Our Faith
Rooted in the progressive, inclusive tradition of the United Church of Canada.
The United Church of Canada
Zion United Church is a proud member of the United Church of Canada, the largest Protestant denomination in Canada. Founded on June 10, 1925, through the historic union of Methodist, Congregationalist, and a portion of the Presbyterian churches, the United Church was born out of a vision that the body of Christ should be united rather than divided.
Today, the United Church of Canada is known for its progressive theology, its commitment to social justice, its inclusion of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and its efforts toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. With nearly 3,000 congregations across the country, the United Church carries forward a bold and compassionate vision of Christian faith for the 21st century.
At Zion, we are honoured to be part of this national denomination. We draw strength from our connection to a wider community of faith that shares our commitment to welcome, justice, and the ongoing search for truth and meaning in the light of God's love.
Our Core Beliefs
The values and convictions that guide our life together as a community of faith
Scripture & Tradition
We take the Bible seriously, though not always literally. We read scripture in its historical and cultural context, informed by scholarship and guided by the Spirit. We hold the ancient creeds and traditions of the Christian faith as treasured expressions of our spiritual heritage, while remaining open to new understanding.
Inclusive Community
We believe that God's love is for all people, without exception. As an affirming congregation, we welcome and celebrate people of every age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic background. Diversity is not merely tolerated at Zion — it is embraced as a reflection of God's creative abundance.
Social Justice
We are called to work for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. Our faith compels us to stand with those who are marginalized, to challenge systems of oppression, and to advocate for a more equitable and compassionate world. This is not an optional add-on to our faith — it is at its very core.
Creation Care
As stewards of God's creation, we are committed to caring for the earth, reducing our environmental footprint, and advocating for policies that protect our planet for future generations. We believe that ecological justice is inseparable from human justice and that caring for the earth is an act of faith.
A New Creed
The United Church of Canada's statement of faith, adopted in 1968
A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God's world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God's presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
Progressive Christianity
Zion United Church embraces a progressive approach to Christian faith — one that values questions as much as answers, honours doubt as a companion to belief, and recognizes that our understanding of God continues to evolve as we grow individually and as a community.
Progressive Christianity does not mean abandoning the deep roots of the Christian tradition. Rather, it means engaging those traditions honestly, critically, and lovingly — seeking the timeless truths within ancient texts while acknowledging that our context as 21st-century Canadians shapes how we read and live those truths.
At Zion, you will find a community that is:
- Open to questions and respectful dialogue about faith
- Committed to the full inclusion of LGBTQ2S+ individuals
- Involved in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
- Dedicated to environmental stewardship and creation care
- Engaged with contemporary scholarship and science
We believe that God is still speaking, and that our journey of faith is one of continual discovery, transformation, and deepening love.
— A conviction of the United Church of Canada
We believe in a God of love made known in Jesus Christ, who calls us to live with compassion, seek justice, and walk humbly in the way of grace.
Learn More
Explore the wider United Church of Canada community
United Church of Canada
Visit the official website of the United Church of Canada to learn more about our denomination's history, theology, mission, and ministry across the country.
Questions About Faith?
If you have questions about the Christian faith, about the United Church, or about what it means to belong to Zion, we would love to talk with you. Reach out anytime — your questions are welcome here.