Ecumenical / Interfaith Relations

The United Church of Canada works with other Christian denominations in many different ways. We are in formal dialogues with the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, and are an active member of KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, the Canadian Council of Churches and a number of other ecumenical partnerships. Ecumenical shared ministries bring several denominations together in local pastoral ministry.

Interchurch Dialogue

The United Church seeks increased understanding of pastoral, theological, and ethical issues with the Roman Catholic Church, and works toward deeper understanding and relationship with the Anglicans.

KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives

KAIROS is a coalition of Canadian churches, church-based agencies, and religious organizations dedicated to promoting human rights, justice, and peace among the peoples of Earth.

Canadian Council of Churches

The Canadian Council of Churches* is the largest ecumenical body in Canada, promoting theological reflection, study, and action among 22 Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox member churches.

Ecumenical Shared Ministries

An ecumenical shared ministry is United Church people sharing with other denominations in a congregation, program, mission, ministry, or building. The Ecumenical Shared Ministries Task Group has prepared an Ecumenical Shared Ministries Handbook [PDF: 29 pp/294 KB] to guide people who are interested or involved in such a ministry.

Other Ecumenical Partnerships/Organizations

Canadian churches work together on specific issues in these ecumenical organizations and partnerships:

• Canadian Centre for Ecumenism*
• Canadian Churches' Forum for Global Ministries*
• Canadian Interchurch Stewardship Committee
• Church Council on Justice and Corrections*
• Churches Council on Theological Education in Canada*
• Project Ploughshares*
• Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada*