Part I is about how we view the Bible, The sacraments - Baptism and Communion, who is welcome in the United Church - a place for people of all ages, our relationship with people of other faiths and our concern for the world.
Part II is a very brief history of how the United Church came into being in Canada.
Part III is a description of the United Church Crest.
Part IV is a brief description of the Structure of the United Church of Canada
Part I What we teach about the Bible
The Bible is central to The United Church of Canada. As a source of wisdom, personal prayer, and devotion, we believe the Bible can bring us closer to God. It remains one of our best ways of experiencing God's continuing work of creation and liberation in the world, while offering us forgiveness, healing, and new life in Jesus.
We often refer to a passage as "the Word of God." By this we mean the writer was inspired by God.
Yet we also know the various books that make up the Bible are the stories of two ancient communities trying to be faithful to God under difficult circumstances - ancient Israel and the early Christian movement. Some of what was experienced and written then doesn't fit with today's world. We don't condone slavery, for example, or stone those who commit adultery. Nevertheless, in it's stories and teachings, the Bible has a mysterious power to inform our lives.
Sacraments
A sacrament is a symbolic action, or ritual, by which people of faith encounter the presence and goodness of God. In a sacrament, ordinary things like water, bread, and wine are used to point us to God and God’s love, reminding us of the sacred in life. In the United Church, we celebrate two sacraments: Baptism, the ritual that formally recognizes that we belong to the Christian community, and Communion, a symbolic meal initiated by Jesus. These are of central importance to our faith.
Baptism
Baptism is a symbolic action that signifies the new life God gives us as we join the Church Community.
Baptism uses water as a symbolic cleansing that signifies the acceptance of new life within the Church family. The sacrament of Baptism is the single rite of initiation into the Christian community, the Church.
The United Church offers Baptism to all ages. We believe the gift of God's love doesn't depend on our ability to understand it, so we Baptize people as infants right up through adulthood. With children, instruction is given to parents or sponsors to equip them for the child's Christian nurture. During the ceremony, everyone in the congregation pledges support for the child and his or her parents.
Baptism is not a requirement for God's love. We believe people who die without Baptism are in no way condemned, lost, or damned.
Baptism in the United Church is recognized by all denominations of the Christian Church that practise infant Baptism. Similarly, if people have already been Baptized in another church, the United Church recognizes their Baptism and welcomes them as Christians.
Communion
The Lord’s Supper, Eucharist, Holy Communion - these different terms refer to the same sacrament shared by most Christian denominations, a symbolic meal.
Communion is celebrated at a table that suggests the dining table in our homes. At the communion table, we acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the host and all are guests. The meal uses the symbols of small pieces of bread and a taste of wine or juice to remind us of Jesus’Last Supper with his followers and of God’s enduring love.
The United Church invites all who seek to love Jesus to share in this family meal.
Inclusiveness
Jesus welcomed everyone, whether they were poor, rich, or just getting by; ill or healthy; self-made or educated; popular or a loner; secure or full of doubts.
The United Church of Canada prides itself on welcoming everyone the way Jesus did, regardless of age, race, class, gender, orientation, or physical ability.
Children
The church works hard to appreciate people of all ages, from grandparents to newborns. Children aren't viewed as adults-in-waiting, nor are they on display for the amusement of the adults. They're full and welcome participants at the heart of each congregation, bringing ideas and unique talents that can inspire the entire church.
Marriage
We see people as unique, loved creations of God and welcome all people to the full life of Christian community, including marriage. We believe God intends loving relationships to be faithful, responsible, just, healing, and sustaining of the couple and those around them, and that such relationships require preparation and nurture. The United Church celebrates the marriage of:
- same-sex couples
- previously divorced people
- couples of different religions
- all people who believe in Jesus Christ and want to live faithful to his way
General Council
The governing council of The United Church of Canada - makes some decisions about marriage, and local United Church congregations make other decisions. This reflects the wisdom that some decisions are best made as a denomination and others are best made locally. Our denomination has followed this wisdom since our founding in 1925.
