. He summarised some of the services now provided by the ICUU. The ICUU will work on improved communications between member groups through technology.

John also reported on his visit to the Canadian Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, to discuss problems Unitarians have had in getting visitors’ visas to visit partner churches. The First Secretary for Immigration asked for personal letters of support from John for applicants in addition to the normal documentation. The CUC Board approved this arrangement.

Executive Director’s Report
Ellen expressed her gratitude to Dave Dessens for his efforts in trying to provide Canadian Unitarian materials to congregations through Free Spirit Literature and announced that an agreement is being negotiated with The People’s Co-op Bookstore in Vancouver. Ellen also reported on the new congregations that have been formed. Our growth in certified membership has remained the same; however, there are 12 emerging groups who have 250 to 300 members.

Staffing now includes: Carol Dahlquist, Kevin Virtue, who will be working full-time through the summer, Sue McLeod, and Wendy Luella Perkins as halftime Growth Coordinator. Ellen thanked the staff for their support.

Carol thanked Ellen and the board for their support in her part time return to work.

Long Range Plan
Sharing Our Faith Grants: John Hopewell reported that the Board approved grants to the Fredericton, Saint John and Kamloops congregations. There are other groups that may also receive monies after satisfying the criteria.

Growth Project: Wendy Luella Perkins asked the group to participate in a growth activity: “We’re Growing!” She introduced the team managing the HUUG (Helping Unitarian Universalists Grow) project: Rev Nancy Anderson, Evelyn Beaudoin, Frances Deverell, Linda Hicks, Richard Jackson, Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed, Rev. Wendy Luella Perkins, Lynne Picard, Kim Turner. Wendy announced the creation of a new web site: www.web.ca/canugrow.

Fund Raising
Ellen announced the substantial anonymous donation of $150,000 to the Endowment Fund. She reminded the group that the best way to continue to give is by leaving an endowment in your will to the Endowment Fund of the CUC.

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MINUTES OF THE 1999 CUC ANNUAL MEETING

Friends of the CUC are also an important part of our fundraising efforts. John encouraged those present to become Friends of the CUC.

Ministry and Chaplaincy Committee
Rev. Jane Bramadat reported four recipients of the Percy Simpson Bailey grants: Peter Boullata, Frances Dearman, Dena Ellery, and Marilyn Edwards Leese. A bursary will also go to Rev. Vann Knight from the Theological Education Fund.

John reported that the Chaplaincy Task Force would meet in the fall to review the chaplaincy program.

Social Responsibility
Kim Turner noted some additions to the printed report: a report from the economic justice monitor, an update report on the globalisation study, and notes from Rev. Brian Kiely on his meeting with the Hon. Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice about our policy on Choice in Dying.

She shared two new developments from the Board meeting. They endorsed the interfaith initiative “Jubilee 2000,” and Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice has applied for Associate Member status with the CUC. Kim will continue as the board liaison on social responsibility issues.

She encouraged those present to read and sign the petitions in support of women in Afghanistan and introduced members of the monitoring groups who were present at the meeting.

Globalization Study: Joop Schuyff commented that activity has recently increased. He directed the group to read the report that was distributed at the meeting. He invited congregations return questionnaires if they have not already done so.

Social Action Recognition: Margaret Brown announced special recognition to the Guatemala School project, South Peel Congregation’s work on homelessness, Marjorie Nicol and Doug Rutherford for their years of work on many social responsibility projects, Kamloops BC group for their support of the New Life program for homeless people, and Fredericton and London congregations for their Empty Bowls programs.

Publications
The Canadian Unitarian: Art Kilgour shared the editorial policy and highlighted three ways that stories are found for the Canadian Unitarian: 1) newsletters, 2) e-mails and phone calls, 3) the CUC office.

RE Video: Elizabeth Bowen reported on the development of a new video on religious education for children and adults. It will publicise our programs to the outside and provide orientation and training for parents and teachers within our community. Fundraising has begun and Elizabeth encouraged individuals and congregations to contribute..

Moved by Joop Schuyff, Victoria, seconded by Joy Johnston, Comox, to adopt the Annual Report.

Carried

The meeting was recessed at 4:30 p.m.

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MINUTES OF THE 1999 CUC ANNUAL MEETING

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 1999

The meeting was reconvened at 1:20 p.m. on Sunday, May 23, 1999.

Joyce Poley led a singing invocation and the chalice was lit.

9. CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
The Credentials Committee reported that there were 95 delegates representing eight provinces and 10 congregations.

Two additional reports were received:

Homelessness
Jacob Larson from the Toronto First Youth Group announced a demonstration opposing Ontario Provincial policies on homeless youth. He asked that those from the Ontario area write to their respective representatives in support. The event will be May 29th and they asked for any adults who would wish to come and support the youth as monitors to insure a peaceful event.

Peace Conference
Sue Berry of the South Peel congregation reported on her attendance at the recent Peace Conference in The Hague. There were over 8000 people from over 100 countries. They produced a 50-point plan for abolishing war. She shared a summary of the points with the group.

10. BUSINESS ARISING

a) Social Responsibility Resolutions

i) Web of Life

Richard Bocking, Co-Chair of the working group, presented a new Statement of Environmental Policy, Environmental Principles, and a plan for implementation, developed through consultation with congregations.

Moved by Richard Bocking, Victoria, seconded by Eleanor Smith, Edmonton, that the meeting adopt the Statement of Environmental Policy and the Principles on which it is based.

Discussion
Kim Turner, stated that the Board was pleased with how the consultation process went. There was a request that action stemming from the policy be based on solid research. The Assembly indicated with applause that this was a fine piece of work.

Keith Baxter, North Hatley, noted that within the statement of policy there was a request for endorsement of the plan, which had not yet been presented.

Moved by Keith Baxter, seconded by Catherine Schuler, Toronto First, to amend the environmental policy by deleting the last two paragraphs on the first page.

Carried

The main motion was carried

Moved by Richard Bocking, Victoria, seconded by Janet Evans, Victoria, that the meeting adopt the CUC Plan for Implementation of the CUC Environmental Policy.

