United Church of Canada

The United Church is the largest Protestant denomination in Canada. Ours is a rich history closely entwined with the development of Canada itself.

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.

Sacraments
A sacrament is a holy act — a ritual of our faith. The United Church has two sacraments: baptism and communion. 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. 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 and right up through adulthood.

Communion
Communion is a symbolic meal that is open to everyone. It's a reminder of Jesus' last supper with his followers and continues as a sign of God's enduring love.

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 children. They are welcome and full participants at the heart of each congregation, bringing ideas and unique talents that can inspire the entire church.

Marriage
Our community is broad and accepting. The United Church marries previously divorced people and couples of different religions. We believe God intends loving relationships to be faithful, responsible, just, healing, and sustaining of the couple and those around them. These relationships may be between a woman and a man, or between people of the same gender.

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.

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.

To learn more about us please follow this link http://www.united-church.ca/