Marriages (in fact, all worship services) are performed with the permission of and under the responsibility of the local congregation’s church council. This means that while General Council welcomes same-sex marriage, it does not make same-sex marriage the norm in congregations. Congregations develop their own marriage policy and practices.
Multi-faith Relations
The United Church of Canada views the religious practice of all people of goodwill with respect and gratitude. We believe the Spirit of God is at work in many different faith communities.
For Christians, Jesus is the way we know God. Our understanding is nonetheless limited by human imagination. God is greater still and works in our world by a mysterious Spirit that knows no distinction at the doorway of a Christian chapel; Buddhist, Hindu, or Sikh temple; Aboriginal sweat lodge, Muslim mosque, or Jewish synagogue. We work together with other Christian churches whenever possible, and among people of other religions in Canada and throughout the world on matters of justice, peace, and human dignity.
Today, difference is everywhere around us and, we believe, a great cause for celebration.
Social Justice
Caring for one another was central to Jesus' teachings: Feed the hungry, satisfy the thirsty, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, care for the sick, visit those in prison.
We believe we strengthen one another to work, through God's grace, for a better world. To this end, we cooperate with other churches, faith traditions, and people of goodwill to eliminate poverty and protect those who are most vulnerable.
Throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, the United Church works with 143 churches and organizations we call partners by supporting work they see as vital to their well-being. This enables us to feed the hungry, care for the sick, and shelter the homeless far beyond our normal reach.
Part II: A Brief History of the United Church of Canada
Introduction
The United Church of Canada is the largest Protestant denomination in Canada. We minister to close to 3 million people in over 3500 congregations across the country. Ours is a rich history closely entwined with the development of Canada itself.
The United Church was inaugurated on June 10, 1925 in Toronto, Ontario, when the Methodist Church, Canada, the Congregational Union of Canada, and 70 per cent of the Presbyterian Church in Canada entered into an organic union. Joining as well was the small General Council of Union Churches, centred largely in Western Canada. It was the first union of churches in the world to cross historical denominational lines and hence received international acclaim. Impetus for the union arose out of the concerns for serving the vast Canadian northwest and in the desire for better overseas mission. Each of the uniting churches, however, had a long history prior to 1925.
The Presbyterian Stream
French Huguenots, escaping persecution following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, brought the Reformed Faith to Canada. But even in the New World their growth and development were restricted. After the ceding of Nova Scotia to England in 1713, subsequent immigration of Presbyterians from Scotland and Ireland completely overwhelmed the small French contingent. The first ministers from Scotland were Daniel Cook, David Smith, and Hugh Graham who organized the Presbytery of Truro in 1786. In 1795 this presbytery was joined by a second, the Presbytery of Pictou, which represented another faction of Scottish Presbyterianism. In 1817 these two groups, joined by a few ministers from the Established Church of Scotland were able to come together and form the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia.
Concurrent with the events that led to the formation of the Synod of Nova Scotia, Presbyterians were moving into central and western Canada. As in eastern Canada, they brought the many divisions of the Scottish church with them and established several presbyteries and then synods, the first being the Presbytery of the Canadas in 1818. The establishment of new synodical structures continued through the first half of the nineteenth century, in part due to the importing of schisms within the church in Scotland, the arrival of non-English-speaking (Dutch Reformed) immigrants, and the opening of new territories in the West. By mid-century the trend began to reverse, and in 1875 a series of mergers led to the union of most Presbyterians into the Presbyterian Church of Canada.
The Methodist Stream
Methodism in Canada is traced to Lawrence Coughlan, an Irish Methodist preacher who came to Newfoundland in 1765. Upon his return to England, many of the people he organized openly declared themselves Methodists.
