News From The United Church of Canada

The United Church of Canada

United Methodist and Canadian churches draw closer
The United Methodist Church and The United Church of Canada have formed an interim covenant with the goal of full communion. Driving the move, in part, is increased migration of United Methodists to Canada.
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Join us on Tuesday, June 9 from 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET for an online session exploring how communities of faith can live into The United Church of Canada’s 2025 apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Participants will reflect on the apology, hear stories from communities already engaging this work, and explore practical ways to embody the apology in worship, community life, and public witness.
The session will also offer space for conversation, reflection, and identifying meaningful next steps in local contexts.
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Every year on May 17, communities worldwide mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.
The day is especially meaningful at a time when 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities—in Canada and globally—continue to face rising hostility, misinformation, violence, and exclusion.
While Canada has made important strides in human rights protections, many people still experience rejection within families, schools, workplaces, faith spaces, and communities.
Across the United Church, many communities of faith are living out the commitment to faithful solidarity in meaningful and courageous ways.
Knox United Church in Calgary takes a radical, public stand for inclusion, proudly stand against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. The congregation’s ministry is grounded in the call to be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for all, inviting and encouraging everyone’s full participation in their ministry and community.
Find out more about Knox United’s ministry of welcome and inclusion: https://united-church.ca/…/open-space-vibrant-place-and…

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**Thivan Hoang and Conor Russell of The United Church of Canada, together with partners from Canadian Foodgrains Bank, are visiting Mission and Service partners, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), to tour their agricultural projects in Zimbabwe which are adopting climate-smart agriculture to improve harvests of small grains under semi-arid conditions.
The increasing involvement of women in leadership positions in the community with support from the local leaders were some of the key progress markers observed in these projects.
Find out more about the work of these partners building climate justice and food security on the Zimbabwe Council of Churches Facebook page: Zimbabwe Council of Churches
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**Our hearts are heavy as we hear reports of intensified airstrikes across the Middle East. Overnight, the United States and Israel intensified joint air attacks, with explosions reported in both Tehran and Beirut as the conflict enters a new and volatile phase.
We hold in prayer all those living in fear, those forced to flee, and the countless families affected by violence. We continue to pray for peace, for the protection of civilians, and for international leaders to pursue every possible path toward de‑escalation and just resolution in accordance with international law.
May compassion prevail over fear and may every step toward de‑escalation be encouraged and amplified.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
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The United Church of Canada laments the tragic violence in Tumbler Ridge and holds in prayer the families, loved ones, and entire community who are now living with shock, trauma, and profound loss. It is in moments such as this, we are reminded of our deepest calling as followers of Jesus: to care for one another, to protect the vulnerable, and to seek justice rooted in compassion.
In the wake of this tragedy, The United Church of Canada affirms a simple but essential truth: one person’s actions never define an entire community or identity group. At a time when fear and suspicion can take hold, we call on all people of faith and goodwill to let love, compassion, and our shared humanity lead the way. No community should be judged by the actions of an individual, and no moment of violence should be used to create division or deepen stigma.
We also affirm clearly and without hesitation: trans and nonbinary people and all those who identify as genderqueer and gender-fluid are beloved members of our churches, our families, and our communities. The United Church of Canada has long upheld the sacred worth of all people and continues to work toward communities marked by compassion, justice, and mutual care. That work is especially urgent now.
Every person is a child of God, carrying inherent dignity that cannot be diminished by the actions of another. Violence is never who we are called to be.
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We invite and encourage United Church people to continue responding urgently in solidarity through prayer and action with Mission & Service partners and the people of Cuba, who face multiple and deepening crises.

On January 30, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order that makes life even harder for the Cuban people by imposing “a new tariff system that allows the United States to impose additional tariffs on imports from any country that directly or indirectly provides oil to Cuba.” https://www.whitehouse.gov/…/fact-sheet-president…/

Three things you can do:

1. Write to the government of Canada: Please sign this online petition calling on Canada to respond now with increased humanitarian assistance to Cuba: https://petition.web.net/CanadaActNowOnCuba

2. Phone your Member of Parliament: The United Church of Canada urges you to click on the petition link to also find your Member of Parliament. Phone your MP and urge them to support this call to increase humanitarian assistance to Cuba.

