NOTE: As the church goes through transition, some of these documents may be outdated. We are working to revise them as soon as we can. If you have any concerns, please e-mail info@united-church.ca.
The Manual and Related Resources
- The Manual, 2023 (1.28 MB) (PDF) The Manual of The United Church of Canada, 2023 edition, effective January 1, 2023.
- Admission to the Order of Ministry Policy and Procedures (September 2019) (439.31 KB) (PDF) Outlines the process to support ministers from recognized denominations who are called to serve in The United Church of Canada. This resource provides an overall picture of the various parties involved in the process and their respective responsibilities.
- Appeals (February 2022) (579.41 KB) (PDF) Rules of procedure, which must be followed, as well as best practices that provide advice and guidance. Updated Feb. 2022.
- Candidacy Pathway Roadmap (Dec 2021) (707.32 KB) (PDF) A resource of checklists to follow and useful information on how to pursue the requirements of the Candidacy Pathway.
- Candidacy Pathway: Candidacy Board Resources (January 2019) (570.86 KB) (PDF) Best practices that provide information, guidance, and advice to the Candidacy Board. Effective January 1, 2019.
- Candidacy Pathway: Circle of Accompaniment (December 2021) (414.73 KB) (PDF) Best practices for one aspect of the Accompany phase of the Candidacy Pathway. This resource is intended to be used by members of a Circle of Accompaniment. Effective January 1, 2019.
- Candidacy Pathway: Policy (January 2022) (565.33 KB) (PDF) Expands on policy found under H. Entering Ministry in The Manual.
- Candidacy Pathway: Supervised Ministry Education (December 2021) (402.38 KB) (PDF) A resource for all those involved in the formation of candidates during Supervised Ministry Education. Effective January 1, 2019.
- Community of Faith Reviews (January 2019) (543.08 KB) (PDF) Best practices for conducting a review in response to concerns that have been raised about a community of faith.
- Conflict of Interest Policy (March 2019) (116.51 KB) (PDF) Guidance to members of decision-making bodies of The United Church of Canada.
- Congregational Board of Trustees Handbook (2021) (504.99 KB) (PDF) Explains the role and responsibilities of trustees and the rules they must follow. Completely revised April 2021.
- Congregational Designated Ministers (March 2020) (769.12 KB) (PDF) This resource expands on the policy under I.1.11, Lay Ministry, in The Manual. It is specifically for communities of faith that would like to create a lay ministry position accountable to the governing body of the community of faith, and for baptized lay people who are considering appointment to congregational accountable positions. This revised version adds "Musician" to the competencies on pages 20-21.
- Dispute Resolution (January 2019) (353.74 KB) (PDF) The United Church's Dispute Resolution Policy, annotated with guidance on best practices, and accompanying forms. Effective January 1, 2019.
- Ethical Standards and Standards of Practice for Ministry Personnel (2023) (81.67 KB) (PDF) A resource for ministry personnel and enable them to be accountable to self, church, and community. Updated Feb. 2023.
- Financial Handbook for Congregations 2017 (1.75 MB) (PDF) This handbook includes resources and information for church leaders and treasurers on a variety of current financial and legal issues. Note: Chapter 4: Paying Staff has been revised separately for 2019--see the Pastoral Charge Payroll page for the revised chapter. In July 2017 section 4.22.1 was revised to include acquiring spiritual direction in CELR. In Jan. 2018 the first bullet in section 6.7.1 was revised to say a minimum of two years.
- Formal Hearings (February 2020) (353.44 KB) (PDF) This resource contains the Rules of Procedure for Formal Hearings, which must be followed, as well as best practices that provide advice and guidance on ways to live out mandatory policies and procedures. Reflects the restructuring of the United Church that came into effect on January 1, 2019.
- Governance Handbook: Policies and Terms of Reference (March 2019) (941.2 KB) (PDF) Handbook for the Executive and committees of The United Church of Canada. Revised March 2019.
- Guidelines for Self-Assessments of Communities of Faith (January 2019) (118.6 KB) (PDF) The Manual sets out the responsibility for communities of faith to do self-assessments.
- Incorporated Ministries Policy (November 2022) (126.09 KB) (PDF) Policy document for groups that are incorporated and maintain a relationship with The United Church of Canada. Updated Nov 2022.
- Intentional Interim Ministry: Policy and Procedures for Designation (March 2022) (444.51 KB) (PDF) Explains the designation of intentional interim ministers by the Office of Vocation of The United Church of Canada.
