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.

Re-opening resources from the national church

Re-opening resources from the national church

From the national church: An important three-part resource on “re-opening”  considerations and practices. Thank you to the many people involved in thinking carefully about the many practical, spiritual, and ethical complexities of these decisions. As always, we are...

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Congregational finances during the pandemic

On March 25 and 26 the national church offered several webinars on the many financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank Erik Mathiesen, David Armour, and David Jagger for also joining a presentation and check in for Prairie to Pine, Living Skies, and Northern...

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United Church News

Call your MP to assert pressure on Prime Minister Mark Carney to uphold the religious freedom and other human rights of Palestinians who resist forced displacement and dispossession by settlers and… continue reading Read More

Seven individuals awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their work through the United Church in fostering respect of religious traditions in Canada and interfaith cooperation. Read More

The United Church of Canada joins global ecumenical partners in marking key commitments from the WCC Central Committee gathering in South Africa, including bold calls for justice in Palestine and… continue reading Read More

The United Church of Canada supports the statements of the Canadian Council of Churches and World Council of Churches condemning the bombing at St. Elias Church near Damascus, Syria, on June 22. Read More

Five ordained ministers from across Canada confirmed for next Moderator, as opening session of 45th General Council finishes on Sunday. Learning sessions scheduled for June 28. Read More