Carried

Karl Perrin, Vancouver, spoke to a resolution passed by the Unitarian Church of Vancouver on global warming, which was sent to congregations across the country. He shared some of the concerns that precipitated this resolution and encouraged members to take the resolution back to their congregations and act on it.

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MINUTES OF THE 1999 CUC ANNUAL MEETING

ii) Amendment to policy on Justice for First Nations

Harold Koehler, London, presented an amendment to the CUC Justice for First Nations Resolution. The section in questions currently reads,

“The Canadian Unitarian Council commits itself to solidarity with First Nations Peoples in their struggles to achieve justice and, in particular, supports . . . 2. Interpretation of existing Treaties in contemporary terms and full implementation of all Treaties in a timely and equitable manner . . .”

Keith Jobson, who chaired the group that developed the original policy, has been informed that this wording is not consistent with the position of First Nations people.

Kim Turner, Halifax, moved:

Whereas the Resolution commits the CUC to solidarity with First Nations peoples in their struggles for justice and the first number 2 paragraph commits the CUC to support “interpretation of existing treaties in contemporary terms...” and

Whereas, current Canadian law endorses the First Nations’ position that existing treaties are to be interpreted in keeping with the understanding of the parties at the time the treaties were entered into, and

Whereas, the 1995 wording reflects an earlier federal government position that the treaties should be given a narrow reading,

Therefore, be it MOVED that the first number two paragraph of the CUC 1995 Resolution on First Nations Justice be amended so as to delete the words “in contemporary terms” and that “in keeping with the understanding of the parties at the time of signing” be inserted in their place.

Seconded and carried

iii) A Special Resolution, including the requisite signatures, was presented.

Moved by Joop Schuyff, Victoria, seconded by John Taylor, Vancouver, that:

Whereas Unitarian Universalists affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity and compassion in human relations; the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part; and

Whereas Unitarian Universalists actively support the United Nations Organization as the principal instrument for achieving world peace; and

Whereas the major international and national faith associations have openly appealed for the cessation of armed hostilities and for a negotiated settlement of the conflict in the Balkans; and

Whereas the military solution to a humanitarian problem has not only failed but worsened the conditions for all those involved in the conflict in the Balkans;

We, the assembled delegates at the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Unitarian Council, call on all combatants, including the Government of Canada, to cease armed hostilities and return to the path of a negotiated settlement of the current Balkan conflict through the offices of the United Nations Organization, and

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MINUTES OF THE 1999 CUC ANNUAL MEETING

Be it further resolved that we urge Slobodan Milosevic to put an end to the “ethnic cleansing” (repression) that is taking place in Yugoslavia, including the province of Kosovo.

There was discussion on the motion.

Moved by Helen Iacovino, Toronto, to amend the motion by deleting the words “cease armed hostilities and return to the path of” and replacing it with “work for”. Seconded.

After discussion the motion to amend was defeated.

Moved by Richard Jack, Regina, seconded by Peter Scales, Quinte, to amend the last paragraph of the motion by replacing the words “Slobodan Milosevic” with “all groups” and replacing “(repression)” with “(human rights abuses)” and replacing “Yugoslavia” with “The Balkans”.

Motion carried as amended

b) Commission on Services to Canadian Congregations

Moved by Bob Spinney, Calgary, seconded by Joan Harris, First Toronto, that the meeting move into the Committee of the Whole.

Carried

Kim Turner took the chair for the discussion of the Commission’s Stage 2 Report.

Moved by Jane Innerd, Olinda, seconded by Joop Schuyff, Victoria, to rise from committee of the whole.

Carried

John Hopewell took the chair. Kim Turner reported to the him that the Committee of the Whole had met and there were no motions arising.

c) Decision to extend the 1995-2000 Long-Range Plan

Moved by Barbara Bowmar, Kelowna, seconded by Joy Silver, Beacon, that the term of the long-range plan be extended by one year to 2001.

Carried

11. NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.

12. ELECTIONS

John Hopewell spoke about Sylvia Tebbutt, who had been a member of the Nominating Committee and who died suddenly only a few weeks before the Annual Meeting.

Marianne Wood, Chair, presented the report from the Nominating Committee.

Board of Trustees
There are three vacancies this year. Lee Dickey is retiring after two terms, Margaret Brown after one. Barbara Bowmar is standing for a second term. Nominees for the vacant positions are Mark Morrison-Reed, First Toronto, and Keith Baxter, North Hatley.

Marianne Wood moved that the three candidates be elected to the CUC Board of Trustees.

Carried

Nominating Committee
Marianne Wood moved that Marianne Wood, Beth Jenkins, Beverley Leaman, John May and Laura Hody be elected to the Nominating Committee for year 1999-2000.

Carried

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MINUTES OF THE 1999 CUC ANNUAL MEETING

Auditor
Marianne Wood moved that John Fenton be named the auditor for 1999–2000.

Carried

13. FINANCE REPORT

a) Treasurer’s Report
Lee Dickey, Treasurer, introduced John Fenton, our Auditor for the past sixteen years.

Lee Dickey presented the Auditor’s Report. He pointed out the strong contributions made in the last year. He also noted the discrepancies in budgeted versus actual amounts and indicated where additional monies had been moved.

Moved by Lee Dickey, Waterloo, seconded by Doreen Peever, St. Catharines, to accept the Auditor’s Report for 1999.

Discussion: There was a question about whether the investments listed met the test of ethical investing. Lee answered that the Ethical Investment Committee has reviewed our holdings and discussions with our broker continue.

A question was raised about the cost of the hotel.

Carried

Ellen thanked John Fenton, the auditor, for his good work and support to the CUC and staff.

b) Presentation and Adoption of Proposed Budget

Lee Dickey presented the 1999-2000 budget.

Moved by Lee Dickey, Waterloo, to accept the proposed 1999-2000 budget. Seconded by Kim Turner, Halifax.

It was noted that the CUC had been a member of Project Ploughshares several years previously and membership had been dropped for financial reasons.

