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Light a Flame for a Guaranteed Livable Income: Canadians across the country are asked to light a candle on Tuesday, September 22, at 12:30 p.m. local time in support of a guaranteed livable annual…
A History Not to Be Forgotten or Repeated: A former United Church residential school has been designated as a National Historic Site.
Orange Shirt Day 2020: On September 30, people all across Canada will wear orange shirts to remember and honour Indigenous children who attended Residential Schools.…
The United Church’s New General Secretary: The United Church of Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Michael Blair as its new General Secretary beginning November 1,…
General Council Office Reorganization, July 2020: Responding to the changing needs of the church, while continuing toward the goal of reducing GCO expenditures, a number of positions have been…
Executive Starts Work to Become Anti-Racist Denomination: The 43rd General Council’s electronic meeting on June 20,2020, received as new business the proposal Towards an Anti-Racist Denomination.
General Council 44 Has Been Postponed: In light of concerns around COVID-19, the decision has been made to postpone GC44, previously slated for July 2021 in Calgary, AB, to 2022.
Black Lives Matter in the United Church: The General Council Executive issued a statement on June 18, 2020, confirming unequivocally that Black Lives Matter to The United Church of Canada.
Celebrating Pride in the United Church: The United Church affirms that gender and sexuality are gifts of God. This June, we invite all people of faith to celebrate the lives and ministry of…
Church Leaders Acknowledge the Racism in Their Midst: The Moderator calls the struggle against anti-Black racism to be the work of White members of the church, and the time has come to commit…
Fifth Anniversary: Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action: June 2 is the fifth anniversary of the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). There is still much work to do…
Revised Statement on Medical Assistance in Dying: On May 25, 2020, the General Council Executive accepted updates to the church’s statement on Medical Assistance in Dying.
Urging Canada to Help Uphold Human Rights in the West Bank: In a joint letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the United Church joins with other leaders in urging Canada to comply with international law…
Possible Postponement of General Council 44: Commissioners of the 43rd General Council will meet on June 20, 2020 to consider moving General Council 44 from 2021 to 2022 due to the COVID-19…
Camps Find Ways to Build Community amid Physical Distancing: People who work or volunteer in outdoor ministries are sharing creative and positive ways to ensure that the overwhelming joy of camp will continue…
Broadview’s First Birthday Congratulations: It’s Broadview's first anniversary, and the magazine is garnering praise and award nominations for its work.
Marking Florence Nightingale’s Bicentenary in Worship: Members have been asking how they can honour the ministry of healthcare workers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consider using the newly…
Reopening to the New Normal: Reopening Churches during COVID-19 is a new online section that includes guidelines and practices to consider when reopening churches to members…
Political and Economic Sanctions Blocking Aid for Most Vulnerable: The United Church joined others in a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs urging the Canadian government to ensure that humanitarian assistance…
Church Launches Global Response to COVID-19: The United Church is accepting donations to help support Mission & Service partners around the world as they work to meet the needs of these…
From the Front Lines of COVID-19: Community ministries serve the most vulnerable people in our society and are working tirelessly as they seek to meet increased demands with fewer…
GCE Temporarily Amends Pastoral Relations Policies: The Executive of the General Council has temporarily amended pastoral relations policies to allow the governing board, rather than a congregational…
Governance in Congregations during COVID-19: With current restrictions on gatherings of people, congregations may need to postpone meetings or hold them through electronic means. Advance notice…
COVID-19: Finding Tangible Ways of Supporting Each Other: Mission & Service partners around the world are responding to the effects of the virus in their communities. The United Church has contributed $…
Ministry with Children and Youth: A message from the Moderator and resources for those who minister with children and youth.
Clarification: Ontario churches CAN stream worship from their buildings: Clarification: Ontario churches CAN stream worship from their buildings. This modifies the advice we gave on March 25.
“We Are All Relatives” : The National Indigenous Elders Council has offered the whole church its wisdom and assurance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Closure of Church Buildings in Ontario: In Ontario, church buildings (with some exceptions) have not been named as essential, so Ontario church buildings must be closed. We interpret this…
Supporting Staff through the Pandemic: With in-person worship being suspended and rental incomes stopped, some communities of faith may be faced with financial concerns Before making any…
Call for Churches to Do More to Address Anti-Black Racism: Leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada, and The United Church of Canada have issued a joint letter…
Gratitude for Your Essential Service during COVID-19: Letter from General Secretary Nora Sanders to ministry personnel and church leaders, 16 March 2020.
Employment and Pastoral Relationships in the Event of Church Closures: Some guidance on pastoral relationships and employment in local congregations in the event of church closures in this time of COVID-19.
COVID-19: United Church Statement: We urge communities of faith to respond to COVID-19 with compassion, prevention, and prayer, and offer the United Church Emergency Plan to help…
Coronavirus: Update from United Church Partners in Wuhan: As coronavirus outbreaks are reported around the globe, partners in China thank the United Church for continued prayers and support.
