COVID-19 Coronavirus News

Important notice: this page is now archived.

Our updates have become infrequent enough that the newsfeed on this page is now archived. Please carefully check the date on any post that you view.
As always throughout this pandemic, we ask that you please refer first and always to provincial and federal sources, as well to your local government or band council and your Member of Parliament and provincial or territorial representative as needed. These sources shape our decision-making and responsibilities, and will guide responses from The United Church of Canada.

Health Canada             Alberta         British Columbia           Northwest Territories

The United Church of Canada has dedicated web pages for information related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please keep checking for the most up-to-date resources from the General Council Office, including information about Governance, Worship, Congregational Finance, and Emergency Funding:  Emergency Planning. A three-phase guidelines document for re-opening discernment and practices can be found on this page as well.

COVID-19 Vaccination Expectation for Ministry Personnel

In response to requests from Communities of Faith and Regional Councils, the Office of Vocation for The United Church of Canada, on October 14, released its expectations that Ministry Personnel will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect the vulnerable in their churches and communities. For the full story, and a downloadable FAQ document:
Interpretive Memo on COVID-19 Vaccination Status
FAQ on COVID-19 Vaccination Status

As Communities of Faith resume in-person worship and other activities, and as churches are re-opened and other programs re-launched, we are all advised to keep the safety of our most vulnerable members in mind. The Regional Council has provided two resources for Communities of Faith as they discern their next steps:

Discerning Re-Opening Together                              Building Re-Opening Plan Template

Please note that the Regional Council Office continues restrict access, with staff working in their individual offices, or at home. Anyone visiting the office is asked to make an appointment ahead of time.

The news feed below includes Regional Council news about the COVID-19 pandemic, and some national updates.

A question of care: an Advent message and appeal

A question of care: an Advent message and appeal

PDF version of this letter Rev Helen Reed, Regional Council chair Many of us are now planning for Advent and looking forward to this time of preparing for celebrating the birth of God’s Hope, Peace, Joy and Love in new ways in the world. As we move into this time, it...

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Voting at your online annual meeting

Voting at your online annual meeting

Voting by ‘ballot’ on Zoom or Email Many people are asking about voting by secret ballot at congregational annual meetings. There’s a very good resource library on this question and others on the Shining Waters Regional Council website. Executive Minister Shannon...

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COVID-19 updates for our Regional Council, early fall 2021

Advent letter in a time of pandemic

Advent blessings, friends in Christ! This is certainly an Advent and Christmas season that will stand out in our memories, as we have to continually discern how best to celebrate the Birth of Christ while also being faithful to our call to love and care for each...

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United Church News

The National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering met in Winnipeg from November 29 through December 2 for a time of discussion, reflection, and prayer. Read More

A candlelight vigil on December 1 responded to vandalism of the rainbow steps at an Affirming church in Brighton, Ontario, shortly after the regional council held an inclusive hymn sing on those same… Read More

The United Church urges Canada to support peace talks in the Philippines, end military cooperation fueling human rights abuses, and prioritize justice. Join us: Sign the petition for peace and… Read More

National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering (NISG) to meet in Winnipeg November 29 to December 1, 2024, to build a shared understanding of leadership and governance. Read More

In her Advent message, Moderator Carmen Lansdowne reflects on how the Christ child was not born in luxury, but had loving parents and God’s grace. This love is what we hope for with all of those in… Read More