Moved by John Taylor, Vancouver, that budget item 5690 be increased by $600 to cover the membership costs of Project Ploughshares. Seconded by Christine Johnson, Victoria.

Carried

c) Future Annual Program Fund Increases

Moved by Lee Dickey, Waterloo, that the APF rate be set for $44 per member for 2000/ 2001. Seconded by Keith Baxter, North Hatley.

Carried

The meeting was recessed at 5:00 p.m.

MONDAY, MAY 24, 1999

The meeting reconvened at 10:45. a.m.

Rev. Wendy Luella Perkins led the assembly in a musical meditation and lit the chalice.

Doug Greig of the Credentials Committee reported that there are 95 delegates representing 8 provinces in attendance.

BOARD REPORT
John Hopewell reported that Canadians Unitarians for Social Justice had been granted Associate Member status.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF BOARD OFFICERS
John Hopewell reported that the Board had elected the following Executive Committee:

Kim Turner, President
Barbara Bowmar, Vice President
Lisa Dessens, Secretary
John Hopewell, Treasurer

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MINUTES OF THE 1999 CUC ANNUAL MEETING

The new president, Kim Turner, assumed the chair. She thanked retiring president John Hopewell for his service. The assembly responded with a standing ovation. She thanked the assembly for her new opportunity to serve as president.

13. FINANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)

d) Ethical Investment Committee Report
John Taylor, Vancouver, reported for the Ethical Investment Committee. He referred to the Marketable Securities listed on pages seven and eight of the Financial Statements, year ending March 31, 1999. He said that these investments indicated the degree of adherence to the policy for ethical investments adopted at Thunder Bay in 1997. He said that they were very close to the Ethical Funds of Canada recommendations and similar to investments held by other denominations with whom the committee had been in close contact.

He reported that many congregations were getting their own ethical investment policies, citing Vancouver. The committee is recommending that the CUC’s broker subscribe to the database of the Social Investment Organization of Canada. He reviewed the criteria for ethical investing. He reported that although there were some concerns about Stelco and Canadian Pacific and that some of the banks need monitoring, the committee was generally satisfied with the catching up process.

Kim Turner thanked the committee members, John Taylor, Sydney Morris and Lee Dickey.

14. OTHER BUSINESS
On behalf of the Board, Barbara Bowmar presented a motion of thanks to all those involved in the success of the meeting. She listed: the local committee, the Annual Meeting Planning Committee, naming the members, the volunteers from South Peel and Southern Ontario, Jeff Brown for the Worship Services’ arrangements, Ray Drennan, Elaine Roberts and Ellen Campbell for the historical “broadcast” at the Ingathering, the workshop leaders, Bernie Keeler, Parliamentarian, John Hopewell, as president, staff members Kevin Virtue, Carol Dahlquist, Ellen Campbell and Sue McLeod, the Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre, and the attending delegates.

The spontaneous ovation was interpreted by the chair as unanimous approval.

15. CLOSING CEREMONY
Retiring Board members Margaret Brown and Lee Dickey installed the members of the Board for the coming year.

Noreen Brownridge and Yvonne Greig of Mississauga, 1999 host congregation presented the pot of soil, to Bob Spinney and Renee Boisvert of Calgary, host congregation for the Annual Meeting in 2000. Bob Spinney invited all attendees to come to Calgary next year.

Joy Silver, Beacon, seconded by Anne Orfald, Peterborough moved adjournment at 11:20 a.m.

Carried

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
by Kim Turner

It has been an honour to have served as President of the CUC for the lastyear. This has been a busy and exciting time. The majority of my focus over the past year has been on the ongoing discussions regarding the delivery of services to Canadian congregations and the corresponding issues regarding the UUA, District and CUC relationships.

Following last May’s meeting, the Commission on Delivery of Services finalized their report focusing on the wishes of Canadian societies regarding the services they receive. They told us Canadians want more Canadian services, in Canada, delivered by Canadians. They also told us that many Canadian Unitarians and Universalists have close cross border associations which they want to preserve and even enrich as we move forward. We were also told of the anxiety of others who felt that the CUC should not bite off more than it could chew and that our path should be one of “evolution not revolution.”

The CUC Board has embraced this report and its members have visited congregations from Coast to Coast to involve as many Canadian Unitarians and Universalists as possible in this ongoing discussion regarding our future. This weekend in Calgary, we will be asking for the delegates support in moving forward with the Commission’s recommendations. With that in hand, we will then have to enter into further discussions with the UUA and the UUA Districts with respect to how we can make this all happen. There is much more work ahead.

Although preoccupying, this has not been the only matter keeping the Board busy. The Chaplaincy task force, growth work, social action, international relations, a technology committee, the RE video, the publications committee, are among the areas which Board members have focused this past year. The Board members have devoted much time and energy to their work and I thank them for all that they do.

One of the biggest changes in the year ahead will be the retirement of our Executive Director, Ellen Campbell. Ellen’s depth of commitment to, and knowledge of, Canadian Unitarianism and Universalism has been invaluable to this organization and to the many Board members, staff, Ministers and others with whom she has worked. We would not have evolved to where we are today without her many contributions.

Thank you Ellen.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
by Ellen Campbell

This year the dominant motif might be “pending,” both on a personaland an institutional level. Much of the focus of the year, for the Board and for me, has been the upcoming decisions by the Annual Meeting about the nature and direction of the relationship between the Canadian Unitarian Council and the Unitarian Universalist Association. This has involved meetings with representatives of the UUA Board and the Districts, and a presentation to the Pacific Northwest District Annual Meeting. Board and Commission members have visited most of our congregations, and I have participated in a small number of these visits, as well as assisting in the preparation of materials and gathering of information from the meetings.

Other responsibilities were not on hold during this year, however. The Canadian Unitarian Council hosted the Triennial Congress of the International Association for Religious Freedom. Rev. Harold Rosen, the local chair, did a superb job of organizing the Congress in Vancouver, and the CUC office worked closely with the IARF Secretariat to deal with other issues. The meetings were well-attended, and people from Asia, Europe and other parts of the world had a wonderful time in Vancouver.