Meanwhile, Methodists were migrating from England to Nova Scotia; among them was William Black, Sr. In 1779 a revival among them led to the conversion of William Black, Jr., then but nineteen years old. He began to preach, visiting several nearby settlements, and in 1781 traveled the whole of Nova Scotia to organize Methodist classes. His work expanded greatly two years later as immigrants loyal to Great Britain flowed into Nova Scotia after the American Revolution. In 1784 Black journeyed to Baltimore, Maryland, for the meeting that organized the new Methodist Episcopal Church. The Canadian work which Black had developed was taken under their care. The Canadian work grew and developed as an integral part of the Methodist Episcopal Church until 1828 when it became separate and independent.
Meanwhile, Methodists from Great Britain migrated into Canada, and like the Presbyterians from Scotland, brought with them the several divisions of British Methodism. Mergers in 1874 and 1884 resulted in the Methodist Church, Canada being formed.
The Congregational Stream
Congregationalism in Canada originated with the acceptance of the offer made by the British government which promised free land to New Englanders who would relocate in Nova Scotia. In 1759 several hundred immigrants founded new towns and gathered in churches; the first was at Chester, and 1761 the church at Liverpool was formed. In 1760 a colony began at Maugerville, New Brunswick; the first church was organized six years later. The first church in Newfoundland was organized in 1846. In 1801 the British Congregationalists sent a missionary to organize a church in Quebec. That beginning led to the formation of the Congregational Union of Ontario and Quebec, which merged with the older group in 1906. The newly formed Congregational Union of Canada received the Ontario Conference of American-based United Brethren in Christ in 1907.
The General Council of Union Churches Stream
The final partner in the 1925 merger, the General Council of Union Churches of Western Canada, was the child of the early proposed Plan of Union that led to the founding of The United Church of Canada. A draft proposal of a plan of union was issued in 1908. In November of that year, a new congregation appeared in Saskatchewan which accepted the proposed plan as the basis of its local organization. Others soon followed. In 1912 the several local congregations formed the General Council to handle practical matters (some of them legal) and press forward in implementing the Plan of Union.
The merger in 1925 had one major dissenting voice. Approximately thirty percent of the Presbyterians refused to enter the merger and continued as the Presbyterian Church of Canada.
In fulfillment of its mandate to be a "uniting" Church, the United Church has been enriched by several unions since 1925. The Fourth General Council of The United Church of Canada (1930) approved the union of the Synod of The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Bermuda with The United Church of Canada on the condition that the Synod shall function as a Presbytery of the Maritime Conference without interference with the rights and powers conferred by the Legislature of Bermuda in the Wesleyan Methodist Church Act, 1930. The Twenty-second General Council of The United Church of Canada (1966) approved the Plan of Union whereby the Canada Conference of The Evangelical United Brethren Church became part of The United Church of Canada, effective January 1st, 1968.
In addition, over the years various individual congregations from other Christian communions have joined the United Church. In 1943 a two-decade process of negotiation with the Anglican Church of Canada was initiated. Later the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) joined the negotiations. The general commission representing the three churches adopted the Plan of Union in 1972, but three years later was rejected by the Anglican Church of Canada. Discussions with the Christian Church ended in 1985.
Recently, the Anglican Church of Canada and The United Church of Canada have begun an ongoing dialogue. These are the first formal conversations between the two denominations since the end of the Plan of Union talks in the 1970s.
Part III: United Church Crest
The crest is the official signature of The United Church of Canada, placed on legal documents, ordination and commissioning certificates, and licences to perform the sacraments. Designed by the Rev. Dr. Victor T. Mooney (a treasurer of the United Church), it was officially adopted in 1944 by the 11th General Council.
For our church members, this insignia is a spiritual and historic reminder. Its oval shape is derived from the outline of a fish, a symbol of identity by early Christians. The initials of the words "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour" spell the Greek word for fish.