- Intentional Interim Ministry: Resource for Governing Body of Community of Faith (December 2021) (405.49 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy in The Manual, section I.1.10, for the governing body in a community of faith of the United Church.
- Intentional Interim Ministry: Resource for Regional Council (December 2021) (313.91 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy in The Manual, section I.1.10, for the regional councils of The United Church.
- Intentional Interim Ministry: Resource for Transition Teams (December 2021) (567.2 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy in The Manual, section I.1.10, for transition teams in communities of faith of the United Church.
- Licensed Lay Worship Leaders (254.24 KB) (PDF) Policies and procedures for licensed lay worship leaders, and resources for preparation.
- Ministry and Personnel Committees: Policy, Procedures, and Practices (January 2019) (249.62 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found on under section B.7.8.5 in The Manual. Effective January 1, 2019. A companion volume, Resources for Ministry and Personnel Committees, provides further detail and guidance for M&P Committees.
- Ministry Personnel Reviews (January 2019) (473.67 KB) (PDF) Best practices for conducting a review in response to concerns that have been raised about a ministry personnel.
- Model Trust Deed (56.05 KB) (PDF) And it is hereby declared that the said Trustees and their successors or the Trustee or Trustees for the time being acting in the trusts herein shall hold the said lands upon the following trusts...
- Office of Vocation: Structure and Responsibilities (304.24 KB) (PDF) The Office of Vocation carries out its responsibilities through the Board of Vocation and committees and commissions described in this resource. Includes Procedures to Address Concerns about Ministry Personnel. Effective January 1, 2019.
- Overview of Local Ministries (91.48 KB) (PDF) This resource summarizes policies about the governance of local ministries.
- Pastoral Relations: Additional Resources for Retirement (December 2021) (529.31 KB) (PDF) Policies, procedures, and best practices for ministry personnel planning to retire soon.
- Pastoral Relations: Guidelines for a Community of Faith Profile (April 2020) (1.34 MB) (PDF) Best practices and guidance on how to live out mandatory policies and procedures found under I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual and in Pastoral Relations: Policy for a Community of Faith. NB: In April 2020 a correction was made to page 5, fifth bullet in box.
- Pastoral Relations: Guidelines for Search and Selection (April 2020) (1.46 MB) (PDF) Recommended ways to live out mandatory policies and procedures found under I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual and within Pastoral Relations: Policy for a Community of Faith. NB: In April 2020 a correction was made to page 11, fifth bullet in first box.
- Pastoral Relations: Ministry Personnel (December 2019) (1.36 MB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found under I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual; specifically for ministry personnel who are starting, changing, or ending a pastoral relationship.
- Pastoral Relations: Policy for a Community of Faith (April 2020) (851.59 KB) (PDF) Resource expanding on the policy found under I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual, specifically for communities of faith that are starting, changing, or ending a pastoral relationship. NB: In April 2020 a correction was made to page 13, fifth bullet in box.
- Pastoral Relations: Regional Council Liaisons (January 2020) (739.22 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found under I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual; specifically for a liaison from the regional council to guide communities of faith in the new pastoral relations process.
- Pastoral Relations: Supporting the Pastoral Relationship (November 2020) (400.29 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found under section I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual; a resource for ministry personnel and communities of faith once a pastoral relationship has been formed.
- Police Records Checks (January 2019) (296.28 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found in section J.2.2 of The Manual. Effective January 1, 2019.
- Readmission to the Order of Ministry (Oct 2021) (412.84 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policies found in The Manual, section H.8. Page 1 was revised in Oct. 2021 to add 2e and 3b.
- Sacraments Elders (January 2020) (498.73 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy about sacraments elders found in the Pastoral Relations section of The Manual.
- Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy and Procedures (Nov 2020) (465.38 KB) (PDF) This revised edition clarifies the procedures for complaints against lay people, whether employees or volunteers.
Administration
- Camping Standards 2022 (485.96 KB) (PDF) Standards to ensure safe and high-quality camping at United Church camps and to help camps achieve accreditation.
- Community Ministry Standards and Best Practices (300.41 KB) (PDF) This 2007 handbook outlines administrative standards and best practices to help community and social justice ministries in designing and delivering programs.
- Community Ministry Standards: Accreditation Visit Checklist (129.79 KB) (PDF) Checklists to help prepare for a community ministry accreditation visit.
- Community Ministry Standards: Self-Assessment Tool (87.15 KB) (PDF) The purpose of this self-assessment tool is to find out where United Church community ministries are in the preparation process and common areas where help may be needed, and to help us develop a visit schedule starting in 2010. It is also a self-check for ministries to determine where they are in the preparation process.
