Jane Dawson, Regional Minister: Justice
My primary work as Regional Minister for Justice is supporting and connecting United Church Communities of Faith and people who are engaged in the social justice work of the church, in the Pacific Mountain Regional Council. One important aspect of my role is to also explore the theological and scriptural grounding that guides our actions for peace, equity and compassion. This excites me greatly. Having left Ontario this summer I am now on the west coast, and very glad to be joining the PMRC.
The information on this page will change as the work, mission and community of people passionate about social justice in the regional council meets here. For information on PMRC justice initiatives, don’t hesitate to contact me.
- Jane
A Hub for United Church Social Justice Efforts
Guarnteed Livable Income
With the upcoming federal election on September 20, one of the justice networks to highlight is the Guaranteed Livable Income network (GLI), co-chaired by Barry Morris and former Moderator Lois Wilson. Members of this network are actively at work across the country.
You can learn more about the GLI by watching the recording of PMRC's June 16 townhall, and online at: https://united-church.ca/social-action/act-now/create-guaranteed-livable-income-program
For more information on the GLI network in the Pacific Mountain Regional Council please contact Barry Morris (bkmorris60@yahoo.ca).
Letter Writing
Rebecca Knight, the Community Outreach Coordinator at St. Andrew's Wesley shares,
"We’re writing our local MP to make GLI an election issue, expressing our support for the (next) federal government to mandate a guaranteed livable income. Contacting your MP personally is one of the best ways to spark political action. This can be either by a phone call, by visiting their office, through a handwritten letter or by email. If you would like to see a template of a letter supporting GLI, please visit the website of the United Church of Canada (UCC) or see the first attachment in this email. Click to find your MP."
Buy and display a lawn sign or bumper stick to show your support of GLI in a visual way!
Click the images to download the print-ready PDFs for lawn signs and bumper stickers, then go to your local print shop to have them made.
You can also follow these steps to order artwork already saved with VistaPrint by Justice Initiatives! They have made it easy for people across the United Church to order signs and stickers from VistaPrint.
Note: Because of the election there is a limit on how many lawn signs can be purchased. When ordering, do not exceed $500 in purchases until after September 20th.
TO ORDER
- Call VistaPrint at 1-833-996-2067
- Indicate to them that you would like to use the artwork from United Church Account #5621-3603-5190 linked to the email address <justice@united-church.ca>
- Order the option you'd like:
- 1-sided lawn sign - Identification #: 95TMJ-N6A93-0S4
- 2-sided lawn sign - Identification #: 2VDMJ-N6A28-8N2
- Bumper sticker - Identification #: DP6LJ-N6A61-5J4
Recent News from the Justice Network
Sept 29 Town Hall and Sept 30 Office Closure to Honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
“As we come together for our first Truth and Reconciliation Day let us think of what we are going to do for actions as communities …
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2021 Canadian Election – Resource to Help you Engage the Candidates
From The United Church of Canada national office, this a positive and useful tool for asking questions of, and engaging those running for public office …
2021 Canadian Election – Resource to Help you Engage the Candidates Read More »
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A Service Dedicated to Supporting Palestinians in Their Struggle
A Service Dedicated to Supporting Palestinians in their Struggle In 2017 Ineke Medcalf travelled to Palestine, and found herself in the middle of a tear …
A Service Dedicated to Supporting Palestinians in Their Struggle Read More »
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Guaranteed Livable Income PMRC Town Hall Recording
The Pacific Mountain Regional Council’s June 16 Town Hall was dedicated to conversation and education about Guaranteed Livable Income. Poverty can happen very quickly to …
Guaranteed Livable Income PMRC Town Hall Recording Read More »
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United Church of Canada’s Response to Kamloops Residential Schools Grave Discovery
Good afternoon, The General Secretary asked that I share with you that the United Church’s statement: Response to Kamloops Residential Schools Graves Discovery is now …
United Church of Canada’s Response to Kamloops Residential Schools Grave Discovery Read More »
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Regional Justice Report – Walking in a Good Way
Friends,
I am pleased to (finally) share the final report from the justice consultation that was so ably run by Janet Gray. I am very grateful for her work, and for the participation of the Region. The Regional Executive has considered the report and believe it provides good direction and focus for this work. This report identifies areas of focus for this ministry that align with these priorities. Based on this, we will be posting the Regional Justice position (currently vacant .5 FTE) with the following areas of priority: Anti Racism; Affirming ministry; Support to Community of Faith, First Third Ministry and Networks with a special emphasis on initiatives involving climate justice.
The resolution passed at the General Meeting
Executive Minister, Treena Duncan is hosting a special town hall with guest Rev. Keith Simmonds. I hope you’ll join this conversation; as an Ecumenical Accompanier in Palestine and Israel from January through March of this year, Keith witnessed and reported on human rights violations carried out upon Palestinian Children in Occupied Palestine. I write with an update on the resolution you passed at the general meeting, concerning the regional council’s participating in a petition to the Government of Canada, concerning the potential human rights abuses of Palestinian children. The petition reads:
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Our Commitment to Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism
The work of becoming an anti-racist church is hard work and it is work that belongs to us all. It will require trust, prayer, faith, courage and deep commitment. It will take time to do well. Your Executive is committed to turning its words into meaningful action for such a time as this. We offer this statement of recommitting this Regional Council to the work of becoming an anti-racist Church.
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“Church Leaders Acknowledge Racism in Their Midst”
We as church leaders, acknowledge the pain, frustrations and anger of our Black communities, and recognize that systemic anti-Black racism is prevalent in our context in Canada as well; in the streets of our communities, in the justice and policing systems, and in our congregations and parishes. It is important for church members in our largely white churches to look at how we continue to perpetuate anti-Black racism, either inadvertently or intentionally.
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