In Support of Wet’suwet’en: Letter to the church from the Moderator and the National Indigenous Elders Council
Coronavirus Update: United Church Response: The United Church continues to support the ecumenical response to the coronavirus outbreak in China.
Moderator Urges Prime Minister to Oppose US Middle East Plan: In a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, Moderator Richard Bott urges Canada to oppose the United States’ Middle East “peace plan.”
Statement on the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz: This week marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.
Coronavirus: United Church Response: The United Church is part of an ecumenical response that will provide medical supplies for first responders and communities in Wuhan, China.
Search for Next General Secretary Begins: Announcing the selection committee for the next General Secretary.
Celebrate International Development Week 2020: The United Church will celebrate International Development Week (February 2–8, 2020) by lifting up stories of Canadian and global Mission &…
Have a Heart Day 2020: Take some time as a community of faith on a Sunday between January 26 and February 9 to mark a different kind of Valentine’s Day: Have a Heart Day.
2019 Another Great Year for The Healing Fund: In 2019, The Healing Fund provided more than $300,000 to support Indigenous communities in language and culture programs.
United Church Launches Enhanced Whistleblower Program: The church has introduced a reporting system for anyone to raise concerns about suspected wrongdoing by an employee of the General Council Office or…
Wildfires: Holding Australia in Our Prayers: The United Church is horrified by the scenes of destruction from the Australian wildfires in early 2020. While it is difficult to wait for a response…
2019 UN Climate Negotiations Fall Short: The overall message from the Madrid summit is clear: governments need to enact more ambitious emission reduction targets.
COP25 Delegation Announcement: Meet the United Church delegation heading to UN Climate Negotiations (COP25) in Madrid.
New Disability Justice Video: In this video, Lynda Katsuno reflects on the work that still needs to be done in the church so people with disabilities can fully participate.
Hurricane Dorian: Recovery and Reconstruction: Hurricane Dorian, a powerful category 5 hurricane, caused devastation in the Bahamas in early September 2019. United Church people have given over…
World Food Sunday 2019: World Food Sunday is an opportunity to pray and reflect on the call of people of faith to a robust and compassionate response to hunger.
Memorial Register of Missing Children: A memorial register honouring children who died at residential schools (TRC Call to Action 72) will be launched on September 30, 2019.
Celebrating Full Communion with the Disciples of Christ: In our new covenantal relationship, we commit to being one church—not in merger, but in God’s gift of unity that serves the world that God so loves.
National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering Concludes: Indigenous members of The United Church of Canada attending the National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering reached a consensus to create a new national…
Full Communion, not a Merger: Statement from the United Church on its full communion agreement with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada and the United States,…
Sad News for Climate Action and Indigenous Rights: The United Church is saddened by the failure to move Bill C-262, an important and hopeful piece of legislation, forward. We are saddened by the lack…
Essential Agreement Explained: The United Church of Canada reiterates that people entering ministry must be in essential agreement with the church’s doctrinal statements.
44th General Council is Alberta bound in 2021: The 44th General Council will meet July 21‒25, 2021, in Calgary.
Let This Be the Last Inquiry: Moderator Rev. Dr. Richard Bott and the Rev. Maggie Dieter respond to the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous…
United Church Reconciliation Journey to Australia: A delegation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from the United Church travelled to Australia in 2018 to explore our two countries’ experiences…
Intercultural Ministries Survey Results: A recent survey gave United Church people an opportunity to express their experiences and attitudes toward our intercultural commitment.
Sri Lanka Attacks: God, Hear Our Prayers: The United Church of Canada expresses outrage and sorrow at the attacks on people gathered for worship and celebration in Sri Lanka this weekend.
Earth Day 2019: For the Love of All Creation: A diverse group of Canadian church leaders are speaking out for climate justice in a new ecumenical Earth Day video jointly produced by KAIROS,…
Canadian Government Breaks Promise to Create an Effective Ombudsperson: The United Church of Canada expresses dismay over the government’s failure to appoint an independent ombudsperson with real powers to investigate…
Anglican Church and United Church Dialogue Communiqué: Decisions and developments in one church are always a point of interest in the other. For this reason, the members of the Anglican-United Church…
Bill C-262: Senators Still Need to Hear from You!: Those in favour of Bill C-262, an Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of…
United Church Voices Concern over UN North Korea Sanctions: Joint letter from United Church and Canadian Voice of Women for Peace states concern for humanitarian and human rights impacts of UN sanctions.
Important Step toward Reconciliation and Peace in the Koreas: The United Church and Korean partners welcome the Panmunjom Accord.
Church Leaders: Make C-262 Vote Unanimous: “Building a new relationship and passing Bill C-262 into law are non-partisan issues,” churches urge federal party leaders.
