The original development of "Union Churches" in the late 19th century was driven not by denominations but by local concerns - the realization by people of various denominations (Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational, etc.) that to compete with each other was silly and a waste of resources; an understanding that more could be accomplished if Christians would work together than if they competed. I spent almost 8 years as minister of a congregation that had a background as a former "Local Union Church," and that background was looked upon with some degree of pride.

We are angry at the papacy because its pride split Christian unity over 1500 years ago.

If we understand the root of the problem, perhaps there is hope for healing.

The United Church was the first Church in history to unite denominations, instead of splitting them.

Pretty significant.

Have we lost our way?

I do not know any of the candidates running for moderator. I know nothing about any of them except from what I have heard from them in their speeches to General Counsel and by reading their profiles that are on the General Counsel's website at http://gc40.united-church.ca/about/candidates.

I have never been to presbertry, or a General Council, but I am just a disabled bricklayer living with AIDS and  High Functioning Autism.

Here is the scenario.

In a town with  6  United Churches, three of them hold vacation Bible School in the summer - opened to all. One of the  6  churches does not hold a vacation bible school but are advertizing that  parents in that church who want this event in the summer, should enroll at a large evangelical, fundamentalist church across town.