Newfoundland-Labrador Area
Representative
Carole Burton
Box 6 Clarke's Beach
NL A0A 1W0
Phone (709) 786-0730
Email cburton@nf.sympatico.ca
The NLACC was formed in June of 1997. Chairperson is Carole Burton, vice-chair Ann Kean, secretary-treasurer Carl Clarke. The NLACC, one Region out of the original six, reconstituted itself as a 'Geographic Area' in 2007
The following Nfld. United Church congregations are members of the NACC:
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Bay Roberts |
Twillingate |
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WHY WAS THE NACC FORMED?
It was formed in 1991 out of concern for unscriptural policies which had been adopted by our church's General Council, especially the opening of the door for homosexual ordination, the use of inclusive language for God, and departure from Biblical truth in many of the basic principles of our faith. Many Petitions had been sent to our church courts by congregations all across Canada, but to no avail. Hence over 100 United Church congregations across Canada joined together in 1991 to form the NACC, for mutual support in taking a stand against these unbiblical policies, while remaining solidly United Church. They were standing together, on Scripture and on the United Church's Twenty Articles of Faith.
WHY HAVEN'T MORE CONGREGATIONS JOINED THE NACC?
If more had taken a stand, these unbiblical policies would not have gone very far in our church. But most of our ministers will not take a stand, and very few congregations will do it without the leadership of their ministers. It takes courage to stand on Biblical principles when the majority are going the opposite way.
IF A CONGREGATION BELONGS TO NACC, IS IT "GOING AGAINST THE CHURCH"?
No; it is only going against certain policies which it believes to be wrong. Similarly, if you have a friend, that doesn't mean you have to agree with everything the friend does.
IS IT TRUE THAT THE NACC IS "BREAKING UP THE CHURCH"?
Church leaders who passed and upheld policies contrary to Scripture are the cause of so many members leaving the church. NACC is helping to keep people in the United Church, people who otherwise might have left had the NACC not provided for them a way to take a stand against unbiblical policies, and yet remain within the denomination.
CAN'T WE AS A CONGREGATION SIMPLY REFUSE TO TAKE PART IN THESE UNBIBLICAL POLICIES, WITHOUT BEING PART OF THE NACC?
- That would be saying we don't care about the rest of the United Church, what direction it takes; we don't want to join together to work for reform within our church. But what about our CHILDREN, who most likely will move away from our area when they grow up? If they continue in the United Church, what kind of church will it be if its present trends continue?
- It is very difficult for ONE congregation on its own to stand against these national church policies. But there is mutual support in standing together with over 100 other like-minded United Church congregations.
UNITED CHURCH CONGREGATIONS WHICH ARE PART OF THE NACC KNOW THEY ARE NOT ALONE IN WORKING TO BUILD A STRONG COMMUNITY OF FAITH CENTRED IN JESUS CHRIST AND BASED FIRMLY ON SCRIPTURE