3. Pray: lift up to God the needs of the people of Cuba. Share this prayer with your community of faith: as we act in solidarity with Cuban siblings, with the Mission and Service partners and the people of Cuba, we pray together for a more just, equitable and peaceful world: https://united-church.ca/…/welcome…/partners-mission

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A Prayer for Cuba
God of life, justice, and compassion, you hear the cries of the poor and the voices of those pushed to the margins. You call us to stand where suffering is greatest and to speak truth when silence becomes complicity.
Do you see your people in Cuba, living faithfully on an island shaped by histories of colonization, geopolitical power, and economic control? Do you see the long lines for food and basic necessities, the hunger of children and elders, and the daily hardship required simply to survive?
God of mercy, you hear the cries from hospitals where care is limited not by knowledge or will, but by the absence of medicine and resources. You see the darkness caused by rolling blackouts, as homes, schools, and communities are forced to pause and wait. And food in the fridges get spoiled.
O God, it pains our hearts as people struggle with life and death, despair, and agony.
Stir the conscience of governments and global institutions. Strengthen movements for peace, dialogue, and cooperation. Empower your people to advocate boldly, to accompany those who suffer, and to work towards compassion and human rights.
O God of overflowing love, may your justice roll down like waters, and your righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. May your will be done—not the will of empire or profit. May your will bring life, dignity, and hope for all.
We pray for Cuba. We pray for a just world. We pray that we, your church, may be faithful in word and in action. Amen.  #UCCan
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The United Church of Canada has committed to engaging with the United Nations Second International Decade for People of African Descent.
“By committing to a second decade as the church, we build on the work we started in the first decade. We affirm our commitment to a long-term project that is consistent with ongoing efforts in anti-racism and anti-Black racism,” says Rev. Adele Halliday, Anti-Racism and Equity Lead for The United Church of Canada.
The United Church’s hopes for the decade will be outlined by a Working Group on Church Legacies for People of African Descent. This working group will continue to deepen our commitments to reparations, reparatory justice, and the 2025 agreement from the 45th General Council to work on a process and related work for an apology from The United Church of Canada to the African Diaspora for enslavement and legacies of enslavement in Canada.
Expressions of interest to contributing to this working group, as well as related groups, are welcomed.
Read the full news announcement to find out more:  https://united-church.ca/…/united-church-commits…
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We stand in solidarity with faith leaders and communities across the United States who are courageously speaking out and caring for neighbours in this challenging moment.
As one interfaith leader so powerfully said:
“Here we are, Muslims and Christians, Sikh, Buddhist, Unitarian, Jews, atheists, Hindus, and more and more and more—united in our desire to confront this surge of ICE agents, this attack on democracy, and this attack on our neighbours.”
Across traditions and borders, we affirm human dignity, justice, and love for neighbour. You are not alone. We see you, and we stand with you.
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For children in the Sabra/Shatila refugee camp in Beirut, everyday life can feel uncertain. Since 1950, the Joint Christian Committee for Social Service (JCC) has been a bright spot — offering a safe, colourful kindergarten where children aged 3–6 can begin their education and just be kids.
Rising rental costs, essential renovations, and skyrocketing inflation are making it harder to provide the books, paper, and art supplies that make learning possible.
💛 Your gift of $60 provides school supplies, giving refugee children the tools to take their first steps toward a brighter future.
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Military accord could make Canada complicit in human rights abuses in Philippines: The United Church of Canada is calling for public transparency and a full human-rights assessment following the recent signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between Canada and the Philippines. The agreement, announced by Canada’s Department of National Defence on November 2, establishes new terms for military cooperation between the two countries.

“Canada’s security partnerships must reflect our deepest commitments to international law regarding human rights,” The Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu, Executive Minister of the Church in Mission Unit, affirms. “True peace is built not through militarization but through justice, accountability, and respect for human dignity.”
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In “My Hair, My Rage,” Inzwi Munikwa shares an experience that’s often seen as small but is really about consent, identity, and the cost of making racism “easier to hear.”
Explore more at United-Church.ca:
In “Racism is a Spiritual Issue,” Damber Khadka reflects on how racism denies the divine image in others—and why justice must begin with how we see one another.

