Kimberly Heath Elected As the 45th Moderator of The United Church of Canada

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Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath Elected as New Moderator of The United Church of Canada

Archyde News Staff
August 9, 2024

The United Church of Canada has announced Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath as its new Moderator. The historic selection took place at the 45th General Council, currently convened in Calgary, Alberta, from August 7-11. Dr. Heath was chosen after three rounds of voting by the Commissioners of general Council 45.

Dr. Heath articulated her vision for the church, stating she will focus on “deepening faith in Jesus, strengthening what is small and encouraging life-giving connections.” Her leadership promises a renewed emphasis on community and spiritual growth within the denomination.

The official installation ceremony will be held on Monday, August 11, at 7 pm MT at Knox United Church, located at 506 4 St. SW, Calgary. Attendees are welcome to participate in person. For those unable to attend physically, the service will be live-streamed on The United Church of Canada’s YouTube channel, with simultaneous interpretation available in both English and French.

Five candidates were nominated for the position of Moderator. This role serves as the spiritual and elected presiding officer of The United Church of Canada’s General Council, executive, and sub-executive.It is a pivotal position within the church’s governance structure.

Further details regarding rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath and her platform can be found on the General Council website: https://generalcouncil.ca/councils/general-council-45/moderator-nominations/rev-dr-kimberly-heath-moderator-nominee.

About The United Church of Canada

The United Church of Canada is a mainline Protestant denomination with roots in the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational traditions. It is indeed one of the largest Protestant denominations in Canada, known for its progressive social stances and commitment to social justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does the Moderator of The United Church of Canada do?

  The Moderator serves as the spiritual leader and elected presiding officer of the church’s governing bodies, providing guidance and depiction.

• Who is rev. Dr.kimberly Heath?

  Rev. Dr.kimberly Heath is the newly elected Moderator of The United Church of Canada, chosen at the 45th General Council in Calgary.

• Where and when will the installation ceremony take place?

  The installation will be held on August 11 at 7 pm MT at Knox United Church in Calgary, Alberta.

• How can I watch the installation ceremony if I cannot attend in person?

  The ceremony will be live-streamed on The United Church of Canada’s YouTube channel,with English and French interpretation.

• What is the General Council of The United Church of Canada?

  The General Council is the highest governing body of The United church of Canada, meeting every three years to set policy and elect leadership.

• What are Rev. Dr. Heath’s priorities as Moderator?

  She aims to deepen faith, strengthen smaller congregations, and foster meaningful connections within the church community.

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What potential challenges might Kimberly Heath face as Moderator in addressing teh evolving faith landscapes and societal challenges mentioned in the text?

A Historic Appointment for the United Church

On August 9th, 2025, the General Council 44 of The United Church of Canada elected Reverend Kimberly Heath as its 45th Moderator. This marks a significant moment for the denomination, placing Heath at the forefront of leadership during a period of evolving faith landscapes and societal challenges. The election took place during the final session of general Council 44, held in Montreal, Quebec. This pivotal role within the United Church involves representing the church nationally and internationally, providing spiritual leadership, and facilitating dialog on critical issues.

Who is Kimberly Heath? – Background and Ministry

Reverend Kimberly Heath brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to the united Church’s mission. She is an Indigenous minister of mixed ancestry – Cree, Scottish, and Irish – and currently serves as the Regional Minister for the Pacific Region of The United Church of Canada.

Here’s a breakdown of her key experiences:

Regional Minister, Pacific Region: Overseeing ministry personnel and supporting congregations across British Columbia and Yukon.

Ordination: Ordained in 2003, heath has served various pastoral roles within the United Church.

Focus on Reconciliation: A dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights and reconciliation, consistently integrating these principles into her ministry.

Education: Holds a Master of Divinity degree, equipping her with a strong theological foundation.

Community Engagement: Known for her collaborative approach and commitment to building bridges within diverse communities.

The Role of the Moderator: Responsibilities and Impact

The Moderator of The United Church of Canada is a highly visible and influential position. The role extends beyond ceremonial duties, encompassing significant responsibilities:

National Representation: Serving as the primary spokesperson for the United Church, engaging with media, government officials, and ecumenical partners.

Spiritual Leadership: Providing guidance and inspiration to the denomination’s approximately 3,000 congregations across Canada.

General Council Oversight: Working closely with the General Council, the governing body of the United Church, to implement strategic priorities.

Ecumenical Dialogue: Fostering relationships with other Christian denominations and faith groups.

Advocacy: Championing the United Church’s social justice commitments, including issues related to climate change, poverty, and Indigenous rights.

Significance of an Indigenous Moderator

Heath’s election is particularly noteworthy as she is the second Indigenous person to hold the office of Moderator. This appointment reflects the United Church’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and its desire to amplify Indigenous voices within the denomination.

Key implications include:

Increased Indigenous Representation: Providing a platform for Indigenous perspectives and leadership within the united Church.

Strengthened Reconciliation Efforts: Accelerating the implementation of the United Church’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

Cultural Sensitivity: Bringing a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and spiritualities to the denomination’s work.

Inspiring Future Leaders: Encouraging more Indigenous individuals to pursue ministry and leadership roles within the church.

Reactions to the election

The election of Kimberly heath has been met with widespread enthusiasm within the United Church and beyond. Many have praised her leadership qualities, her commitment to reconciliation, and her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Social media platforms have been filled with messages of support and congratulations. Leaders from other denominations have also extended their well wishes, recognizing the significance of this historic appointment.

The United Church of Canada: A Brief Overview

The United Church of Canada is a mainline Protestant denomination with a long history of social justice advocacy and progressive theological thought.Founded in 1925 through the merger of several presbyterian, Methodist, and Congregational churches, it is one of the largest Protestant denominations in canada.

Key characteristics:

Progressive Theology: Embracing a broad range of theological perspectives and a commitment to social justice.

Social justice Advocacy: Actively involved in addressing issues such as poverty, climate change, and Indigenous rights.

Ecumenical Engagement: Strong relationships with other Christian denominations and faith groups.

Inclusive Practices: Welcoming individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds.

* National Reach: Approximately 3,000 congregations across Canada.

Looking Ahead: Heath’s Priorities as Moderator

While specific priorities will be developed in consultation with the General