As a member of the Executive Committee of the IARF Council, I participated in the search process for a new General Secretary. Andrew Clark, who brings extensive international experience with Quaker Peace and Service, began his work with the IARF in February.

Through the spring and summer faith groups and other charitable organizations met to discuss potential changes in the federal government’s relationship with our sector. While faith groups’ relationship with government is less significant than that of other charities, we have some concerns. Several of our new congregations have had difficulty obtaining charitable status. Criteria seem to have been narrowing in recent years. We have kept a close watch on this issue, and must continue to do so.

Another interfaith activity the CUC has become involved in is “Screening in Faith,” a project developed by Volunteer Canada funded by the Ontario government. The aim of this project is “to provide each faith community with tools to create and maintain a safe environment, to protect those who are to be cared for and to prevent sexual, physical and emotional misconduct from occurring in places of ministry.” Sylvia Bass-West, the Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Fellowship of London, is now representing us on this group and will be working with congregations on the project.

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The Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the UUA has adopted a new regional structure. Canada is one of eight regions, each of which has a sub-committee. The sub-committees work with individuals interested in entering the Unitarian Universalist ministry, at the earliest stages of their study. The CUC is administering the Canadian sub-committee. We believe this will strengthen ministry in Canada.

The CUC is also cooperating with the Department of Ministry’s Staff Finance Office. Three Canadians have been trained as Compensation Consultants. Bernie Keeler will be working with congregations in the west, Evelyn Kent in central Canada, and Mary Van Gaal in the east.

The CUC was able to replace the service of Free Spirit Literature with an arrangement with People’s Coop Books, a well-established bookstore in Vancouver. People’s Coop imports most UUA publications and carries CUC publications, as well as a wide range of other publications. We are hopeful that this service will make life easier and publications more accessible for our congregations.

Last year the Annual Meeting voted to extend the life of the 1995 long-range plan until 2001. We are seeing some of the results of the work done in the past five years. The Growth Project, which is reported on elsewhere, was a response to the high priority given to growth and outreach by congregations in the development of the plan. The Board will again be awarding “Sharing Our Faith” grants to congregations for their growth projects. While our certified membership growth has increased more slowly than we had hoped, growth over this five year period is reflected in the three new member congregations and the nine Emerging Groups. This year we have begun to implement the Visibility Project, by contracting with Art Kilgour and Nichola Martin, editors of The Canadian Unitarian, to develop a systematic approach to media, nationally and in collaboration with congregations.

Early in this report, I said that my personal life was “pending,” along with the institution. In the fall, I decided that after a decade it was time for me to retire from the Canadian Unitarian Council. I do so feeling that we have accomplished much together. As always, I am aware of the great contributions of your Board, all of whom have gone beyond the usual level of commitment this year. The staff, Carol Dahlquist, Sue McLeod and Kevin Virtue in the office, Wendy Luella Perkins managing the Growth Project, and Nichola Martin and Art Kilgour editing The Canadian Unitarian and building our visibility in the wider community, bring skill and enthusiasm to their work. I have very high hopes for the future of the Canadian Unitarian Council.

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COMMISSION ON SERVICES REPORT
by John Slattery

For all intents and purposes, the Commission on Services wrapped upits work at last year’s Annual meeting with the presentation of its Stage II report. At one time it was thought that a third report might be needed, and indeed some suggestions for changes and additions did come from the floor at the 1999 Annual Meeting. In reviewing this input, however, the Commission came to the conclusion that the changes were relatively minor and that the overall reception by the delegates was sufficiently positive so as not to make the writing of a third report necessary.

The one exception to this was in the area of vision. More that one delegate expressed the opinion that a stronger statement of a vision for the CUC was needed, and this was heard. In the end, the CUC Board itself undertook the task of addressing the task of developing one, and this will be part of the package it will deliver for consideration by the delegates at the 2000 Annual Meeting.

As their final official act, the members of the Commission agreed to collaborate with the members of the Board in the delivery of seminars/workshops across the country in the February-April period. These are based on both the work of the Commission itself and on the work that the Board has since done last May to follow through on its recommendations. All this work was summarized in a special four page insert in the February 2000 issue of the Canadian Unitarian.

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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
by Carol Dahlquist

This year’s administrative experience has been a bit like juggling many balls in the air at once and never quite knowing just how many will stay in the air and which ones will fall. It has been a challenge to manage both my family life, which includes a very active and curious toddler, and equally active teenagers, as well as my work life at the active office of the CUC.

In last year’s report I mentioned the work of the CUC increasing, well I think I can just leave that in as a standard comment about the office for every year! As we increase yearly in our program activities, our photocopying, mailings and general office activity also increases, not to mention the e-mail! Thanks to technology the CUC Board is doing more work in between meetings. This is leading to more effective and productive meetings when we actually do get together. The down side to e-mail, as I’m sure you all know, is that Monday morning logon with a zillion e-mails just waiting of our immediate reply.

This year I have taken on two new tasks, staffing the Regional Sub Committee on Candidacy, a sub-committee of the UU Ministerial Fellowship Committee, and representing the CUC on a committee in support of Afghan Women. Both activities have been rewarding and enriching experiences. The work on Afghan Women have been written up in a separate report.

The main purpose of the RSCC committee is to evaluate and support ministerial students prior to their meeting with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee. In January the members of the committee and I traveled to Santa Fe for training, and just this past March we held the first ever Canadian ministerial student retreat. It was a great success. Canadian students are thrilled to have the opportunity to connect and to receive information which will help them in the process towards UU ministry. I am equally thrilled to be staffing this committee. And what a great committee, they are; Doug Campbell, chair, Rev. Donna Morrison-Reed, Rev. Ray Drennan, Sara McEwan, Elaine Roberts, Rev. Van Knight and Rev. Susan Van Dreser.