🌐 Explore all the resources and activities for 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism: https://united-church.ca/…/40-days-engagement-anti-racism

⬇️ Download this video from our YouTube channel: @UnitedChurchCda

40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism     #UCCan #40Days #AntiRacism #AntiRacistChurch

To mark 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism, the United Church Bookstore has a great collection of books on anti-racism available. Use discount code 40DAYS to receive 15% off your purchase of two or more featured books. Explore all the titles: https://ucrdstore.ca/…/40-days-of-engagement-on-anti…
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This week, Moderator Kimberly Heath took part in the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Parliament Hill. You can read more about her thoughts on the process of reconciliation in a conversation with Sara Stratton, the United Church’s Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animator, Indigenous Ministries and Justice on our webpage: https://united-church.ca/…/national-day-truth-and…#UCCan #TruthandReconciliation
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The United Church of Canada has released a powerful renewed declaration, “Dreaming a Better World Into Being: For the Sake of God’s Beloved World.” Stemming from decisions made at General Council 45 in Calgary, Alberta, the statement renews the church’s commitment to justice, peace, the integrity of Creation, and the flourishing of all peoples and the world.
The church raises its voice to call for urgent action on peace and justice issues internationally, including the ongoing genocide and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, as well as violence in Latin America and tensions on the Korean peninsula.The declaration also addresses the church’s own complicity in settler colonialism and urges all levels of Canadian society to defend those Indigenous Peoples most affected by the climate crisis and those without access to clean drinking water.
The statement reiterates the church’s apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities, calling for government action to protect their rights. Other urgent calls for action include addressing the housing and mental health crises, the overdose crisis, increasing polarization, and the erosion of democratic processes.
Read the full statement and learn more about the United Church’s call to action for a more just and peaceful world: https://united-church.ca/…/united-church-issues-bold…
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**Canada Post has issued a new stamp in its “Places of Pride” series commemorating the origin of the term “Two‑Spirit,” which was introduced at the third North American Native American Gay & Lesbian Gathering in Beausejour, Manitoba, in 1990. The gathering was hosted at what is now the Sandy‑Saulteaux Spiritual Centre.
This historic moment marks a powerful reclaiming of Indigenous gender, spiritual, and relational identity rooted in ceremony and culture. The artwork depicts ceremonial gatherings under a night sky and reflects both ancient traditions and the act of naming that changed the course of Two‑Spirit recognition in Canada and beyond.
As a United Church of Canada ministry training centre and ecumenical space where Indigenous and Christian spirituality intertwine, Sandy‑Saulteaux Spiritual Centre holds deep significance in both theological education and reconciliation journeys.
We celebrate the Two‑Spirit community and all those who helped forge this identity. May this stamp inspire deeper understanding, healing, and affirmation across Indigenous and queer communities.
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100 Words of Hope: Resilient by Grace
Something interesting happens as we age. We’ve gathered experiences that younger people have just started to accumulate. Experience softens the sharp edges of crisis. It prepares us for the unimaginable.
Our adaptation muscles are strong. We can say, with confidence, “this too shall pass.” It isn’t a lack of caring or abandonment; it’s a shortening of the shock and a faster ability to roll up the sleeves.
The church has seen 2,000 years of surprises. Let us situate ourselves in that wisdom and do the work that needs to be done. United in hope, with love and care for one another.
—Éric Hébert-Daly, Executive Minister for Eastern Ontario Outaouais, Nakonha:ka, East Central Ontario regional councils
Find more 100 Words of Hope reflections: https://united-church.ca/blogs/round-table
We encourage you to share your own “100 Words of Hope” (prayers, poems, or reflections): https://ow.ly/4lqn50VsQSP

 

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As part of The United Church of Canada’s centennial theme, Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship and Daring Justice, this photograph brings together people from various walks of life, each representing the diverse community they embrace. The image serves as a bold testament to the Church’s vision—a table where differences are honoured, diversity is celebrated, and faith is lived through shared commitment to equity and belonging.

A defining feature of this reimagining is the absence of Christ in physical form. Instead, Christ’s presence is embodied through the gathered community, underscoring the belief that faith is expressed through justice, compassion, and service.

“As a member of the United Church, I was honoured and inspired to reimagine The Last Supper in a way that let each of the Disciples’ identities shine through,” said photographer Alan Lai. “I wanted the image to honour who they each are and reflect the Church’s spirit of unity and belonging, showing that Christ’s presence lives in all of us, in all our diversity.”

This reimagining also underscores The United Church of Canada’s ongoing commitment to advocacy, including support for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, Racial Equity, Disability Justice, and engagement in struggles for peace and human rights, including those around the globe. It affirms that true belonging requires more than just tolerance—it requires action, dialogue and the intentional creation of spaces where all are truly welcomed and valued.

“I’ve experienced firsthand how life-giving it is to create spaces where 2S and LGBTQIA+ people, and all those on the margins, are not only welcomed but celebrated,” said King Julez, past chair of Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble and one of the Disciples in the photograph. “As a trans person and drag performer, I carry the legacy of queer resilience—of people who fought, created chosen families and found joy even in struggle. This image is about more than representation, it’s about transformation. It challenges us to reflect on what it truly means to belong.”

