Please see Victoria University's statement on the relocation of the 
United Church archives, on the Victoria University website at 
http://www.vicu.utoronto.ca/news/archives.htm

STATEMENT ON THE RELOCATION OF THE ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

The archives of the United Church are moving to the national office of 
the Church at 3250 Bloor Street West, and the archives of Victoria 
University are remaining at Victoria. Both parties have enjoyed a long 
association in the joint management of their respective archives; both 
recognize that changing circumstances make the continuation of this 
arrangement problematic. They have agreed mutually and cordially to end 
the joint venture. They have done this with a measure of regret and with 
respect for the past, but also with responsibility and optimism for the 
future.

At the end of a long process, the United Church acted on a mutually 
agreed analysis and an independent recommendation from its archives and 
history committee that the arrangement with Victoria University be 
terminated, and Victoria concurred with this recommendation.

Victoria University respects the decision of the United Church to 
relocate its archives, and does not share the expressed concern that the 
archives will not be managed professionally. The new location will be 
convenient and accessible. As it announced on 25 October 2007, the 
United Church is now planning the implementation of its decision (see 
http://www.united-church.ca/en/communications/news/releases/071025).

It is now time to focus on the future. Regret may be an appropriate 
emotion for some members of our communities to experience as the 
archives of the United Church begin their move to their home at 3250 
Bloor Street West in January 2008. We call upon our communities to 
honour our long relationship with the confidence that the archives will 
be well cared for by the Church to which they belong.

Paul W. Gooch
President

13 November 2007