Resolutions for General Synod 35 span global contexts, holistic health, Conference change

The final proposed resolutions for General Synod 35 are now available for review. Eight resolutions and one formal motion are ready to be considered by this national body of the United Church of Christ in Kansas City, July 11-15.

The UCC Board, acting as the General Synod Business Committee, affirmed the action of each submitted resolution during its March meeting. The slate includes three prudential resolutions and five resolutions of witness, which will each be sent to a committee at General Synod. One formal motion will go directly to a plenary session.

Kevin Peterson, who serves as staff to the resolution and committee process, notes that this is a relatively small amount of resolutions, roughly half the average number of Synod resolutions in the last two decades. This means that resolution committees will be relatively large, since all Synod delegates get assigned to one.

Resolutions can still be submitted up until the start of Synod’s opening plenary, but these would have to fall under the “could not have been anticipated” guidelines in the General Synod Standing Rules.

“Resolutions put General Synod on the record taking a stance on certain issues and policies,” Peterson said. “They can be used to help shape policy and polity, give support to our advocacy staff, set programmatic goals, and — maybe most importantly — encourage local churches and their members to engage in specific ministries and justice work.”

Below is a condensed introduction and link to each proposed resolution.

Prudential Resolutions

Resolution on Full Communion Relationship Between the United Church of Christ and Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland
This resolution, submitted by the UCC Board, proposes to affirm that the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland is “an authentic, faithful part of the one, universal body of Christ” and moves to declare full communion, “that both churches pursue with intention ways of expressing the unity of the Church.”

Resolution on Full Communion Relationship Between the United Church of Christ and Iglesia Evangélica Unida de Puerto Rico
This resolution, submitted by the UCC Board, proposes to affirm that the Iglesia Evangélica Unida de Puerto Rico is “an authentic, faithful part of the one, universal body of Christ” and moves to declare full communion, meaning “that both churches pursue with intention ways of expressing the unity of the Church.”

The Small Town and Rural Coalition of the United Church of Christ Requests to Be Recognized as a Formal Group
This resolution proposes that the Small Town and Rural (STAR) Coalition be recognized as a “Self-Created Group” according to the UCC Bylaws, existing to be “a supportive expression of the living Christ, in relationship with one another and with the body of Christ, in all its forms.”

Resolutions of Witness

A Declaration of Support for Philippine Human Rights
This resolution responds to human rights violations in the Philippines, declares support for partners in the country, and proposes specific ways to support and stand in solidarity with siblings in Christ in the Philippines.

Faithful Stewardship of Our Whole Lives and Advocacy for Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Faith Communities Through Interfaith Collaboration
Marking the 25th anniversary of Our Whole Lives resourcing faith-based, comprehensive sexuality education within local churches, this resolution lifts up ways to continue and affirm the importance of this work.

Ecumenical Engagement and Faithful Support for the Decriminalization of Entheogenic and Psychedelic Medicines
This resolution calls for standing in solidarity with religious communities, researchers, and medical providers advocating that psychedelic and entheogenic plant and fungus-based medicines be decriminalized and made available for further research.

Recognition of the Continually-Evolving Language of Mental Health
This resolution calls for the need to update language regarding those living with mental health experiences and neurodiversity in ways that reduce stigma and encourage inclusivity.

A Response to Christian Persecution in India
This resolution responds to the plight of Christians and Muslims who have been persecuted by the Hindu Nationalist movement and advocates for religious freedom throughout the world, specifically in India.

Formal Motion

Motion of Penn West, Penn Central, Pennsylvania Southeast, and Penn Northeast Conferences to Join Together to Form the Keystone Conference
This formal motion, which will be sent directly to a plenary session, calls for General Synod to recognize the Keystone Conference, created with geographic boundaries encompassing those previously of the Penn West, Penn Central, Pennsylvania Southeast, and Penn Northeast Conferences, effective January 1, 2026. The preparation of the four Pennsylvania Conferences leading up to this motion has been covered in UCC News.

The most updated information, full texts of the resolutions, and registration is available on the General Synod website.

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