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Winnipeg Free Press
9 hours ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
United Church of Canada marks 100 years
Turning 100 is a significant milestone for people — and for denominations. That's what the United Church of Canada did on June 10, this year. It was on that date a century ago that Canadian Methodists, Congregationalists and the Presbyterians came together to form the new denomination. A big reason for the merger was to reduce duplication of effort and resources; so many little towns and villages across the country had multiple churches from different denominations. There was also a desire for greater Christian unity and collaboration. It was a bold move that required each of the three groups to give something up to create the new entity. As Jocelyn Bell, editor of Broadview magazine put it: 'The United Church of Canada would never have existed unless each of the founding denominations agreed to let go of some cherished tradition, some notion of how things ought to be done. And it would never have taken root if each group hadn't believed that diverse approaches to faith strengthen the whole body of Christ.' Until the end of the 1960s, the new denomination enjoyed the fruits of that amalgamation through packed churches and Sunday schools. But by the end of that decade, as the idea of a Christian Canada began to wane and many baby boomers grew up and left the church, things began to shift for the United Church — as it did for other denominations. For the United Church, that meant going from a high of about one million members in the mid-1960s to just over 325,000 today. On any given Sunday, about 110,000 are at a church service. And along with the drop in membership came a wave of church closings. It has averaged about 54 a year of late, according to one estimate. If that rate continues, by 2070 there will be no United Church churches left in Canada. While many get stuck focusing on those grim statistics, it's easy to overlook how the United Church impacted Christianity in this country, paving the way for significant changes. For example, it was a leader when it came to involving women in pastoral ministry, ordaining Lydia Gruchy in 1936. In 1962 it adopted a more compassionate stance on divorce by noting it was sometimes a better choice than remaining unhappily married. It also was a leader in promoting peace when it welcomed U.S. draft dodgers during the Vietnam War. Other ways it showed leadership was by condemning apartheid in South Africa in the 1980s. Also in that decade, it was the first denomination to welcome LGBTTQ+ people into membership and as clergy — a decision that was widely criticized by many other church groups. The United Church was also a leader in responding to the terrible legacy of residential schools; it established a healing fund and, in 1998 and apologized for its role in the schools. The denomination also was a leader in responding to the HIV AIDs crisis, addressing climate change, and was active in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. In these and other ways, such as addressing social justice issues like poverty, hunger and homelessness, Christians in Canada can be grateful for the United Church, and join it in celebrating its anniversary — and maybe they can also learn something from that denomination's experience 100 years ago. Things are different today than back then, of course; Canada is a much more diverse and secular country. But that same vision for increased cooperation, collaboration and unity may well be worth exploring as denominations and churches struggle with falling attendance and giving. Sundays Kevin Rollason's Sunday newsletter honouring and remembering lives well-lived in Manitoba. Maybe like those pioneers 100 years ago, denominational leaders can ask if we need five churches within 10 minutes driving distance of each other in most Canadian cities and towns. Do we need so many places of worship, seminaries and church-related social assistance and aid organizations? And not only that; do we even need so many denominations? Writing in the Canadian Society of Church History in 2020, Bruce Guenther noted there are over 300 Christian denominations in Canada today. There are historical, cultural and theological reasons for why each one came into being. But at a time when many are struggling to stay afloat, would it make sense to explore more collaboration or even mergers? Some will point to theological stances as a reason for why their denomination is unique or distinct and needs to continue in its present form. But the same objections were raised by some Methodists, Congregationalists and Presbyterians 100 years ago before the United Church was created. But they still did it. They still decided it was worth it to merge, and Canada was forever changed. Who are the new visionaries who will explore new ways to be the church in Canada, just like what happened 100 years ago? Maybe the United Church of Canada can once again lead the way. faith@ The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba. If you appreciate that coverage, help us do more! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow us to deepen our reporting about faith in the province. Thanks! BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER John LonghurstFaith reporter John Longhurst has been writing for Winnipeg's faith pages since 2003. He also writes for Religion News Service in the U.S., and blogs about the media, marketing and communications at Making the News. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Let the bell ring! The United Church in North West River celebrates 92 years
While the United Church of Canada is turning 100, the church in Labrador is a little younger. But there was still a celebration to be had, including a few laughs as people tried to ring the church bell. The CBC's Andrea McGuire reports.
