This text represents the founding definition of the Canadian Council of Churches as a "Forum". It is the result of a consultative process culminating in adoption in 1995. (Note: The name "Forum" for the structure of the CCC should not be confused with the proposed "Forum of Christian Churches and Ecumenical Organisations" discussed within the context of the WCC.)

The Canadian Council of Churches as Forum

The Canadian Council of Churches is a community of churches which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the Scriptures and therefore seek to fulfil together their common calling to the glory of one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and also other churches which affirm the same faith but which do not make doctrinal confessions (Constitution, Article II).

The Governing Board of the Canadian Council of Churches has determined that it and all its parts shall function as a forum (November 1995). The forum model recognizes our diversity and provides a method by which we can work together, acknowledging our unity as Christians yet remaining faithful to the particularity of our respective traditions. It allows the widening of the ecumenical circle and has the potential for providing renewed commitment to ecumenism. To function properly, this model relies on the concept that all representatives are expected to be able to speak for their churches. It is recognized that the authority with which the members speak will depend on the polity of the churches they represent. Such a method of interaction will facilitate the engagement of members and member churches in theological reflection on issues of common concern and in determining action as appropriate. In practice this means that:

1. Each member church has equal voice in discussing issues.

2. The Council acts as coordinator of churches wishing to work together, enabling member churches to act together or to delegate the Council to act on their behalf.

3. The concerns of the Council shall normally originate with member churches through their appointed representatives on the Governing Board and its various parts. However, since the Council is part of the Body of Christ and must respond to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, agenda items may also arise from other sources. They are then referred to the appropriate commission or the Governing Board, or to the Executive or other committees when mandated by the Governing Board. In these bodies the appointed representatives of the member churches accept responsibility for these concerns by deciding whether and what action should be taken on them. In this way the member churches ultimately determine the agenda of the Council and its various parts.

4. It is the intent that the Council shall act with the agreement of all member churches.

5. When agreement is not possible, member churches shall have the privilege of opting in to smaller multichurch fora for common action. Such actions shall not be in the name of the Canadian Council of Churches, though the Council office and staff could be asked to facilitate them.

6. Signatories for statements from the Council will vary according to need. When the Council acts as Council, the signatories may be the officers or the ecclesiastical authorities of member churches. When it acts in a reporting capacity, the General Secretary may be the one to sign. When the member churches act in concert, their ecclesiastical authorities would be the signatories. However, when an issue has unmistakable doctrinal implications or import, actions in the name of the Council can only be agreed to at the level of the full Governing Board.

7. When a committee or Commission acts apart from the Governing Board, it shall be clearly identified as such.

8. As a Council of Canadian Churches it is the intention that the Council will function in French and English as much as possible. It is preferred that Council staff be bilingual. In its meetings, the Council will move toward the goal of each representative being able to speak in her/his own first language (English or French) and be understood. Written translations of official Council documents will be provided. Oral translation will be provided at meetings as necessary.