During this past year I am grateful for the assistance of Sue McLeod who has been instrumental in helping things run smoothly in the office by coming in one day a week to manage the phones, write cheques and deposits and any other such job as they arise. Sue will be finishing in June to spend more time with her family and with volunteer work like the Partner Church Program.

By now you will all be familiar with the friendly and helpful voice of Kevin Virtue. Kevin has been a mainstay in the office this year, as he has taken on the title of Administrative Assistant. Kevin, along with Sue have made it possible for

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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT, continued

me to work part-time, allowing me to spend time with Hunter. Kevin has his own juggling to do as he manages the busy activities of the CUC office with his studies in Religion at the University of Toronto. Kevin manages our database and all the office mailings, which is no small undertaking! Among his other duties he answers the phone, manages the general office e-mail, responds to requests and is one of those unique people who just fills in the gaps as needed. He is a valuable and appreciated addition to the CUC office.

As this year heads towards our annual meeting and Ellen’s imminent departure I can’t help but feel a little melancholy. Ellen and I have worked together for nine years. Like any relationship there has been some tense times, like moving the office 3 times! But there have been many more days of laughter, hard work and genuine harmony. I will miss her wise counsel, her satiric sense of humour and calm steady hand. I wish her a deserved rest in her retirement, though, as I know Ellen and most Unitarians, retirement just means a different kind of busy!

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GROWTH PROJECT REPORT
by Wendy Luella Perkins

This upcoming July 2000 will mark the end of the second year of the Growing Vital Religious Communities in Canada program. It is a great joy for me, as program coordinator, to work with volunteers so committed to nurturing growth and vitality in our Canadian. I trust that you will notice some of the fruits of our labours during this year’s AGM, as representatives from each team will be contributing in workshops, worship and/ or networking sessions. Below are some highlights from this past year.

HELPING UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS GROW (HUUG)
The HUUG team includes the following members: The Rev. Nancy Anderson (Fredericton); Evelyn Beaudoin (Montrèal); Art Brewer (Toronto); Frances Deverell (Vancouver); Linda Hicks (Hamilton); The Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed (Toronto); Lynne Picard (Winnipeg); Kim Turner (Halifax). Our focus this year has been to systematically review, evaluate and revise existing growth programs for the Canadian context. The team spent an intense four days in Halifax in February 2000 where we offered the UUA s Planning for Growth and Vitality for Smaller Congregations weekend workshop for our Atlantic congregations. Linda Hicks and I facilitated the workshop, while the rest of the team carefully observed and critiqued the program. This was a great weekend for the congregational teams and HUUG. We are now in the process of adapting this workshop for the Canadian context and hope to start offering the program as early as the fall of 2000. One model that we will integrate into these workshops is called small group ministry or covenant groups. This is an innovative and transforming way to organize congregations into small (6-10 members) circles. The groups encourage personal and congregational growth and intimacy.

LES DEUX SOLITUDES CANADIENNES / CANADA’S TWO SOLITUDES
Pour que notre religion survive au Québec, nous devons élaborer des stratégies pour desservir la communauté francophone.

If our religion is to survive in Quebec we must develop some strategies for serving the French Community.

To reach out to Francophones, we are developing Unitarian Universalist materials in the French language. Under the leadership of The Rev. Ray Drennan (Montréal), we have been collecting and translating materials (e.g., opening words, chalice lightings, meditations etc.) in French. The team also includes Marie-France Lepage (Montréal), Keith Baxter (North Hatley) and Gilles Marchildon (Winnipeg). Our first deadline for submissions was March 31, 2000 and we have collected over 100 pages of material! The team, with the assistance of other review-

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GROWTH PROJECT REPORT, continued

ers, is now engaged in the time-consuming task of editing the collection. We will create a small worship resource for members/friends and a larger book for leaders. We are using some of these resources during this year’s AGM and plan to debut the entire collection at the CUC’s AGM in 2001 in Montréal.

SUCCESSFUL STEWARDSHIP
Under the leadership of Elaine Roberts (Edmonton), a team including Joe Connor (Winnipeg) and Charlie Scholz (Fredericton) has been working to adapt or develop canvass and fundraising materials specific to the Canadian UU context. In the fall of 1999, a survey about stewardship was sent to all Canadian congregations. Twenty-one were returned and the results led us to focus on: endowments, planned giving and building funds; resources for the canvass; and developing an online network of Canadian Unitarian Universalists concerned with the financial vitality of our congregations. We hope you’ll consider joining us at a networking session called Money Talk at the AGM. This gathering will focus on the meat and potatoes of fundraising in our congregations, the annual canvass. There will also be some discussion about Endowment Funds (and the distribution of a manual on endowments).

BUILDING OUR IDENTITY
While the team for this sub-project has not yet been formed, several people have expressed interest in volunteering to develop this adult program on Canadian Contextual Theology. We’ll be forming the group in the summer/fall of 2000. One of the HUUG team members, Frances Deverell, developed a document called “Characteristics of English-Canadian Congregations” which describes some of the unique contextual factors influencing our religious movement.

CANUGROW: OUR WEBSITE
Yes we have a website! For more information about Growing Vital Religious Communities in Canada, please visit us at www.web.ca/canugrow. Our webweaver is Charlie Walker.

ADMINISTERING THE PROGRAM
In April 2000, we submitted an activities report for the second year of Growing Vital Religious Communities in Canada and included a request for Year 3 funding to the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock. The Veatch Program issues grants one year at a time. As the half-time staff person, I work closely with each of the volunteer teams. If you have any questions, comments or contributions please contact me.

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FUNDRAISING REPORT
by John Hopewell

ANNUAL PROGRAM FUND
Once again Canadian Congregations have demonstrated excellent performance in achieving Honour Society status. For the 1999-00 year 41 out of 43 societies paid their fare share to the Annual Program Fund (APF). Thank you to all our members for your continued support of the Unitarian movement across Canada.

Canadian societies paid a total of $208,394 for 1999-00, which is 98% of fair share in dollars for the CUC. Many societies also paid APF contributions on a quarterly or monthly basis, providing a fairly consistent cash flow for our national organization.