Calgary Herald
08-06-2025
- General
- Calgary Herald
Hundreds gather in Calgary as United Church of Canada celebrates 100th anniversary
More than 400 people packed the pews at Knox United Church on Sunday to mark the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada, a milestone that drew together members and non-members from across southern Alberta for an afternoon of music, prayer and community. Article content The main floor of the historic downtown church was nearly full before the 2 p.m. start time, with organizers directing attendees to the balcony to accommodate the crowd. Article content Article content Article content 'It's an excellent turnout,' said Rev. Nancy Nourse, one of the event organizers. 'We have more than 20 United Churches present here today to either participate or to be part of the music.' Article content Article content The celebration featured prayer, a 'Hymns of the Century' sing-along and musical worship led by a seven-member praise band, accompanied by the Church's grand piano and organ. Article content Nourse said the event was open to all Calgarians, regardless of whether they identified as members of the church. Article content 'The United Church has always been an open door, radical welcome church,' she said. '(We) don't have any expectations except just come as you are. Everyone's welcome.' Article content She added that the centennial event was not just a celebration of the past, but an opportunity to reaffirm the church's values as it looks ahead. Article content Article content Article content Founded on June 10, 1925, through the union of Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregationalist churches, the United Church of Canada remains one of the country's largest Protestant denominations. The church, known for its progressive theology and social justice work, has long championed issues including LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, Indigenous reconciliation and gender equality. Article content 'We've always been a voice of welcome and full inclusion for everyone,' said Nourse, noting the United Church ordained its first woman in 1936 and its first openly gay minister in 1988. Article content 'We have always been voices of advocacy and social justice,' she added. 'We've had an impact on the fabric of Canada and the betterment of society, even when it's been more difficult.' Article content In 1986, the church formally apologized to Indigenous peoples for its role in colonization and harm caused through church-run residential schools. In 2016, the United Church marked the 30th anniversary of that apology, which marked a significant turning point in the church's relationship with Indigenous communities.
Cision Canada
28-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Looking back, looking forward: The United Church of Canada at 100 years
ST. JOHN'S, NL, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The United Church of Canada was formed on June 10, 1925, through an Act of Canadian Parliament. On June 8 at 7 p.m. NL, a worship service in the historic Gower Street United Church in St. John's, NL, will commemorate that moment 100 years ago. The Centennial theme is Deep, Bold, Daring. "As The United Church of Canada prepares to commemorate its centennial, it is not just looking back at 100 years of faith and justice in Canada, but using the occasion to look forward to the next 100," says Rev. Michael Blair, General Secretary. "We're answering the call to renew the church for the next 100 years by highlighting the global and local work the church is doing, and who the church is becoming." The service includes a mass choir from churches across Newfoundland and Labrador. Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, will address the special in-person service, which will also be livestreamed nationally on The United Church of Canada's YouTube channel. Other highlights of the weekend include: Friday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. – more than 50 leaders and members of the General Council Executive volunteering at Bridges to Hope, First United Church, 221 Park Ave., Mount Pearl, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Stella's Circle, 77 Charter Ave, St. John's, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7 at 6 p.m. – Centennial celebration dinner for invited guests Sunday, June 8 at 10 a.m. – senior staff preaching at churches in and near St. John's. The United Church of Canada brought together some Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational congregations, along with the General Council of the Local Union Churches in a remarkable effort of collaboration and agreement. It inherited the Wesleyan tradition in Canada and is a member of the World Methodist Council. The service at Gower Street UC honours Newfoundland's integral role in the history of The United Church of Canada – both as the historic home of Methodism in Canada, and because Newfoundland joined the United Church more than two decades before it joined the confederation of Canada. REV. PROF. DR. JERRY PILLAY As the general secretary of the World Council of Churches. Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay is the chief executive officer with final responsibility for the work of the Council and its staff, and speaks on its behalf. He began serving as general secretary on January 1, 2023. He is the ninth general secretary in the WCC's history since the fellowship of churches was founded in 1948. He was previously dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria. A member of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, he is from South Africa. [email protected] | [email protected], Based in Kitchener, Ont.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Looking back, looking forward: The United Church of Canada at 100 years
ST. JOHN'S, NL, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The United Church of Canada was formed on June 10, 1925, through an Act of Canadian Parliament. On June 8 at 7 p.m. NL, a worship service in the historic Gower Street United Church in St. John's, NL, will commemorate that moment 100 years ago. The Centennial theme is Deep, Bold, Daring. "As The United Church of Canada prepares to commemorate its centennial, it is not just looking back at 100 years of faith and justice in Canada, but using the occasion to look forward to the next 100," says Rev. Michael Blair, General Secretary. "We're answering the call to renew the church for the next 100 years by highlighting the global and local work the church is doing, and who the church is becoming." The service includes a mass choir from churches across Newfoundland and Labrador. Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, will address the special in-person service, which will also be livestreamed nationally on The United Church of Canada's YouTube channel. Other highlights of the weekend include: Friday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. – more than 50 leaders and members of the General Council Executive volunteering at Bridges to Hope, First United Church, 221 Park Ave., Mount Pearl, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Stella's Circle, 77 Charter Ave, St. John's, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7 at 6 p.m. – Centennial celebration dinner for invited guests Sunday, June 8 at 10 a.m. – senior staff preaching at churches in and near St. John's. The United Church of Canada brought together some Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational congregations, along with the General Council of the Local Union Churches in a remarkable effort of collaboration and agreement. It inherited the Wesleyan tradition in Canada and is a member of the World Methodist Council. The service at Gower Street UC honours Newfoundland's integral role in the history of The United Church of Canada – both as the historic home of Methodism in Canada, and because Newfoundland joined the United Church more than two decades before it joined the confederation of Canada. REV. PROF. DR. JERRY PILLAY As the general secretary of the World Council of Churches. Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay is the chief executive officer with final responsibility for the work of the Council and its staff, and speaks on its behalf. He began serving as general secretary on January 1, 2023. He is the ninth general secretary in the WCC's history since the fellowship of churches was founded in 1948. He was previously dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria. A member of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, he is from South Africa. SOURCE United Church of Canada View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
