Full Communion with The United Church of Canada

A familiar relationship, a new chapter

Full communion builds on a history of relationship between our churches and a shared calling to serve the world. The agreement affirms our desire to grow together in faith while honoring the gifts and identities of each communion.

The 2019 agreement marked the Disciples’ first new full communion relationship with another North American communion since the covenantal commitment with the United Church of Christ in 1989. The United Church of Canada had also entered into full communion with the United Church of Christ in 2015.

The Disciples–United Church of Christ partnership through Global Ministries offers an example of common mission and cooperation in witnessing to Christ’s love and grace around the world.

The journey into full communion

1. October 6, 2019 · World Communion Sunday
   

   Celebrating the covenant

   The agreement was marked with a worship celebration at Broadway Disciples United Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A shared ministry of the two churches, the congregation offered a meaningful setting for this new chapter in our relationship.

2. July 2019 · Disciples General Assembly
   

   Disciples approve the agreement

   The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, approved Resolution 1922, including the Report on Full Communion with The United Church of Canada. The action expressed gratitude for the United Church’s witness as a uniting and united church movement.

   General Assembly business resources · The United Church of Canada’s explanation of the agreement

3. July 2018 · 43rd General Council
   

   The United Church of Canada affirms full communion

   The United Church of Canada enthusiastically supported the agreement at its 43rd General Council, preparing the way for the Disciples’ approval the following year.

   Read the General Council announcement →

Resources for study and worship

Explore the agreement, learn about the history behind this partnership, and bring its commitments into the worship and life of your congregation.

• Report on Full Communion with The United Church of Canada
  The report associated with the Disciples’ 2019 General Assembly action.
• Worship resources
  The original celebration invited congregations to use a litany of commitment and a bulletin insert with an affirmation of faith.

Historical background · PDF

Church Union Discussion in Canada

Church Union Discussion in Canada from the 1960s to 1980s Preceding the Full Communion of Today: A Canadian Disciples Perspective

Ramond A. Cuthbert · Council on Christian Unity · Indianapolis · 2019

Read the publication (PDF) →

Disciples of Christ Historical Society

Voices from the full communion journey

The Disciples of Christ Historical Society recorded conversations with church leaders on the day the 2019 General Assembly approved the full communion resolution. These interviews offer perspectives on the meaning of the agreement and the relationship it celebrates.

The interviews feature the following leaders, with their roles at the time of recording:

• Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens and Richard Bott
  General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and Moderator of The United Church of Canada.
• Paul S. Tché and Gail Allan
  President of the Disciples’ Council on Christian Unity, and Coordinator for Ecumenical, Interchurch and Interfaith Relations of The United Church of Canada.
• Daniel Hayward
  Minister and Chair of The United Church of Canada’s Theology and Interchurch Interfaith Committee.

Explore the church leader interviews →

Continue the conversation