The following are Honour Societies for 1999-2000:

Pacific Northwest
Beacon, Capital, Comox, Kelowna, Nanaimo, North Okanagan, North Shore, South Fraser, Vancouver, Victoria

Western Canada
Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, Arborg, Westwood, Winnipeg, Lakehead

St. Lawrence
Ottawa Fellowship, Peterborough, Hamilton, Quinte, London, St. Catharines, Guelph, South Peel, Northwest Toronto, Toronto First, Willowdale, Waterloo, Ottawa, Montreal, Lakeshore, Don Heights

New Hampshire, Vermont
North Hatley

Northeast
Fredericton, Halifax, PEI

Michigan
Sarnia-Port Huron

Canadian Honour Societies that are UUA members also are Honour Societies for the UUA’s General Assembly in June 2000.

The 2000-01 fair share amounts will be $44.00 per member. Societies paying this amount on or before March 31, 2001 will be Honour Societies for the coming year.

FRIENDS OF THE CUC
Friends of the CUC are people who make personal contributions in support of the Canadian Unitarian Council. In 1999-00, Friends of the CUC contributed $27,189. Approximately three hundred individuals or couples made donations to Friends during 1999-00. We are especially grateful this year to have surpassed our budgeted amount of $22,000. The Board of Trustees would like to thank all the individuals who have provided this ongoing support to the CUC.

ENDOWMENT FUND
The Endowment Fund was established in 1992 through a fund-raising campaign, “Making the Flame Brighter.” The purpose of the fund was to provide resources

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FUNDRAISING REPORT, continued

to enable the CUC to be more pro-active in our support of congregations and the work of our religious body in Canada. While the campaign was completed in 1995, the Fund continues to grow through occasional bequests and other gifts. The fund currently stands at over $600,000.

SHARING OUR FAITH
This year over 20 congregations participated in “Sharing Our Faith” Sunday, raising over $ 8,000 for grants for congregational growth projects. In 1999-00 four grants were made, to the Saint John and Neighbourhood Emerging groups and to congregations in Sarnia-Port Huron and Fredericton.

OPENING THE DOOR: LIFESPAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION VIDEO
The CUC is beginning production on a second video, this time on religious education. A matching grant of $ 13,000 US has been received from the Fund for Unitarian Universalism, and other donations have been received from the New York Convention of Universalists, the Liberal Religious Education Directors Association, the Unitarian Sunday School, the West Bequest, and a number of individual donors. A committee is currently at work to raise additional funds, both to match this grant and to provide sufficient resources to complete the project.

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INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
by John Taylor

The Investment Committee advises the Board of Trustees of the CUC in theimplementation of the investment policy adopted by the annual meeting in 1997. The policy as adopted is to invest our funds according to our principles and purposes, to work with our members in developing similar policies for our congregations, to vote our proxies accordingly, to work with similar organizations and attend conferences on social and environmental investing.

A major concern was addressed this year by asking our broker to gain an in depth knowledge of social and environmental investing. This request also included subscribing to the research reports of Michael Jantzi Research Associates Inc. The committee believes this is necessary in order for the board to have an adequate knowledge of what we are investing in so as to fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities to secure a good return and at the same time meet the standards as expressed in our principles and purposes. When our broker declined to subscribe to the research, the committee recommended that we seek out another broker and that is now underway.

Committee members John Taylor and Sydney Morris attended the annual SRI (Social Responsible Investing) in the Rockies Conference held for the first time in Canada last October. There were sixty Canadians out of the four hundred investment professionals attending. We met many representatives of pension, church, mutual, venture capital funds, advocates, brokers, and researchers. Excellent for networking. There were numerous presentations.

About 14 per cent of all US investment money, over two trillion US dollars, is now invested using ethical screens. Another significant finding reconfirmed is that ethics does not hinder a portfolio¹s performance, rather it is the ability of the fund manager that determines return on investment. Sydney¹s associates in the Calvert Fund Group introduced their newly developed policy addressing Aboriginal concerns about intellectual property expropriation and about soverignity.

Two other presentations by researchers demonstrated how a company prepares for prevention of potential environmental liabilities and future changes in law and also by reducing energy and waste by having serious policies in place in its day to day operations will determine how it will prosper and grow.

Generally, an environmentally concerned company is well managed with a positive corporate culture in all other areas along with good community and labour relations. The presenters emphasized that fund fiduciaries must take into account environmental factors including policies when assessing a company and industry for investment purposes.

We have been continuing our work in sending out information to individuals on ethical investing including those wishing to develop a policy for their congregation¹s investments. The policy of the Vancouver church is used as an example for consideration as a work in progress to be adapted for local use.

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MINISTERIAL & CHAPLAINCY COMMITTEE REPORT

by Elinor Knight

The Ministry and Chaplaincy Committee is a standing committee of theBoard of the Canadian Unitarian Council, appointed to fill an advisory role. Membership consists of a representative of individual Unitarian Universalists, a representative from the CUC Board, a congregational Chaplaincy committee member, a chaplain, a minister, and an observer representing the Canadian Association of Unitarian Universalist Chaplains. We are most appreciative of the staff support provided by Ellen Campbell which continues to be invaluable for the wealth of background information.

Just prior to the 1999 AGM, the Board of the CUC approved committee recommendations to disburse educational grant money from the Percy Simpson Bailey Fund and the Theological Education Fund to five qualified Canadian theological students. In 1999 twenty-two Canadians were at some stage of preparation for the ministry. Of the thirty ministers serving in Canada, twenty one are Canadian.

The committee met twice this year, in September 1999 and in March 2000, to conduct business that included confirming one chaplain appointed by The Unitarian Church of Vancouver, one by the Nanaimo Unitarian Fellowship, and two by the emerging group of Unitarian Universalist Church of Saint John. The chaplains for the emerging group in Saint John will be mentored by the Chaplaincy committee of the Unitarian Fellowship of Fredericton. There are 81 active chaplains at this time. The most recently compiled statistics from congregational reports sent to CUC Office indicate that over 800 weddings were conducted by chaplains in a one year period. We do not compile statistics concerning other rites of passage.