Throughout the Church’s centennial year, the photograph will be shared across digital platforms, including on a new dedicated webpage, sparking conversations about faith, identity and community in the modern world. This art is a call to action, encouraging the creation of spaces that embrace authenticity and promote social justice.

Bringing together individuals from coast to coast to coast, the project reflects the diversity of today’s United Church of Canada—spanning cultural backgrounds, generations, gender identities and spiritual perspectives. Rather than assuming sameness, it celebrates differences while reinforcing a shared vision of faith, hope and a bold future.

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bpuX5Rngz0&t=191s

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We are called to be generous believers, to support our church and to support one another. What will your legacy of faith be?
Support your church: become a part of the Centennial Legacy Campaign. Learn more about how you can support your congregation for the next century: https://unitedchurchfoundation.ca/centennialcampaign
"...out of the believers' heart shall flow rivers of living water." John 7:38
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HERITAGE MOMENT
The United Church of Canada: Making a Difference in Public Life
Rev. Edward Moore Jackson Burwash, in the uniform of the Canadian Chaplain Service (1916).
The re-election of the Hon. Rev. Rob Oliphant on April 28 continues a tradition of United Church members and ministers serving in the political sphere. Perhaps the best-known among them is the Rev. Bill Blaikie, who served as a member of the House of Commons from 1979 until 2008. When he left federal politics, he became a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. In 2011, his book, The Blaikie Report: An Insider’s Look at Faith and Politics was published, highlighting how the two—faith and politics—are connected.
Rev. George Campbell Pidgeon broadcasting (approx. 1925).
Dr. Ernest Edgar Long and visiting dignitaries at a press conference in Montreal (1955). Ernest Edgar Long (1901–1985) was a United Church Minister and the longest serving Secretary of General Council.
United Church people have long shared that conviction. There are dedicated ministers and members currently serving at all levels of government—municipal, provincial/territorial, and federal. Some of the giants of Canadian politics, like Lloyd Axworthy, the Hon. Rev. Lorne Calvert, and the Hon. Kathleen Wynne are part of the United Church. With its strong Methodist roots, the United Church has always believed faith is more than a matter of private spiritual devotion; it is also a call to serve in the world.
Rev. Alexander S. Murray talking to new arrivals at the port of Montreal.
Thora Mills accepting the Toronto (Metro) Medal for Public Service.
Legend has it that there was a time when the Moderator of the United Church could telephone the office of the Prime Minister and be put through immediately—but that is not our recent experience. The invitations sent to leaders to join us for our Centennial celebration in St. John’s have not been accepted. It’s harder to gain the attention of political leaders these days which has led some United Church folks to become creative in their efforts. In 2017, as part of the “Bread not Stones” campaign to raise awareness of and act on child poverty in Canada, a dedicated group of United Church members made a doll for every member of federal parliament as a tangible reminder of the children who were suffering. Their hopes to distribute them in the House of Commons were dashed but, with the help of Sen. Art Eggleton and MP Kate Young, they hosted a day-long event to mark the UN’s World Children’s Day.
Bread Not Stones joins other anti-poverty groups to bring “Dolls of Hope” to MPs and Senators (2018).
The Right Rev. Richard Bott, former Moderator of The United Church of Canada, with Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, who is responsible for the federal poverty reduction strategy and Canada’s response to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

No story of United Church civic engagement would be complete without acknowledging the protests and letter-writing that address unjust situations and urge change. From Indigenous rights to protection of the land to mining concerns to international human rights violations to seeking a just peace for Palestine and Israel, United Church members are on the forefront, committed to a faith that is more than words.

