The working group feels this model provides good oversight for those in paid accountable ministry, delivers direct programming support to the congregations, and maximizes use of people resources. For the sake of continuity, national committee membership, including General Council Executive, would be drawn from commissioners at General Council. While this model maintains national co-ordination and identity, including stewardship, finance and communications, it still concentrates resources and authority in the regions. A Federation-style model would eliminate Presbyteries altogether as well as minimizing national work. Basically autonomous Conferences would set their own policies, fund their own projects, and link together to pursue common goals.
Primary values are regional autonomy and authority over mission and finance.
The much-reduced national office would continue with national and global witness, and policies and standards for doctrine, theology and ministry personnel. But in the end, Lawson says the Anglican process has given new health to her church. It has to do with stewardship and capacity-building so the church is ready to respond to new calls to be together with others in faith. The working group's proposal will be a major preoccupation at General Council 2000. If it goes through, however amended, it will launch the first major structural change in the United Church's 75-year history.