The crest is designed in the form of a St. Andrew's Cross with an insignia in each of the four corners. The "X" at the centre, the first letter of the Greek word for Christ, is a traditional symbol for Christ. In the four corners of the crest are symbols, three of which are particularly associated with the three communions—Congregational, Methodist, and Presbyterian—that united to form The United Church of Canada in 1925.
The open Bible represents the Congregational Churches with their emphasis upon God's truth that makes people free. From this communion we have a heritage of liberty in prophesying, love of spiritual freedom, awareness of the creative power of the Holy Spirit, and clear witness for civic justice.
The dove is emblematic of the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:10) whose transforming power has been a distinctive mark of Methodism. Here our heritage is one of evangelical zeal, concern for human redemption, warmth of Christian fellowship, the testimony of spiritual experience, and the ministry of sacred song.
The burning bush is the symbol of Presbyterianism. It refers to the bush that burned and was not consumed (Exodus 3:2), and symbolizes the indestructibility of the church. From Presbyterianism we have received a heritage of high regard for the dignity in worship, the education of all people, the authority of scripture, and the church as the Body of Christ.
The symbols alpha and omega in the lower quarter are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. They symbolize the eternal living God, in the fullness of creation (Revelation 1:8).
The Latin words ut omnes unum sint that surround the symbols on the crest mean That all may be one and are taken from John 17:21. They are a reminder that we are both a "united" and "uniting" church.
In 1980, a French translation of The United Church of Canada—L'Église Unie du Canada—was authorized by General Council to be added to the crest.
Part IV Governance:
The Structure of the United Church
Congregations and Preaching Places
Close to 3 million members and adherents worshipping in 3,362 congregations or preaching places across the country.
Pastoral care is provided to some 443,000 known households.
Pastoral Charge
Pastoral charges may include one or more congregations under the spiritual leadership of a minister. There are approximately 2,250 pastoral charges, governed by a session, church board, or church council. St Mark’s and St David’s are two separate and independent Pastoral Charges which work together to pay for a minister.
A Congregation or Pastoral Charge is responsible for: determining the shape of weekly worship, when and how the sacraments will be administered, who will be admitted into membership, the use of the church property, the programs that are to be offered by the congregation and who they wish to call as a minister and who they wish to recommend be trained as a minister. The work of the congregation is supported through weekly offering.
Presbytery
Presbytery is an administrative grouping of Pastoral Charges in a local area. Lay and ministerial delegates from each Pastoral Charges meet regularly to oversee the work of the United Church within a particular area. There are 90 presbyteries within the church. St. Mark’s and St. David’s are part of the Inverness Guysborough Presbytery which in turn is part of Maritime Conference. The Presbyteries meet as required. Some meet monthly while others may only meet a couple of times a year and do all their work by Committee.
The Presbytery is responsible for overseeing the Pastoral Charges, ie.: ensure congregations operate within the rules (polity) of the United Church; they work with congregations when they are choosing a minister and must approve the terms of the invitation (call) to a minister; provide supervision and discipline if required by all ministers who are working within congregations. They also recommend who is to be admitted to the “Order of Ministry”.
Conference
Conference is an administrative grouping of Presbyteries in a regional area. Lay and ministerial delegates from the Presbyteries meet annually. Full-time staff in Conference offices work with Presbyteries and local Pastoral Charges. There are 13 Conferences within the church. The Conference met once a year or at least every two years. The work of the Conference and Presbytery is supported by an assessment that is made upon each congregation based on size of membership and financial resources.
General Council
General Council is the church's highest legislative court. Ordained, commissioned, and lay commissioners are elected by the Conferences and meet every three years to set church policy. An Executive and Sub-Executive govern between meetings of the council. The General Council meets every three years.
Policy is implemented through working committees of the General Council.
The work of the General Council is supported by the Mission Service (M & S) Fund of the United Church toward which every members is encouraged to support.
Many thanks to Rev. Bob Lockhart for providing this information.
