Preparing for Ministry

A number of universities and colleges in Canada—Huntington University, Iona College, St. Paul’s United College, Victoria University, Westminster College, and the University of Winnipeg—have had, and continue to have, a relationship with The United Church of Canada, even though these institutions are open to those of all beliefs.
The United Church of Canada and these universities and colleges hold certain commonalities of philosophy which underlie their joint commitment to fostering an environment for higher education where:

1. There is a recognition of the importance of human values in the teaching and learning of knowledge and in the study of the questions, problems, and issues raised in this learning process.
2. Critical enquiry is fostered and encouraged, since institutions of higher learning advance as well as transmit knowledge. The group believes that scholarship, research, and creative activity are an integral part of the process of teaching and learning and that the intellectual freedom to question and explore issues is an essential element of the human condition and that all research, in the short- or long-term, has implications for society.
3. There is a recognition of the value of education which prepares students for life and living through both a breadth and depth of understanding of subject fields.
4. Intellectual disciplines should have a formative impact on the personal development of the individual.

We therefore affirm the continuing partnership between the United Church and these universities and colleges in the service of human and spiritual values and free intellectual enquiry for the good of the earth. To this end, we are committed to continuing to exchange information and to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern. We intend to participate with other church education centres, if and when appropriate, in joint activities and to foster development of higher education.

• Huntington University*
• Iona College, University of Windsor*
• St. Paul’s University College, University of Waterloo*
• University of Winnipeg*
• Victoria University*
• Westminster College, University of Western Ontario*