Mikisew Decision: Expand the Duty to Consult: Ecumenical leaders write Prime Minister Trudeau concerning duty to consult with First Nations
United Church Supports Rohingya People in Bangladesh: United Church people have given $86,000 towards humanitarian relief in Cox’s Bazar and Kutupalong, the largest refugee camp in the world.
New: Call UCRD, Talk to United Church Customer Service: Need help finding the right United Church resource or book? Call us.
National Action Plan to End Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls: Moderator Richard Bott and Executive Minister Maggie Dieter have written to the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls…
Open Letter by the Moderator and General Secretary: Open letter to church leaders about our commitment to the continuity of the faith of the church.
Ecumenical Leaders Urge Senate to Pass Bill C-262: An ecumenical letter urging senators to vote in favour of Bill C-262, The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Calling for Dialogue not Confrontation: The United Church is committed to peaceful processes and calls for dialogue to resolve the situation in Venezuela with an internally made solution.
Solidarity with Partners in Kenya: Despite the January 15 terrorist attack in Nairobi, United Church partners in Kenya and around the world remain committed to peacemaking.
Wet’suwet’en: Consent and Peaceful Solutions: Moderator Richard Bott and Indigenous Ministries and Justice Executive Minister Maggie Dieter have written to Prime Minister Trudeau and others with…
The United Church of Canada Responds to the Joint Statement on the Rev. Vosper: Response to the Joint Statement on the Rev. Gretta Vosper
Statement on the Rev. Gretta Vosper: The Rev. Gretta Vosper will remain in ordained ministry at West Hill United Church.
Statement on Attack on Tree of Life Synagogue, Pittsburgh: The United Church is profoundly saddened and outraged at the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue.
Mark the Residential Schools Apology Anniversary in Prayer: Braiding Reconciliation Prayer, inspired by a teaching shared by Youth Forum at General Council, marks 20th anniversary of 1998 Apology.
United Church Welcomes Funding for UN Relief Agency: Canada’s announcement follows United Church people’s call for the government to increase its support of UNRWA.
National Anti-poverty Strategy Welcomed: Federal poverty reduction goals are a fruit of years of advocacy, though new funding and recognition of Indigenous rights are still needed.
Roman Catholic‒United Church Dialogue Releases Report on Climate Change: The Roman Catholic‒United Church of Canada Dialogue has released a report on climate change entitled: The Hope within Us.
Choose Faith over Fear: Welcome Asylum Seekers: Racism and Islamophobia practised by individuals and nations continue to destroy God’s beloved community.
United Church Welcomes Accessible Canada Act: Bill C-81 represents significant progress in making Canada fully inclusive but could be strengthened.
Keeping Families Together—In the U.S. and Canada: How you can help stop parents from being separated from their children—in both countries.
Theologies of Adoption: United Church reflects on guidelines for ethical adoption.
Gaza: No One Should Be Killed for Peacefully Protesting: The United Church mourns with the families of those killed in Gaza, and pray for the recovery of the many injured. We stand in solidarity with…
Kinder Morgan: Honour Indigenous Participation and Consent: Show your support for the rights of Indigenous peoples to participate in decision making and to free, prior, and informed consent.
Call for Investigation into Violence on Gaza-Israel Border: United Church urges government to press for an independent investigation into the Israeli shooting of people engaged in rightful protest.
Church Welcomes Canada’s Contribution to UN Relief Agency: Minister Bibeau has announced up to $10 million in emergency humanitarian assistance for Palestinian refugees.
Canada-Australia Reconciliation Dialogue : Moderator leads return visit to Indigenous church in Australia, as part of mutual journey toward self-determination and reconciliation
Final Report on Regional Council Boundaries: The final report of the Boundaries Commission describes 16 regional councils that will be established on January 1, 2019, if Remit 1: Three Council…
Joint Commitment to UN Decade for People of African Descent: Join The United Church of Canada and the United Church of Christ USA in promoting recognition, justice, for people of African descent.
Clarity on Clusters and Networks: At its November 2017 meeting, the Executive of the General Council discussed clusters and networks and clarified some definitions.
United Church Welcomes Government Support of Bill C-262: Private member’s bill will align Canadian law with UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Rag Dolls Travelling to Parliament Hill: We believe that child poverty in our country can and must be eliminated, and that a national strategy is necessary.
Major Steps in Remit Implementation: Commissioners at a special electronic meeting of the 42nd General Council on September 30 gave strong endorsement to four motions that will prepare…
It’s time to Re-commit to Racial Justice and Equity: In the aftermath of the August 12 weekend when White supremacists and White nationalists converged in Virginia, the United Church is asking its…
Medical Assistance in Dying : United Church opts for a balanced, case-by-case approach to medical assistance in dying.