Two chaplaincy training workshops were held this year; in St. Catharines in the Spring and early Fall in Winnipeg. Feedback from St. Catharines suggested that the new or prospective chaplains for whom the training was designed did not attend, and that attention is needed to target publicity to the intended group.

The members of the Ministerial and Chaplaincy Committee thank the Rev. Jane Bramadat for her leadership during the past several years. In some ways it was a coming-of- age time which has resulted in the formation of a task group to consider the many aspects of chaplaincy. We look forward to learning of the recommendations of the task group and anticipate that the committee will be involved in implementation.

Overall, this has been a quiet year for the committee.

The committee members, position and home church are:

• Yvonne Grieg, the CUC Board of Directors (South Peel)
• Ken McLachlan, Congregational Chaplaincy Committee (Toronto)
• Wayne Walder, Minister (Neighbourhood Congregation, East Toronto)
• Bill Watson, Chaplain (London)
• Elinor Knight, representing the membership of our societies (Guelph)
• and as an observer: Gordon Kushner, appointed by and reporting to CUUCA (Willowdale)

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TASK FORCE ON CHAPLAINCY REPORT

In January 1999, the Board of Trustees adopted a mandate for a Task Force“to review the role of the Canadian Unitarian Council’s Chaplaincy program and to make recommendations to the Board for appropriate change. John Hopewell was appointed Chair, and Ellen Campbell staffed the Task Force.

The Task Force met in October 1999 and had a follow-up conference call in February 2000. Their draft report was distributed in March to congregations, chaplains, the Ministry and Chaplaincy Committee and the Board.

The Task Force will be seeking feedback on its recommendations at the meeting of the Canadian Association of Unitarian Universalist Chaplains and at a hearing at the Annual Meeting of the CUC, as well as from individuals and congregations. All responses should be submitted by July 31 st , 2000. A final report will be available in Fall of 2000, and presented for final action at the Annual Meeting in 2001.

Members of the Task Force are: John Hopewell, Victoria, Chair; Rev. Ray Drennan, Montreal; Carolyn Humphreys, Halifax; Elizabeth McGugan (CAUUC) Victoria; Ken McLachlan, Toronto; Ruth Patrick, Edmonton; Doreen Peever, St. Catharines; and Ellen Campbell, Staff.

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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
by Kim Turner

Our policy and procedure for social responsibility relies on the development of policy by working groups and the implementation of those policies through monitoring groups established for each of our more recent policy initiatives. We are grateful for the work of our ongoing monitoring teams, whose reports follow, and look forward to good work from some newly-appointed teams. Our present monitoring groups and their chairs are as follows:

• Choice in Dying: Rev. Brian Kiely
• Economic Justice: Joop Schuyff (resigned during year)
• Native Justice: Harold Koehler
• Environment: Richard Bocking (newly appointed)
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transsexual issues: John Hopewell (newly appointed)

Elaine Harvey has represented the UUA and the CUC at the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. She has been particularly involved with the establishment of an International Criminal Court. This year she invited life-long Unitarian and family court judge Paul Reinhardt to join her at a consultation on the treatment of children at the International Criminal Court. His contribution there was highly valued.

At the direction of the Annual Meeting last year, the CUC resumed the place it vacated several years ago at Project Ploughshares. We are now represented there by Susan Berry, a member of the South Peel Congregation, who was one of several Unitarians from Canada at the Hague Appeal for Peace in 1999.

At the request of Beverley LaFontaine and others, the CUC joined with several other womens’ groups to lobby for the rights of Afghan women. Our representatives, Elizabeth Bowen from the Board and Carol Dahlquist from the staff, joined a group to discuss this issue with The Hon. Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Indications are that during his month as Chair of the Security Council he will be raising this issue there, largely as a result of this widely supported lobbying.

We also made representations to The Hon. Lloyd Axworthy on the conflict in Kosovo, as directed by the Annual Meeting, and sent a paper by the Native Justice Monitoring Group to The Hon. Robert Nault, the new Minister for Indian Affairs and Northern Development. We sent out a press release on Bill C-23 extending rights to same-sex partners.

A good deal of social action-related information and material has been sent to congregations in the monthly society mailing. This year it included information on the ecumenical “We are a Jubilee People,” a petition against the “Head Tax” on landed status, a resource package from

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the “Let’s Invest in Children Campaign,” co-sponsored by Canadians for Public Justice, to which we belong, and information about the UU United Nations Office.

NATIVE JUSTICE MONITORING TEAM
Representations were prepared from the CUC to the Honourable Robert Nault, the new Minister of Indian Affairs regarding our commitment to Justice for First Nations. The Nisga’a treaty has been enacted into law. We have complained that the federal and provincial governments have failed to give adequate recognition of recent Supreme Court’s rulings on Native rights. Treaty negotiations are proceeding abysmally slowly in the face of demands for extinguishment of aboriginal rights. Long outstanding grievances regarding Camp Ipperwash, Kanehsatake and the Lubicon remain unresolved. More recent decisions regarding the rights to log and fish are unresolved. Please see details on pages 4 and 5 of the Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice newsletter, Justnews, Winter 2000.

The CUC is a member of the Aboriginal Rights Coalition (ARC), a Canadian national coalition of ecumenical groups and Aboriginal representatives who promote justice for Aboriginal people. The ARC initiative for Jubilee Year III “Renewal of the Earth” stresses the importance of land to Aboriginal peoples and how they are threatened by global economic trends. This should concern all Canadians who care about human rights and the future of the planet. The CUC Team monitors and supports the work of ARC.

The CUC thanks is due to the Team presently including Anthony Carfagnini, Thunder Bay; Peter Hill-Carrol, Winnipeg; Keith Jobson, Victoria; Harold Koehler, London; Jim Potts, Toronto; Lydia Sayle, Vancouver; and the support of CUC President Kim Turner, Halifax. Jim Potts has tendered his resignation from the Team. We thank and congratulate him for many years of support of Aboriginal rights. The Team would welcome a member from the Toronto area and from the Atlantic provinces.