- Copyright Guide for Congregations (2014) (158.35 KB) (PDF) Non-technical information about some of the copyright issues facing communities
- Copyright Guide for Congregations (2014) (158.35 KB) (PDF) Non-technical information about some of the copyright issues facing communities of faith.
- Faith Formation at Camp, February 2011 (revised December 2014) (772.65 KB) (PDF) Introducing the Guiding Principles for Faith Formation.
- Guidelines for Developing Policies and Procedures (32.1 KB) (PDF) A suggested format for developing policy manuals.
- Incorporated Ministries Guidelines (February 2019) (129.16 KB) (PDF) Guidelines for those considering incorporation or existing corporations contemplating a change in their relationship with the church. Replaces the Incorporated Ministries Resource Guide (2014). These should be read in conjunction with the Incorporated Ministries Policy.
- Incorporated Ministries Policy (November 2022) (126.09 KB) (PDF) Policy document for groups that are incorporated and maintain a relationship with The United Church of Canada. Updated Nov 2022.
- Seniors' Facilities Standards (362.18 KB) (PDF) The Seniors' Facilities Standards are an integral part of the duty of care exercised by those providing care or housing for seniors.
- Seniors' Facilities Standards: Accreditation Visit Checklist (27.72 KB) (Word) This checklist will help you collect documentation in preparation for an accreditation site visit.
- Seniors' Facilities Standards: Self-Assessment Tool (140.7 KB) (PDF) This self-assessment tool (pages 13–29 of the Standards handbook) will be useful to United Church seniors' facilities as they prepare for an accreditation visit.
- The Crest: Technical Considerations for Use (55.5 KB) (PDF) Specifications for use of the United Church crest, when authorized, in digital and print media.
- The United Church of Canada Emergency Plan (Mar 2020) (550.66 KB) (PDF) This denominational plan includes protocols for the General Council Office, regional councils, and communities of faith. We encourage you to review and adapt these guidelines for your local context.
- What You Need to Know if You Have a Cemetery (136.81 KB) (PDF) A guide for churches that have a cemetery.
Archives
- Privacy Issues: Recordkeeping and Archives (165.29 KB) (PDF) A guide to identifying which records contain personal information and how this information should be used and managed to protect people’s privacy.
- Replacement of Historical Documents after Gender Transition (398.92 KB) (PDF) Procedures for replacing historical documents such as ordination, commissioning, and baptismal certificates when requested by an individual who claims a new gender identity and changes names.
- What Do the Archives Want? A Basic Guide for Congregations (193.62 KB) (PDF) Why congregations should routinely send their records to their Regional Council Archives, and what should and what should not be transferred.
Congregational Life and Committees
- Celebrating Gender Diversity (2019) (819.03 KB) (PDF) The United Church of Canada's toolkit on gender identity and trans experiences for communities of faith.
- Code of Ethics for Youth Ministry (247.78 KB) (PDF) A guide for education, training, screening and accountability for paid staff, volunteers, and those responsible for oversight of youth ministry.
- Conflict of Interest Policy (March 2019) (116.51 KB) (PDF) Guidance to members of decision-making bodies of The United Church of Canada.
- Congregational Board of Trustees Handbook (2021) (504.99 KB) (PDF) Explains the role and responsibilities of trustees and the rules they must follow. Completely revised April 2021.
- Ecumenical Shared Ministries Handbook (1.1 MB) (PDF) Guidelines, definitions, and observations for an ecumenical model of ministry. Updated in 2019.
- Ministry and Personnel Committees: Policy, Procedures, and Practices (January 2019) (249.62 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found on under section B.7.8.5 in The Manual. Effective January 1, 2019. A companion volume, Resources for Ministry and Personnel Committees, provides further detail and guidance for M&P Committees.
- Resources for Ministry and Personnel Committees (January 2019) (589.56 KB) (PDF) A companion to Ministry and Personnel Committees: Policy, Procedures, Practices, with further detail and guidance for M&P Committees.
- United Church Women (UCW) Guidelines (750.93 KB) (PDF) Constitution, Guidelines, Policies, and Resources for United Church Women, revised March 2018.
- Vision for Becoming an Intercultural Church (105.87 KB) (PDF) A plain language revision of the “Vision for Becoming an Intercultural Church,” which was adopted at the GCE in October 2012.
