Remit 6 Study Session #2 Basis of Union Foundational Document Essential Agreement 20 Articles of Faith
United Church of Canada Union History Date of Union: 1925 Date of Union: 1925 Churches that joined together: Congregationalists Methodists Presbyterians (2/3 voted to join) Union Churches (Western Canada)
United Church of Canada Union History Movement towards Church Union was influenced by the following factors: Canada (early 20 th century)-in the midst of dramatic population and industrial growth Belief a strong national Protestant church would help the nation meet challenges of early 20 th century Doctrine important but practical gains resulting from Union more important
From the beginning There has been Creative tension between the streams of our heritage Progressive activism with less emphasis on traditional Christian doctrine Small c catholic theology validity of UCC rests in broad historical & ecumenical traditions of the Christian Church Tradition of faith lived out through worship & prayer The UCC has tried to find creative ways to encourage activism, historical faith & spirituality
Doctrine: A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group.
How it began Joint Union Committee: formal discussions began in 1904, concluded in 1908 Doctrine sub-committee principles: To set out the substance of the Christian faith, as commonly held among us Scripture= the primary source and ultimate standard of Christian faith and life Standing in tradition-the Doctrine section would be a contemporary effort to state our common faith The doctrinal statement makes no claim to infallibility or finality
Essential Agreement Candidates for ministry need to be in essential agreement with the Basis of Union before they can be ordained or commissioned.
Article I. Of God Article II. Of Revelation Article III. Of the Divine Purpose Discussion Questions: What speaks to you in this statement? What challenges your understanding of God in this statement? How is the character of God revealed in this statement? Are you in essential agreement with this statement? Article IV. Of Creation and Providence REPORT BACK: Haiku poem 5, 7, 5
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but thou art mighty, hold me with thy powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more, feed me till I want no more.
Article V. Of the Sin of Man Article VI. Of the Grace of God Article VII. Of the Lord Jesus Christ Article VIII. Of the Holy Spirit REPORT BACK: select images Discussion Questions: What confirms or challenges your understanding of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit in this statement? How does your understanding of sin/ grace/evil/salvation connect with how they are stated in this statement? Are you in essential agreement with this statement?
Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow thro' the wilderness calling and free, blow thro' the wilderness calling and free, Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, Wind, Wind on the sea.
Discussion Questions: How does your understanding of God s will and/or actions meet with those in this statement? How is the character of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit revealed in this statement? Are you in essential agreement with this statement? Article IX. Of Regeneration Article X. Of Faith and Repentance Article XI. Of Justification and Sonship Article XII. Of Sanctification REPORT BACK: artistic drawing
Amazing Grace Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
Discussion Questions: How does this statement confirm/ challenge your understanding of humanity s role and actions in God s world/? Are you in essential agreement with this statement? Article XIII. Of Prayer Article XIV. Of the Law of God Article XV. Of the Church Article XVI. Of the Sacraments REPORT BACK: select a symbol
In Christ, There is No East or West In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north, in him no south or north, but one great family of love throughout the whole wide earth.
Article XVII. Of the Ministry Discussion Questions: How does this statement confirm or dispute your understanding of End Times? What challenges/confirms your understanding of the role of church, laity and clergy within the church? Are you in essential agreement with this statement? Article XVIII. Of Church Order and Fellowship Article XIX. Of the Resurrection, the Last Judgement, and the Future Life Article XX. Of Christian Service and the Final Triumph REPORT BACK: create a tableau
Before You Now, O God Before you now, O God, your servants stand in answer to your call and Christ's command in answer to your call and Christ's command to take the gospel with them everywhere, till all creation knows your endless care.
What s a Remit? Basis of Union=UCC constitution By-Laws General Council can change For Constitution to change, majority of all sessions must vote in favour Category 3 Remit -changes that affect the Articles of Faith, alter significantly the structures of the United Church, redefine our understanding of ministry, or alter our understanding of who is a member of the church. Therefore longest period of study and pastoral charges & presbyteries vote.
Looking forward: March 14 th : 1940 Statement of Faith March 21 st : 1968/1980/1992 The New Creed March 28 th : 2006 A Song of Faith Thank you for coming See you next week!