Articles of Association
Introduction
It is the
purpose of this association of United Churches to call into being
and develop a relationship of like-minded congregations and
individuals who gather together around the following articles:
Article I - On
Faith
We believe that the twenty
articles of faith, which are printed in the Manual of the United
Church of Canada do set forth the substance of the Christian faith
as commonly held among us. In doing so, we build upon the foundation
laid by the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the
chief cornerstone. We affirm our belief in the Scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments as the primary source and ultimate standard of
Christian faith in life. We acknowledge the teaching of the great
creeds of the ancient Church. We further maintain our allegiance to
the evangelical doctrines of the Reformation.
Article II - On
Ministry
It is expected that those
called to the pastorate of associated congregations will strive to
exemplify the highest ideals of faithful service in the exercise of
their public ministry and will live in honesty, purity and charity
with all people. Fidelity in marriage and chastity in singleness, as
defined by the 19th General Council are among the standards of
faithful conduct required of pastors of associated congregations.
Article III - On
Fellowship
We covenant:
- to welcome and nurture
all those who seek to live in faithful obedience to God through
the example and teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- to provide periodic
opportunities for worship and fellowship together at local and
regional levels.
- to gather clergy
and/or church leaders together in fellowship and mutual support
on a regular basis (at least annually).
- to foster a hunger and
thirst to study the holy scriptures; to profess and confess them
by daily living and witness as containing the ultimate standard
of Christian faith and life.
- to acknowledge and
proclaim the presence of God's Holy Spirit among the faithful
believers and congregations and to confess the Lordship of Jesus
Christ as the supreme authority and head of the Christian
Church.
- to affirm the call of
congregations to govern and administer their corporate and
spiritual affairs in obedience to Jesus Christ.
- to cooperate with the
existing courts of the United Church of Canada in so far as our
confession in Jesus Christ allows.
- to share resources,
materials and events that will contribute to the spiritual well
being and growth of our congregations.