– Harold P. Koehler, Team Chair

CUC REPRESENTATIVE AT THE U.N.
The Unitarian Universalist Association was granted consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council two years ago, and appointed me as their senior representative. As a Canadian and with the UUA’s affiliation, I was named the CUC representative at the UN as well.

I have devoted my efforts to the sessions involving the establishing of the International Criminal Court. At the Rome Diplomatic Conference in July 1998 as chair of the Faith-Based Caucus, I lobbied for an ethical base and spiritual compo-

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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT, continued

nent to the Preamble of the Rome Statute to establish the Court. Since then my efforts have been directed toward ensuring that the special needs of victims and witnesses, especially those who are children and people with disabilities are dealt with.

Through my participation, Unitarians have taken part in establishing the most significant international institution since the creation of the United Nations itself, furthering the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.

– M. Elaine Harvey

ENVIRONMENT MONITORING COMMITTEE
A CUC Environmental Committee has been established in accordance with the Environmental Policy and Principles that were approved at the 1999 AGM. Its eight members represent all regions of the country and a spectrum of environmental concerns. The Committee is in the early stages of its work, and currently is engaged in prioritizing for action environmental issues suggested at last year’s AGM and by Committee members. Unitarians concerned about particular environmental issues can communicate with the Committee through the current chair, Richard Bocking.

– Richard Bocking

CHOICE IN DYING MONITOR’S REPORT
Our longstanding position support for expanding choice in dying alternatives is heating up again after a few quiet years. At a fall meeting Brian Kiely was able to express our views in an hour long interview with Justice Minister Anne McLellan. She expressed interest if not commitment and promised to revisit the issue after the Supreme Court hands down a now overdue ruling in the Robert Lattimer case. As well, the February story of the physician Colin Wolff asking for assisted suicide provoked media interest to which we responded with letters and press releases. The Prime Minister several years ago promised a free vote in Parliament, and we are taking every opportunity to remind the government of this promise.

– Brian Kiely, Edmonton

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PUBLICATIONS AND PUBLIC VISIBILITY REPORT

CANUUE
by Barb Wallace, DRE and Pat Webber, MRE

Canadian Unitarian Universalist Educators, or CANUUE, is now in its fifth year of publication. It continues to bring news, ideas, reviews of Canadian resources, and announcements of networking opportunities to religious educators across Canada. It is mailed four times a year in the congregational mailings with copies addressed to ministers, religious educators, and the congregation. In each issue are several pages of inserts and, once a year, a revised directory of religious educators is included.

Up until recently it was almost entirely generated and written by the editors, with strong encouragement to readers to submit articles. Finally, during this year, CANUUE has been receiving submissions written by UU educators from across Canada, and more people are volunteering to share their resources. At this time, the first CANUUE PACK, a special package of intergenerational services and resources is being prepared. CANUUE is now a well known and sought after publication of the CUC. We are grateful to all contributors. It continues to bring news, ideas, reviews of Canadian resources, and announcements of networking opportunities to religious educators across Canada

VIDEO ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
by Elizabeth Bowen

Members of the R.E. Video Steering Committee are in the midst of raising funds and planning the production of the video Opening the Door to Religious and Spiritual Learning. We have raised about $37,000 which includes $19,000 in matching funds from the Fund for Unitarian Universalism, and equals approximately two-thirds of the project’s budgeted costs.

Like Sharing Our Vision, our first video which raised general awareness of who Unitarian Universalists are, the RE Video will be produced by Kem Murch, a Unitarian and professional producer of award-winning videos. The video will describe our religious education programs and present a sense of the ideas and values we introduce to our children and young people and the way in which adults continue to learn.

This exciting project will benefit all congregations, whether they are small or large, new or well established. They will be able to turn to the video for ideas that can be used in their RE classes and programs, for a tool to recruit and train teachers and for a source of information for newcomers, especially parents.

The Steering Committee thanks everyone who has supported this project. More donations are needed before filming can start. As soon as a little more money rolls in, the cameras will roll!

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REPORT OF THE UUA TRUSTEE-AT-LARGE FROM CANADA

by Herman Boerma

The conversation between the UUA and the CUC regarding the relationship between the two organizations has now advanced to the stage where the difficult issue of transferring responsibility for the delivery of services from the cross-border districts to the CUC must be tackled. This will require much good will, careful listening, and imagination on all sides.

It is urgent that this be sorted out soon, while we have the full attention of key decision makers in the UUA, and while the climate for change is good.

Discussions about making the delivery of services less tied to district boundaries became more imaginative in the past year, notably at a post-GA “To Be Of Use” meeting of district presidents, district trustees and field staff, and even more so, at a brainstorming session of the UUA Board last October.

In October, the UUA Board received an ambitious Draft Staff Strategic Plan. This “document-in-progress” provides: (a) a mission statement for the UUA staff, (b) four overarching goals for the work of the staff for the five-year period 1999-2004, and (c) twelve organization-wide strategic objectives to implement the four goals.

Also in October, the UUA President told the Board about his plans for a new capital campaign with a goal of $32 million in cash and planned gifts. The cash is to be spent on projects and the planned gifts are to be added to endowments. The President reminded the Board that the UUA does not raise funds in Canada, as the CUC is responsible for fund raising there.

It is important that the CUC also run another capital campaign, lest Canadians become ever more dependent on the generosity of American UUs. If we can resolve the dilemma of transferring service delivery from the districts to the CUC, then the case for a new campaign is inherent in the CUC Board’s response to the Commission on Services recommendations.

In January, YRUU delegates made a formal request to create a Youth at Large position on the UUA Board. This triggered a response from several trustees to work with youth on a proposal to completely restructure the board with two objectives: (1) reducing the size of the board, and (2) making it more representative of the diverse organization we want to become. As these two goals may be mutually exclusive, more imaginative ways for achieving the second objective may have to be found.

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FINAL REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE

by Marianne Wood

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FINAL REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE, continued

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