Candidacy Pathway
- Candidacy Pathway Roadmap (Dec 2021) (707.32 KB) (PDF) A resource of checklists to follow and useful information on how to pursue the requirements of the Candidacy Pathway.
- Candidacy Pathway: Candidacy Board Resources (January 2019) (570.86 KB) (PDF) Best practices that provide information, guidance, and advice to the Candidacy Board. Effective January 1, 2019.
- Candidacy Pathway: Circle of Accompaniment (December 2021) (414.73 KB) (PDF) Best practices for one aspect of the Accompany phase of the Candidacy Pathway. This resource is intended to be used by members of a Circle of Accompaniment. Effective January 1, 2019.
- Candidacy Pathway: Policy (January 2022) (565.33 KB) (PDF) Expands on policy found under H. Entering Ministry in The Manual.
- Candidacy Pathway: Supervised Ministry Education (December 2021) (402.38 KB) (PDF) A resource for all those involved in the formation of candidates during Supervised Ministry Education. Effective January 1, 2019.
- Competencies for Formation for Ministry and Lifelong Ministry Leadership (88.91 KB) (PDF) Developing competence in ministry begins in the Candidacy Pathway but is expected to continue throughout a person's ministry.
- Guide to Competencies for Formation for Ministry and Lifelong Ministry Leadership (92.46 KB) (PDF) Primarily for the use of candidates in developing draft learning goals for field education/field placements.
- Learning Covenant (September 2019) (797.59 KB) (PDF) A resource for supervised ministry education.
- Statement on Ministry in The United Church of Canada (2012) (50.76 KB) (PDF) The Statement on Ministry approved by the United Church's 41st General Council, 2012.
Finance
- 2023 Premiums and Taxable Benefits Calculator (29.89 KB) (Excel) Spreadsheet with embedded calculations to assist treasurers determine the deduction amounts for United Church payroll.
- Financial Handbook for Congregations 2017 (1.75 MB) (PDF) This handbook includes resources and information for church leaders and treasurers on a variety of current financial and legal issues. Note: Chapter 4: Paying Staff has been revised separately for 2019--see the Pastoral Charge Payroll page for the revised chapter. In July 2017 section 4.22.1 was revised to include acquiring spiritual direction in CELR. In Jan. 2018 the first bullet in section 6.7.1 was revised to say a minimum of two years.
- Financial Resources Handbook: Abbreviated Edition 2021 (535.83 KB) (PDF) Summarizes the various financial programs of The United Church of Canada. Updated in 2021.
Health & Safety
- A Tender Trust: Helping Churches to Provide Safe Service (73.52 KB) (PDF) The United Church of Canada Recommended Screening Procedures for Use in Congregations
- Ending Racial Harassment: Creating Healthy Congregations (267.58 KB) (PDF) This booklet offers guidelines to help church members, ministers, and congregational committees recognize, understand, and stop racial harassment.
- Faithful Footsteps: Sample confidentiality pledge (18.76 KB) (PDF) Sample of a confidentiality pledge
- Faithful Footsteps: Sample Consent for Criminal Records Search (20.79 KB) (PDF) A sample consent form for a criminal records search.
- Faithful Footsteps: Sample letter to police departments (30.31 KB) (PDF) Sample letter to police departments to submit with a request for a criminal check.
- Faithful Footsteps: Screening Procedures for Positions of Trust and Authority in The United Church of Canada (363.17 KB) (PDF) Help institutions, organizations, ministries, camps and congregations understand the principles of screening, and to put these procedures into practice in the recruitment and selection of both staff and volunteers.
- Guidelines for Developing Policies and Procedures (32.1 KB) (PDF) A suggested format for developing policy manuals.
- Police Records Checks (January 2019) (296.28 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found in section J.2.2 of The Manual. Effective January 1, 2019.
- Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy and Procedures (Nov 2020) (465.38 KB) (PDF) This revised edition clarifies the procedures for complaints against lay people, whether employees or volunteers.
- The United Church of Canada Emergency Plan (Mar 2020) (550.66 KB) (PDF) This denominational plan includes protocols for the General Council Office, regional councils, and communities of faith. We encourage you to review and adapt these guidelines for your local context.
- Trustworthy Care: Helping Organizations Provide Safe Service (77.15 KB) (PDF) Recommended Screening Procedures for Use in Camps, Residences, Service Organizations, Outreach Ministries, and Other Ministries Associated with The United Church of Canada
- Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Violence Response Policy (2022) (459.08 KB) (PDF) The United Church of Canada is committed to providing safe environments for work, worship and study. Updated extensively.
