Diversity and Unity in the United Church of Canada: A Century of Transformation

By the Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu – Executive Minister Church in Mission Unit and member of CANAAC Steering Committee.
My journey of service in the United Church of Canada has been a beautiful testament of the tapestry of God’s hand upon my life. Over the past 12 years, I have experienced a welcoming denomination that celebrates unity in diversity. As a person of African descent, I have felt valued and included in a denomination where diversity is cherished, despite being part of a 2% racialized minority with only 10% of all ordained ministry personnel.
I have been privileged to serve in a senior role currently as Executive Minister for the Church in Mission Unit, where I continue to witness and experience the power of diversity and unity in action. The love and welcome I have received have been transformative, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this vibrant Church.
Therefore, as the United Church of Canada marks its centennial journey (June 2025) , it is clear that biblical and theological convictions about diversity and unity have been at the heart of its story. From its founding to its ongoing commitment to inclusion, justice, and community, the church has been guided by powerful scriptural themes.
One Body, Many Members
The Bible provides a rich foundation for embracing unity amid diversity. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Paul beautifully illustrates the church as "one body with many members," emphasizing that each person brings unique gifts and perspectives that are essential to the whole. This vision has been a cornerstone of the United Church's identity, inspiring its formation in 1925 when Methodists, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians came together in a ground-breaking move that celebrated Christian unity.
This commitment to unity in diversity continues to shape the church's practices and mission today, reflecting the biblical call to be a community that values and celebrates the contributions of all its members.
Jesus’ ministry, as highlighted in United Church teachings, was marked by radical inclusion: “He crossed barriers of race, class, culture, and gender. He preached and practised unconditional love… and he commanded his followers to love one another as he had loved them”. This scriptural mandate underpins the United Church’s commitment to welcoming all, regardless of age, race, class, gender, orientation, or ability.
Theological Reflection and Institutional Practice
Theologically, the United Church has continually drawn from the biblical call to welcome “strangers in your midst” (Leviticus 19:34; Matthew 25:35). A major research study within the church emphasized that “Scripture reveals that the church must be prepared to examine and to make meaningful changes towards cultural inclusiveness in all areas of church polity and congregational life in order to provide a welcoming space for all, and in particular, visible minorities”.
This commitment is not merely theoretical. The church’s evolving identity has been shaped by ongoing self-examination, as seen in its apologies for its role in colonization and residential schools, and its active work toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The inclusion of Indigenous spirituality and languages in church symbols and worship reflects the biblical vision that “the Gospel message is available to all peoples regardless of colour, race, creed or culture”.
Diversity as a Source of Renewal
The United Church’s journey toward intercultural ministry is informed by New Testament imperatives such as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) and the Pentecost story (Acts 1:8), which call the church to reach out across cultural and linguistic boundaries. A 2012 report to the General Council stated, “To focus only on policy solutions will never effect the kind of deep and transformative change for which we are striving. In addition, we are all being called to deeply examine our attitudes, values, and personal [sic] around difference—and risk doing things differently to create a better space of belonging for all”.
This theological openness has led the United Church to embrace new Canadians, visible minorities, and marginalized groups, seeing diversity as a way to “revitalize the community through the flow of fresh talent, and equip it for inclusiveness and growth”. The church’s current vision goes beyond mere inclusion to “radical welcoming,” where leadership and worship are renewed by those who were once on the margins.

Contemporary Expressions: The Last Supper Reimagined
A vivid symbol of this journey is the United Church’s centennial reimagining of The Last Supper. A Place at The Table | The United Church of Canada, This artwork features people from diverse backgrounds and identities, with Christ’s presence embodied through the gathered community rather than a single figure. This reflects the biblical teaching that “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20), and underscores the church’s belief that faith is lived through justice, compassion, and shared belonging.
Conclusion
The United Church of Canada’s story is a living testament to the biblical and theological conviction that unity and diversity are not opposites, but partners in the gospel. By continually drawing on scriptural calls to inclusion, justice, and mutual respect, the church has sought to embody a community where all are truly welcome, and where the fullness of God’s image is reflected in the diversity of its people.

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