Opening/Closing Date: August 27, 2026 to October 14, 2026
Description
The Roman Catholic–United Church Dialogue
In the coming term this interdenominational dialogue will focus on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, as a part of living into the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Dialogue includes The United Church of Canada, the Roman Catholic Church in Canada, and The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Vacancies: Two to three vacancies; with one appointed by the Indigenous Church
Key skills: Deep understanding of the United Church, a commitment to reconciliation, and the ability to participate respectfully in interdenominational dialogue
Meeting expectations: One in-person meeting and three to four online meetings annually
Mandate
The Roman Catholic–United Church Dialogue is an interdenominational dialogue in its 51st year. The purpose of the Dialogue is to foster mutual understanding and Christian unity. Members of the group explore cultural attitudes as well as theological and doctrinal issues. The Dialogue meets twice per year to discuss issues of common concern to our two denominations. This provides a unique forum for members of our churches to share our perspectives, even on controversial themes. The Dialogue has produced reports on topics such as baptism, sin and reconciliation, marriage, and care of creation.
Upcoming Focus
The Dialogue for the next three years will focus on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, part of the ongoing commitment to living into the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
For the upcoming dialogue, the United Church and the Roman Catholic Church in Canada have invited The Presbyterian Church in Canada to participate equally. The group determines its agenda in consultation with the three sponsoring bodies.
Membership
The group will be made up of three members from the Presbyterian Church, three from the United Church, and six from the Roman Catholic Church, along with one to two staff persons. As possible, the three members from the United Church will include one member of the Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee, and one person appointed by the Indigenous Church.
Skills and Experience
The Dialogue is seeking three lay or ordered members of the United Church who have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of The United Church of Canada ethos, theology, doctrine, and polity, as well as the United Church’s commitments to reconciliation and justice with Indigenous peoples, and the church’s equity commitments. Ideally, at least one of these members will have a strong academic theological background. At least one of these members will be from the Indigenous United Church.
Specific skills and experience that would be assets to this work include:
- a good understanding of, and personal commitment to, dialogue with different denominational expressions of Christian faith
- strong capacity to participate in theological dialogue
- knowledge and understanding of cross-cultural experience
It is critical that members contribute to the Dialogue with an understanding of themselves as representatives of The United Church of Canada, and have an openness to hearing about another Christian tradition from its named representatives. Personal experience or connection with the Roman Catholic Church is not required.
United Church Relationship: Active participant
Expectations and Term
- Online meetings: Three to four times per year; one to two hours in length.
- In-person meetings: Two-day meeting once yearly; location to be decided.
- Expectations between meetings: Research, writing, possible occasional consultations within the United Church (e.g. with the Indigenous Church, Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee, or other groups).
- Additional appointment possibilities or expectations: None
- Appointment term: Three years (January 2027–2030), with the possibility for reappointment.
Learn More
Past reports of the Roman Catholic–United Church Dialogue
For more information about this opportunity, please see the complete description, below.
To Express Interest
To apply for this vacancy, please express interest or nominate someone.
All submissions will be acknowledged by e-mail. If you do not receive acknowledgement, please contact Member Engagement. Incomplete or late submissions cannot be considered.
For further information or assistance in expressing interest or nominating someone, please contact:
Member Engagement
Toll-Free: 1-800-268-3781
E-mail:
Downloads
- 45-36 Roman Catholic-United Church Dialogue.pdf (158.9 KB) (PDF)