Ministry Personnel: Standards of Conduct
- Code of Ethics for Youth Ministry (247.78 KB) (PDF) A guide for education, training, screening and accountability for paid staff, volunteers, and those responsible for oversight of youth ministry.
- Ending Racial Harassment: Creating Healthy Congregations (267.58 KB) (PDF) This booklet offers guidelines to help church members, ministers, and congregational committees recognize, understand, and stop racial harassment.
- Ethical Standards and Standards of Practice for Ministry Personnel (2023) (81.67 KB) (PDF) A resource for ministry personnel and enable them to be accountable to self, church, and community. Updated Feb. 2023.
- Guidelines for Counselling by Ministry Personnel (171.34 KB) (PDF) These guidelines are meant to assist ministry personnel with discerning how best to proceed when called into a counselling role that goes beyond regular pastoral care, guidance, and support.
- Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy and Procedures (Nov 2020) (465.38 KB) (PDF) This revised edition clarifies the procedures for complaints against lay people, whether employees or volunteers.
Pastoral Relations: Call & Appointment
- 2023 Minimum Salaries and Reimbursements for Ministry Personnel (rev.) (336.75 KB) (PDF) Schedule of minimum salaries for ministry personnel in The United Church of Canada, 2023.
- Admission Board Resources (December 2019) (499.85 KB) (PDF) Best practices that provide information, guidance, and advice to the Admission Board.
- Admission Resources for Discernment (November 2019) (172.69 KB) (PDF) A summary for admission applicants of things to consider to enter ministry in The United Church of Canada.
- Admission to the Order of Ministry Policy and Procedures (September 2019) (439.31 KB) (PDF) Outlines the process to support ministers from recognized denominations who are called to serve in The United Church of Canada. This resource provides an overall picture of the various parties involved in the process and their respective responsibilities.
- Congregational Designated Ministers (March 2020) (769.12 KB) (PDF) This resource expands on the policy under I.1.11, Lay Ministry, in The Manual. It is specifically for communities of faith that would like to create a lay ministry position accountable to the governing body of the community of faith, and for baptized lay people who are considering appointment to congregational accountable positions. This revised version adds "Musician" to the competencies on pages 20-21.
- Diaconal/Ordained Supply: Exception for Ethnocultural or Linguistic Specific Congregation (190.63 KB) (PDF) Policy and process for a minister seeking an appointment with an ethnocultural or linguistic specific community of faith.
- Faithful Footsteps: Sample confidentiality pledge (18.76 KB) (PDF) Sample of a confidentiality pledge
- Faithful Footsteps: Sample Consent for Criminal Records Search (20.79 KB) (PDF) A sample consent form for a criminal records search.
- Faithful Footsteps: Sample letter to police departments (30.31 KB) (PDF) Sample letter to police departments to submit with a request for a criminal check.
- Faithful Footsteps: Screening Procedures for Positions of Trust and Authority in The United Church of Canada (363.17 KB) (PDF) Help institutions, organizations, ministries, camps and congregations understand the principles of screening, and to put these procedures into practice in the recruitment and selection of both staff and volunteers.
- Intentional Interim Ministry: Policy and Procedures for Designation (March 2022) (444.51 KB) (PDF) Explains the designation of intentional interim ministers by the Office of Vocation of The United Church of Canada.
- Intentional Interim Ministry: Resource for Governing Body of Community of Faith (December 2021) (405.49 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy in The Manual, section I.1.10, for the governing body in a community of faith of the United Church.
- Intentional Interim Ministry: Resource for Regional Council (December 2021) (313.91 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy in The Manual, section I.1.10, for the regional councils of The United Church.
- Intentional Interim Ministry: Resource for Transition Teams (December 2021) (567.2 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy in The Manual, section I.1.10, for transition teams in communities of faith of the United Church.
- Mentors to Ministers in the Admission Process (November 2019) (139.46 KB) (PDF) A resource for those who mentor newly appointed ministers who are in the process of being admitted to the Order of Ministry of The United Church of Canada.
- Ministry and Personnel Committees: Policy, Procedures, and Practices (January 2019) (249.62 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found on under section B.7.8.5 in The Manual. Effective January 1, 2019. A companion volume, Resources for Ministry and Personnel Committees, provides further detail and guidance for M&P Committees.
- Pastoral Relations: Additional Resources for Retirement (December 2021) (529.31 KB) (PDF) Policies, procedures, and best practices for ministry personnel planning to retire soon.
- Pastoral Relations: Guidelines for a Community of Faith Profile (April 2020) (1.34 MB) (PDF) Best practices and guidance on how to live out mandatory policies and procedures found under I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual and in Pastoral Relations: Policy for a Community of Faith. NB: In April 2020 a correction was made to page 5, fifth bullet in box.
- Pastoral Relations: Guidelines for Search and Selection (April 2020) (1.46 MB) (PDF) Recommended ways to live out mandatory policies and procedures found under I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual and within Pastoral Relations: Policy for a Community of Faith. NB: In April 2020 a correction was made to page 11, fifth bullet in first box.
- Pastoral Relations: Ministry Personnel (December 2019) (1.36 MB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found under I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual; specifically for ministry personnel who are starting, changing, or ending a pastoral relationship.
- Pastoral Relations: Policy for a Community of Faith (April 2020) (851.59 KB) (PDF) Resource expanding on the policy found under I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual, specifically for communities of faith that are starting, changing, or ending a pastoral relationship. NB: In April 2020 a correction was made to page 13, fifth bullet in box.
- Pastoral Relations: Regional Council Liaisons (January 2020) (739.22 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found under I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual; specifically for a liaison from the regional council to guide communities of faith in the new pastoral relations process.
- Pastoral Relations: Supporting the Pastoral Relationship (November 2020) (400.29 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found under section I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual; a resource for ministry personnel and communities of faith once a pastoral relationship has been formed.
- Police Records Checks (January 2019) (296.28 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found in section J.2.2 of The Manual. Effective January 1, 2019.
- Readmission to the Order of Ministry (Oct 2021) (412.84 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policies found in The Manual, section H.8. Page 1 was revised in Oct. 2021 to add 2e and 3b.
- Resources for Ministry and Personnel Committees (January 2019) (589.56 KB) (PDF) A companion to Ministry and Personnel Committees: Policy, Procedures, Practices, with further detail and guidance for M&P Committees.
- The Ministry of Music in The United Church of Canada (417.8 KB) (PDF) Guidelines for Musicians, Communities of Faith, and Committees. Revised December 2021.
Property & Buildings
- Accessibility Guidelines (39.01 KB) (PDF) Guidelines to consider when planning a new church building or renovating an existing one.
- Congregational Board of Trustees Handbook (2021) (504.99 KB) (PDF) Explains the role and responsibilities of trustees and the rules they must follow. Completely revised April 2021.
- What You Need to Know if You Have a Cemetery (136.81 KB) (PDF) A guide for churches that have a cemetery.
Social Justice & Global Partners
- Ending Racial Harassment: Creating Healthy Congregations (267.58 KB) (PDF) This booklet offers guidelines to help church members, ministers, and congregational committees recognize, understand, and stop racial harassment.
Staff & Volunteers
- Celebrating Gender Diversity (2019) (819.03 KB) (PDF) The United Church of Canada's toolkit on gender identity and trans experiences for communities of faith.
- Ending Racial Harassment: Creating Healthy Congregations (267.58 KB) (PDF) This booklet offers guidelines to help church members, ministers, and congregational committees recognize, understand, and stop racial harassment.
- Faithful Footsteps: Sample confidentiality pledge (18.76 KB) (PDF) Sample of a confidentiality pledge
- Faithful Footsteps: Sample Consent for Criminal Records Search (20.79 KB) (PDF) A sample consent form for a criminal records search.
- Faithful Footsteps: Sample letter to police departments (30.31 KB) (PDF) Sample letter to police departments to submit with a request for a criminal check.
- Faithful Footsteps: Screening Procedures for Positions of Trust and Authority in The United Church of Canada (363.17 KB) (PDF) Help institutions, organizations, ministries, camps and congregations understand the principles of screening, and to put these procedures into practice in the recruitment and selection of both staff and volunteers.
- Human Resources Policy Manual (943.13 KB) (PDF) These policies have been developed for staff of the General Council Office and regional councils of The United Church of Canada.
- Reporting Suspected Wrongdoing (Whistleblowing) (182.26 KB) (PDF) Reporting system that can be used by anyone to raise concerns about suspected wrongdoing by General Council or regional council staff.
- Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy and Procedures (Nov 2020) (465.38 KB) (PDF) This revised edition clarifies the procedures for complaints against lay people, whether employees or volunteers.
- Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Violence Response Policy (2022) (459.08 KB) (PDF) The United Church of Canada is committed to providing safe environments for work, worship and study. Updated extensively.