Racism, bias, and discrimination continue to be experienced in our churches, institutions, and communities across Canada. The work of dismantling these destructive systems requires ongoing commitment at all levels of the church, including at the level of national structures. As the term of the Dismantling Racism Task Force draws to a close, there is a need for ongoing commitment across the work and ministries of General Synod to continue in our shared calling, as expressed in the Marks of Mission, to “transform the unjust structures of society.”¹

This motion proposes the creation of a permanent body (National Advisory Council on Dismantling Racism) that would provide leadership and expertise to national efforts to dismantle racism in the church and in society. The current Dismantling Racism Task Force proposes this new advisory council be made up of approximately 12 members representing a diverse cross-section of the church to shape this work over the next biennium and beyond. Half of these members would be elected by the Council of General Synod and half would be appointed by the Primate to help ensure the appropriate balance of membership. Anticipated meeting costs for the National Advisory Council on Dismantling Racism are already included in the Public Witness for Social and Ecological Justice budget for 2023.

Additionally, this motion calls for the Council of General Synod, together with the Management Team of General Synod, to undertake serious consideration of creating a continuing staff position focused specifically on dismantling efforts within the church. Other Christian denominations, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the United Church of Canada, have recently created new positions centred on this area of ministry and the Anglican Church of Canada now has the opportunity to expand ministry in this area as well.