The Body of Christ is made of many parts, and people experience their understanding of God in many different ways. On this blog, we'll consider the beliefs and activities of congregations, denominations and different religions.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
E-ssentials: Announcing the 45th Moderator!🎉
Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath Elected and Installed as 45th Moderator
[Left to right: Former Moderator Very Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator Rt. Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, General Secretary Rev. Michael Blair | Image credit: Alan Lai]
Last night, The United Church of Canada joyously installed the Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath as its 45th Moderator at Knox United Church in Calgary. Elected after three ballots at the 45th General Council (August 7–11), Rev. Heath is a long-time minister who has served Wall Street United Church in Brockville, Ontario since 2007.
The installation ceremony, which was livestreamed, included prayers in English, French, and Stoney Nakoda. Rev. Heath received several symbolic gifts and delivered a heartfelt reflection, encouraging the church to embrace its diversity and "bring out all of the flavours, all of the goodness." As the spiritual leader of the United Church, she will now serve a three-year term.
Congratulations to the Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, the 45th Moderator of The United Church of Canada!
The statement was prepared by an Apology Task Group appointed to draft an intentional living apology to move beyond statements to explicit action. The full text of the apology is available on generalcouncil.ca.
Christian Community of Taybeh Targeted Amid Growing Settler Violence
[Image credit: Gerd Altmann on Pixabay]
Church leaders in Jerusalem have condemned a violent attack on the Christian town of Taybeh in the West Bank. Settlers set vehicles on fire, sprayed hateful graffiti, and brought violence to the very walls of an ancient church—a sacred witness to the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
This is part of a troubling pattern of settler violence targeting Palestinian communities. The United Church of Canada joins global partners in calling for accountability, protection for the people of Taybeh, and a renewed commitment to peace with justice.
Take Action Call and write to your MP. Urge Prime Minister Carney to uphold the human rights and religious freedoms of Palestinians, and to protect the people of Taybeh from further violence and displacement. When you write, refer to the demands of Taybeh’s Christian community:
Investigate the ongoing assaults on property, agricultural land, and holy sites.
Stop illegal settler violence and incursions through diplomatic pressure on occupying authorities.
Send international and church observers to document the damage and bear witness.
Strengthen Taybeh’s resilience through legal, agricultural, and economic support.
Join us for a Church Tech Open House on Tuesday, September 23, from 7:00–8:00 p.m. EDT. This free online event is your chance to learn more about the Church Tech Best Practices Network.
Whether you're new to tech in ministry or have been at it for years, this network is a space to ask questions and learn from others. We'll be discussing everything from how to make Zoom worship more engaging to using AI for Bible studies and setting up online giving.
Come discover the resources available, the benefits of joining, and how you can help shape the future of this community.
At Spring Park United Church in Charlottetown, PEI, the annual Soup Luncheon has become a special event, bringing the community together to support Mission and Service.
More than just a meal, it’s a time for people of all ages to connect, enjoy homemade soup and desserts, and hear powerful stories about how their generosity is changing lives.
Over 20 dedicated volunteers make this event possible, with youth and adults working side-by-side. The luncheon is a powerful example of how supporting Mission and Service builds relationships, nurtures hope, and strengthens the bonds within the community.
Envisioning the future of the United Church of Canada through "Toward 2035" at General Council 45, we heard from church communities who are growing, thriving, and creating spaces for people who have been yearning for a faith community who celebrate them in their wholeness. Rev. Daniel Addai Fobi, leader of the God’s Beloved group at Kitchissippi United Church in Ottawa, and an advocate for 2S and LGBTQIA+, shared his powerful poem thanking the United Church for their radical welcome. You can read Daniel's words in latest Round the Table blog.
Many of our traditional ideas about church membership reflect a time when faith was more widely embraced. Today, choosing to live out one's faith can feel counter-cultural, and we recognize the challenges that come with that. In light of our evolving understanding of church membership, the Theology Committee invites you to join a conversation about discipleship. How are we deepening our faith, connecting with others, and living out our faith in the world today? Share your stories and insights. Your experiences and reflections will help shape our understanding of faith in the 21st century.
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