Ecumenical Relations

The United Church seeks increased understanding of pastoral, theological, and ethical issues with the Roman Catholic Church in order to learn from one another and to counter misinformation, stereotypes, and prejudices. Anglican–United Church dialogue addresses issues affecting our relationships in order to deepen understanding and increase co-operation.

Roman Catholic/United Church Dialogue

Meeting since 1975, the Roman Catholic/United Church Dialogue seeks to increase understanding and appreciation between the Roman Catholic Church and The United Church of Canada. It explores pastoral, theological, and ethical issues, including those which may divide our churches. 

Participants in the dialogue group expect to learn from and be challenged by one another and commit themselves to countering misinformation, stereotypes, and prejudices that may influence the members of our churches. The dialogue prepares a report on each discussion topic it undertakes. These include:

• In Whose Name? The Baptismal Formula in Contemporary Culture (2000) [PDF: 41 pp/170 KB]
• Sin, Reconciliation and Ecclesial Identity (2005) [PDF: 11 pp/85 KB]

Anglican/United Church Dialogue

Since 2003, representatives from the Anglican and United Churches have been meeting to discuss areas of co-operation, similarities, and differences. The goals of the dialogue are to

• enable members of the two churches to understand each other better
• encourage and strengthen shared ministry and mission, particularly at the local level
• foster other circles of dialogue, regionally and locally, between the two churches

The St. Brigid Report shares highlights from the conversations that have taken place in the Dialogue, and makes recommendations for next steps.

• Executive Summary [PDF: 6 pp/46 KB]: highlights from the report, including the full list of recommendations.
• Drawing from the Same Well: The St. Brigid Report: A Report of the Anglican-United Church Dialogue 2003–2009 (Completed in Calgary on February 1, 2009—St. Brigid's Day)