If you have any questions or concerns about these files, please e-mail info@united-church.ca.
The Manual and Related Resources
- The Manual, 2025 (1.52 MB) (PDF) The Manual of The United Church of Canada, 2025 edition, effective January 1, 2025.
- 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: Candidacy Board Resources Vol. 1 - Orientation (2024) (319.25 KB) (PDF) Best practices for the Candidacy Board to live out The Manual, section H, and the Candidacy Pathway Policy.
- Candidacy Pathway: Candidacy Board Vol. 2 - Interviews (2024) (331.87 KB) (PDF) Best practices for the Candidacy Board related to interviews conducted in the Candidacy Pathway.
- Candidacy Pathway: Community of Faith Connection - Orientation (2024) (167.2 KB) (PDF) Information for the CFC of the learning site, who provide support to the candidates and participate in the Learning Covenant.
- Candidacy Pathway: Policy (April 2024) (345.8 KB) (PDF) Expands on policy found under H. Entering Ministry in The Manual.
- Candidacy Pathway: Roadmap (2024) (296.71 KB) (PDF) Checklists to follow and useful information on how to pursue the requirements of the Candidacy Pathway.
- Candidacy Pathway: Supervised Ministry Education - Supervisor's Orientation (2024) (211.34 KB) (PDF) Orientation for those involved in the formation of candidates during SME.
- 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.
- Creating Safe and Respectful Environments Operating Procedures (251.6 KB) (PDF) Procedures supporting the Creating Safe and Respectful Environments Policy.
- Creating Safe and Respectful Environments Policy (493.76 KB) (PDF) The United Church's commitment against discrimination, harassment, violence, and sexual misconduct.
- 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 (March 2025) (290.89 KB) (PDF) Policy document for groups that are incorporated and maintain a relationship with The United Church of Canada (March 2025).
- 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 (March 2025) (544.71 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy found under section B.7.8.5 in The Manual.
- 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 (December 2024) (321.74 KB) (PDF) Includes procedures to address concerns about ministry personnel. Updated December 2024.
- 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 (Dec. 2024) (383.38 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy under I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual. This revision updates Pregnancy and Parental Leave policies.
- 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 (March 2025) (298.02 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policies found in The Manual, section H.8.
- Sacraments Elders (January 2020) (498.73 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy about sacraments elders found in the Pastoral Relations section of The Manual.
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.
- 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 (March 2025) (1.04 MB) (PDF) Guiding Principles for Faith Formation at United Church camps.
- 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 (March 2025) (290.89 KB) (PDF) Policy document for groups that are incorporated and maintain a relationship with The United Church of Canada (March 2025).
- 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 (47.71 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.
- Creating Safe and Respectful Environments Policy (493.76 KB) (PDF) The United Church's commitment against discrimination, harassment, violence, and sexual misconduct.
- 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: Annual Performance Reviews (December 2024) (346.81 KB) (PDF) A companion to Ministry and Personnel Committee: Policy, Procedures, and Practices.
- Ministry and Personnel Committees: Beginnings and Endings (March 2025) (437.57 KB) (PDF) A companion to Ministry and Personnel Committee: Policy, Procedures, and Practices.
- Ministry and Personnel Committees: Developing and Maintaining Healthy Teams (January 2025) (401.98 KB) (PDF) A companion to Ministry and Personnel Committee: Policy, Procedures, and Practices.
- United Church Women (UCW) Guidelines (861 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: Candidacy Board Resources Vol. 1 - Orientation (2024) (319.25 KB) (PDF) Best practices for the Candidacy Board to live out The Manual, section H, and the Candidacy Pathway Policy.
- Candidacy Pathway: Candidacy Board Vol. 2 - Interviews (2024) (331.87 KB) (PDF) Best practices for the Candidacy Board related to interviews conducted in the Candidacy Pathway.
- Candidacy Pathway: Community of Faith Connection - Orientation (2024) (167.2 KB) (PDF) Information for the CFC of the learning site, who provide support to the candidates and participate in the Learning Covenant.
- Candidacy Pathway: Policy (April 2024) (345.8 KB) (PDF) Expands on policy found under H. Entering Ministry in The Manual.
- Candidacy Pathway: Roadmap (2024) (296.71 KB) (PDF) Checklists to follow and useful information on how to pursue the requirements of the Candidacy Pathway.
- Candidacy Pathway: Supervised Ministry Education - Feedback and Communication (2024) (83.4 KB) (PDF) Guide to creating and maintaining a learning covenant involving good communication and appropriate feedback.
- Candidacy Pathway: Supervised Ministry Education - Learning Covenant and Learning Goals (2024) (150.72 KB) (PDF) Guides candidates and their Educational Supervisors in creating a Learning Covenant based on learning goals.
- Candidacy Pathway: Supervised Ministry Education - Roles and Reports (2025) (238.58 KB) (PDF) Augments the Educational Supervisor’s Orientation Handbook.
- Candidacy Pathway: Supervised Ministry Education - Supervisor's Orientation (2024) (211.34 KB) (PDF) Orientation for those involved in the formation of candidates during SME.
- Candidacy Pathway: Supervised Ministry Education - Theological Reflection (2024) (506.94 KB) (PDF) Augments the Educational Supervisor’s Orientation handbook.
- 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.
- 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
- 2024 Premiums and Taxable Benefits Calculator (30.99 KB) (Excel) Spreadsheet with embedded calculations to assist treasurers determine the deduction amounts for United Church payroll.
- 2025 Premiums and Taxable Benefits Calculator (30.91 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
- 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 Community: A Duty of Care Approach for Programs (359.34 KB) (PDF) Information on "Duty of Care" and how to ensure this obligation is met.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Pastoral Relations: Call & Appointment
- 2024 Minimum Salaries and Reimbursements for Ministry Personnel (138.28 KB) (PDF) Schedule of minimum salaries for ministry personnel in The United Church of Canada, 2024.
- 2025 Minimum Salaries and Reimbursements for Ministry Personnel (127.36 KB) (PDF) Schedule of minimum salaries for United Church of Canada ministry personnel, 2025.
- 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.
- Creating Safe and Respectful Environments Policy (493.76 KB) (PDF) The United Church's commitment against discrimination, harassment, violence, and sexual misconduct.
- 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 Community: A Duty of Care Approach for Programs (359.34 KB) (PDF) Information on "Duty of Care" and how to ensure this obligation is met.
- 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.
- 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 (Dec. 2024) (383.38 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policy under I. Pastoral Relations in The Manual. This revision updates Pregnancy and Parental Leave policies.
- 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 (March 2025) (298.02 KB) (PDF) Expands on the policies found in The Manual, section H.8.
- Standard for Continuing Education for Ministry Personnel (106.74 KB) (PDF) Guidance for ministry personnel in planning their continuing education and their proposals on con ed to their MandP Committee.
- 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 (47.71 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.
- Human Resources Policy Manual (1.04 MB) (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) (58.6 KB) (PDF) Reporting system that can be used by anyone to raise concerns about suspected wrongdoing by General Council or regional council staff.