This is one of the characteristics by which the United Church is known: that our faith leads us into the world, to live into the “Daring Justice” that is part of our call.
Mardi Tindal with Governor General Michaëlle Jean at Rideau Hall, to mark the beginning of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s hearings (2009). Photo by Fred Cattroll.
Rev. Christine Boyle, British Columbia Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation on Transgender Day of Visibility (2024).
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Reflecting on Our Anti-Racism Journey
It was June 2020. The Black Lives Matter movement was experiencing a groundswell of support across North America. It was also pre-COVID vaccines, and restrictions were in place to reduce the spread of the disease. The General Council was meeting online to consider postponing the meeting scheduled for 2021 until 2022. In this context, a proposal entitled “Towards Becoming an Anti-Racist Denomination” was presented.
Chinese United Church 50th Anniversary, Victoria, B.C. (1935).
Journeys of Black People in The United Church of Canada gathering in Montreal, (April, 2007).
A painting crew at the Chinese United Church, Vancouver, B.C. (1953).
A painting crew at the Chinese United Church, Vancouver, B.C. (1953).
The United Church acknowledged racism as a sin in 1960 after the destruction of the Africville neighborhood in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and had previously addressed it in a variety of ways, such as the 2006 requirement for ministry personnel to undertake racial justice training. But in the final hours of the 2018 meeting of the General Council, the continued pervasiveness of racism was made evident, as racialized clergy and lay people spoke to the racism they had experienced in the church. When the General Council met on October 24, 2020, it acknowledged what it had heard in 2018 and what was happening in society, and made a commitment to “Becoming an Anti-Racist Denomination,” creating the staff position of Anti-Racism and Equity Lead to support this.
Kyogikai conference at Knox United Church, Winnipeg (1962).
Chinese United Church sign, Victoria, B.C. (1960).
The Very Rt. Rev. Wilbur K. Howard (1974). Learn more about the Very Rev. Wilbur Howard.
Four years later in February 2024, when the Executive of the General Council received the report of the Pastoral Relationships Thriving with Equity Research Project, it was clear that progress is slow. Racialized clergy continue to experience blatant racism. Despite the number of communities of faith without a minister, the United Church has had to stop receiving applications from other denominations as there is already a long list of qualified ministers, many of whom are racialized, unable to find a position.
The United Church has committed to becoming an anti-racist denomination. Watch this video to explore what this means and understand how racism may be present within our church.
Korean United Church congregation, Vancouver, B.C. (1967).
Historic MOU signed this between The United Church of Canada and the Methodist Church of Ghana, establishing an Associate Membership for the Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church of Toronto (May 5, 2013).
February is Black History Month. We have much to lift up: the decision to become an anti-racist denomination, racial justice training for ministry personnel, the Black clergy network, the admirable leadership of former Moderator, the Very Rev. Wilbur Howard, and of current General Secretary, the Rev. Michael Blair. But we cannot yet claim we “are” anti-racist; the data makes it plain that is not the case. This February, how will we recognize this and challenge it? By 2035, 30 percent of the Canadian population will be racialized or Indigenous. Will we be able to say the same of a denomination that has historically mirrored population trends in its membership?
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The United Church Learning Pilgrimage delegation to the Philippines visited mining sites in the Cordillera region, and witnessed some of environmental damage caused by international mining companies.
Won Hur – Today, The United Church of Canada’s pilgrims in the Philippines visited two gold mines in the Cordillera region. The mining companies have dumped cyanide in the mine pit lake. Lots of environmental destruction was caused by international mining companies. On the otherhand, Indigenous miners have practising sustainable mining practices for 300 years. Farmers were able to grow rice right by the mines where cyanide mine pit lake now sits. Thank you Cordillera Peoples Alliance for arranging this visit. Thank you, The United Church of Canada for this opportunity. I asked the people in the community what The United Church of Canada can do for them. They replied, “Please tell our story.” #UCCan
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We have be made aware of a number of scams circulating on social media which are offering refugee support in the name of The United Church of Canada. The United Church of Canada that holds the Sponsorship Agreement Holder is located at 3250 Bloor West, Toronto. No other location is valid. The United Church does not ask for money to undertake refugee sponsorships nor do we work with consultants in facilitating refugee cases. We only work with United Church congregations as our constituent groups (CG) and partners – Lifeline Syria and Rainbow Refugee Society. Please be aware that we do not send Facebook Friends requests. If you have questions please contact us here. Thank you.
100 Words of Hope: Stillness in a Loud World
When we wake up each day we enter into the din
Our home, our places, our nation.
It deafens us at every turn, on every platform, exponentially by the din of other’s imposed upon us.
It is overwhelming.
What are we to do? Will covering our ears allow escape?
Nay, the answer lies in the sitting and the listening.
Listening for that which cannot, at first, be heard.
Sitting until the din is hushed
When all we can hear is the still small voice
Which whispers words of love and hope and reassurance
That “I AM” is with us always.
—John Neff, Westminster United Church, Orangeville, ON
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We are inviting people to share “100 Words of Hope” that draw from deep spirituality to speak to these moments of high anxiety and change in the church, Canada, and the world.
We invite you to share your own 100-word reflection, poem, or prayer that conveys hope and faith in these times, add yours to the comments below, or submit a reflection: https://ow.ly/4lqn50VsQSP
Together, we can inspire each other to live out the call of the church to deep spirituality, bold discipleship, and daring justice. We are not alone.