WHEREAS the divisions within the Presbyterian Church in Canada have become more pronounced, and have both widened and deepened over the last decade; and

WHEREAS the matters of disagreement include many aspects of faith and life, belief and practice; and

WHEREAS by its own admission in a report received by General Assembly in 2019, there are many matters that divide the Presbyterian Church in Canada; and

WHEREAS these disagreements have become debates via social media and emails which has moved from issues to personal attacks, slander, and rejection; and

WHEREAS this is not honouring the Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, or the teaching of the prophets and the apostles, as we bite and devour one another, engage in slander, rage, dissension and bring damage to the Body of Christ; and

WHEREAS Remits B and C (2019) which began as an effort to build bridges across the divide, have resulted in more division and questionable behaviour, indicating that the Presbyterian Church in Canada is unable and/or unwilling at this time to live out what Remits B and C (2019) call for; and

WHEREAS we are called to live in peace with one another as far as is possible; and

WHEREAS ongoing strife and division and slander have no place in the Body of Christ, distract us from our mission, and bring disrepute to the Church; and

WHEREAS Living Faith 8.2.5, while referring to marriage and family has implication and instruction for our denomination (Living Faith 8.2.6),

• 8.2.5 When we fail each other as parents or partners, we are called to forgive each other as God forgives us, and to accept the possibilities for renewal that God offers us in grace. When a marriage is shattered beyond repair, it is sometimes better that it be dissolved than that the family continue to live in bitterness;
• 8.2.6 The church is the family of God. Here all should be valued for themselves. We are one body in Christ: together rejoicing when things go well, supporting one another in sorrow, celebrating the goodness of God and the wonder of our redemption; and

WHEREAS continuing in bitterness will not become the gospel nor adhere to our subordinate standards, and a different path is permitted; and

THEREFORE We humbly overture the Presbyterian Church in Canada to consider establishing at least two, possibly three, different, related yet separate synods or connected denominations, so that people of faith, and in good faith, can be free to pursue the beliefs and practices they understand as faithful to scripture, doctrine, polity and Christian discipleship; where shared structures such as pensions and benefits, some mission programs and resources may continue, yet with a separation in matters of doctrine, polity and Christian discipleship which affords each and all to worship and serve with integrity and at peace with one another; or to do otherwise as the General Assembly in its wisdom deems best.