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United Church of Canada
Description
The United Church of Canada was formed in 1925 through the union of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches in Canada. Though the merger was successful, about 30 percent of the Presbyterian congregations later rejected union and continue today as the Presbyterian Church of Canada.
The United Church believes in the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three Persons of one substance, equal in power and glory. God created and governs all things, and He will see that His divine plan is fulfilled. It is believed that God has revealed Himself in nature and in the heart of humans and that He revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. It is also believed that God made humans in His own image and left them free to choose between good and evil. However, since Adam and Eve chose evil and sinned, they and all their descendants fell away from God. Because of this, all humans are born sinful and are saved only by the grace of God.
The United Church believes that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humans and was born without sin. Through His word and spirit, He revealed God to us. By sacrificing Himself on the Cross, He satisfied divine justice and made way for God to forgive the sins of humanity. He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where He intercedes on behalf of humanity.
The Holy Spirit is the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and Son and incites good in the hearts of humans, while restraining them from evil. He dwells in every believer as the spirit of truth, power, holiness, comfort and love.
The United Church believes that there will be a final judgment and resurrection of the dead, at which time the remaining impenitent shall be eternally punished and the righteous shall be given eternal life.
The United Church of Canada is the largest Protestant denomination in Canada.
Religious Elements
Scriptural and Doctrinal Sources
The United Church recognizes the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as the primary directive for Christian faith and life. The Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds of the ancient Church state the beliefs of the United Church and its individual members. The evangelical doctrines of the Reformation, which were adapted by the Churches making up the Union of the United Church, are also recognized as doctrine. The Basis of Union (1925) set out the doctrinal and organizational basis for the union of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches. The Statement of Faith (1940) amplified the doctrinal foundation of the Basis of Union. The New Creed (1968) is an expression of the ongoing restatement of faith envisioned by Church founders.
Sacraments
The United Church believes there are two sacraments, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which were instituted by Christ. biding by these sacraments is a sign and seal of the covenant between humans and God. Baptism is achieved by anointment with water. The proper subjects of baptism are believers and infants presented by their parents or guardians to be accepted and raised in the Christian faith. The Lord’s Supper is the sacrament of Communion with Christ and with His people: bread and wine are given and received in thankful remembrance of Him and His sacrifice on the Cross. All those who profess their faith in Jesus and abide by His law may partake.
Moral Code
The moral code is based in Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Basis of Union states that it is the duty of believers “to further the extension of His Kingdom, to do good unto all men, to maintain the public and private worship of God, to hallow the Lord’s Day, to preserve the inviolability of marriage and the sanctity of the family, to uphold the just authority of the State, and so to live in all honesty, purity and charity.” (Source: http://www.united-church.ca/ucc/home.shtm — official website of the United Church of Canada.) The lives of worshippers should testify for Christ. The Word of Christ should be joyfully received.
Houses of Worship
Houses of worship vary in architectural style from early Canadian wood structures to neo-Gothic and modern buildings of stone and brick. The interior layout is patterned on that of the modified Roman basilica of Europe and North America and consists of a narthex (vestibule); a nave (large space for the congregation); and a chancel, or sanctuary (elevated space around the Communion table for clergy, choir). The size of the building generally reflects the size of the congregation. Churches commonly have a bell tower.
Devotional Practices and Services
Worship services are held on Sundays and special days of observance. Services consist of scriptural readings, common prayer led by clergy, hymns and a sermon. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is offered on regular occasions, at least monthly, and on special occasions.
Clergy, Organization and Government
Jesus Christ is the supreme head of the Church. The Church is organized into a hierarchy of four groups, or courts:
- The General Council is the highest administrative court. It comprises ordained, commissioned and lay commissioners, who are elected and meet biennially. Between meetings, an executive and sub-executive govern, and policy is implemented through six administrative divisions.
- Conferences are groups of presbyteries, organized somewhat on lines paralleling Canadian provincial divisions.
- The presbytery is a grouping of pastoral charges in an area. Lay and ministerial delegates oversee the work of the charges.
- Session is the organization at the level of the congregation.
“Ordained ministers” are ordained to a ministry of word, sacrament and pastoral care. “Diaconal ministers” are commissioned to carry out a ministry of education, service and pastoral care. Men and women may be called by God to these ministries, and the Church recognizes those whom God calls. Those newly ordained or commissioned in the Church are expected to hold “essential agreement” with the doctrinal articles of the Basis of Union.
Propagation of Faith
Membership in the United Church requires a profession of faith in the Triune God and a commitment to faithful conduct in church and world, though not affirmation of adoption of a particular creed. Doctrinal standards are not used to exclude anyone. The United Church of Canada maintains an active overseas mission in several parts of the developing world by providing funds and personnel to support indigenous churches. In Canada, the Church maintains missions in coastal and other remote regions and provides chaplains to the Armed Forces, police and fire departments, prisons, hospitals, homes for the mentally disabled and universities.
Major Celebrations and Observances
Days of Regular Observance
Every Sunday (day of rest and worship). Advent (preparation for Christmas): begins four Sundays before Christmas Day. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: 24 and 25 December. Epiphany (manifestation of Jesus; visit by the Magi): 6 January. Ash Wednesday (beginning of Lent). Lent (preparation for Easter; may include fasting): 40 weekdays. Palm Sunday (Jesus enters Jerusalem). Maundy Thursday (the Last Supper). Good Friday (Jesus’ crucifixion). Easter Vigil (first service of Easter). Easter Sunday (Jesus’ resurrection): first Sunday of the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Ascension (Jesus’ ascension to heaven). Pentecost (birth of the Christian Church). Trinity Sunday. All Saints’ Day (commemorates saints and martyrs): 1 November. Reign of Christ.
Special Observances
Dress Requirements
Dietary Requirements
The Church has no doctrinal position on dietary questions. During Lent, members may give up a part of their diet for fasting.
Medical and Health Requirements
No stated position on cremation. No stated position on abortion. No stated position on organ transplants, blood transfusions or reproductive technology.
Death and Burial
A belief in a heavenly afterlife for those predestined by God for eternal salvation informs common practices and marks of respect for the deceased. There are no prescribed practices or rites, though memorial services in church and burial led by ministers and accompanied by prayer and invocation to God on behalf of the departed soul are common among adherents. The Church has stated no position on cremation.
Sources of Additional Information
http://www.united-church.ca/home.shtm — official website of the United Church of Canada.
United Church of Canada
3250 Bloor Street West
Suite 300
Etobicoke, ON M8X 2Y4
Phone: (416) 231-5931
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