Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Musings at St. Andrew's
Rev. Jeffrey Crawford | Co-Interim Moderator
Embracing Hope and Possibility: The Presbyterian Church in Canada's 2025 General Assembly
The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) is set to gather for its 2025 General Assembly in Hamilton, Ontario, from June 1 to 5. This gathering marks a significant milestone as the denomination celebrates its 150th anniversary, reflecting on a rich history while charting a course for the future.
For many this annual gathering represents more than governance and policy-making—it is a sacred opportunity to discern the Spirit’s movement in a changing world. This year’s Assembly arrives at a crucial juncture. Like many denominations across North America, the PCC continues to navigate complex questions of identity, justice, and mission in a time of rapid cultural and ecclesial transformation. Commissioners—ministers and elders from coast to coast (including our own Terri Whiffin)—will meet to engage with issues of theological significance and social urgency, including the church’s role in reconciliation with Indigenous communities, climate justice, and the inclusion of all people at all levels of church life. Building on the 2024 Apology for the church's role in colonization and residential schools, the PCC continues to seek meaningful ways to support healing and reconciliation.
Central to this year's Assembly is the "Hope and Possibility" report from the Assembly Council. This report grounded in the gospel narratives of John 20 and 21 serves as a new vision, aiming to revitalize the church's mission in a rapidly changing societal landscape. It emphasizes the need for adaptive leadership, innovative ministry approaches, and a renewed commitment to justice and reconciliation. The report imagines a church willing to risk, rooted in resurrection hope, committed to mission. A church where: Christ’s peace is our courage, Christ’s Spirit is our power, Christ’s commission is our permission, and Christ’s sending is our mission.
The Assembly will also address the challenges and opportunities facing congregations in a post-pandemic world. The Assembly will lift up stories of hope from local congregations. Ministries focused on housing advocacy, refugee support, and mental health outreach will be highlighted, showcasing the PCC’s continuing commitment to being a compassionate presence in Canadian society.
Worship will anchor the gathering, offering moments of lament, celebration, and recommitment. Liturgies will draw from diverse theological and cultural traditions, reflecting the growing diversity within the PCC itself. For many attendees, this will be a time of spiritual renewal—a chance to reconnect with a broader church family and to imagine together what faithful witness can look like in this generation.
To learn more about the General Assembly, read reports, or to watch the gathering on livestream, go here:
https://presbyterian.ca/gao/ga2025/
I invite you to join me in prayer daily from June 1 to 5 for those who are gathering at this year’s General Assembly and for the Spirit to move in powerful ways.
Peace in Christ,
Jeffrey Crawford
Co-Interim Moderator