Covenanting Congregation
We have Covenanted with God and some 75 other United Church Congregations in Canada within the National Alliance of Covenanting Congregations joyfully to worship the one living God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We confess Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord of all creation in accordance with the Basis of Union of the United Church of Canada. We receive the Holy Scriptures as the guide for our faith and behavior.
What is the National Alliance?
A federally-registered corporation, the NACC is an alliance of United Church congregations committed to maintaining the historic Christian faith and morality on such central issues as the dual nature of Christ, his Lordship, the name of the Trinity, and the authority of Scripture.
Member congregations enter into covenant by endorsing the Articles of Association, the Commissioners’ Covenant, or a cognate document. While wording may differ somewhat, all covenanting congregations uphold the statement of faith expressed in the United Church’s "constitution”, the Basis of Union. They also state that fidelity in marriage and chastity in singleness are included in the standards required of pastors.
Unlike other renewal movements within the United Church of Canada, for most of its history the NACC and most of its Regional Associations have been solely congregationally-based. However, recent changes to the Constitution now make provision for the membership of individuals and groups within non-NACC congregations.
What are its Purposes?
While the NACC feels called to act occasionally at the national level, its first and over-riding concern is for the life of the local congregation, most specifically in supporting its desire to be faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This it attempts through:
- Helping congregations make a public statement of beliefs based upon "Doctrine” sections of the Basis of Union. It is required that this statement be affirmed by a large majority of their members, so that the unity of the congregation is not compromised. Having made such a statement, congregations feel able to remain within the United Church of Canada with integrity.
- Gathering like-minded congregations into a fellowship that sustains them in their respective ministries and encourages their involvement in the courts of the church, where it is hoped their presence will have a positive effect.
Who are its Members?
At present, there are approximately 75 member congregations, each having affirmed one of the approved covenanting statements. Membership is granted only after a very significant majority of the congregation has voted in favour. Congregational membership now runs from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island.
How is it Organized?
The covenanting movement had its start in 1990, among congregations that disagreed with secular trends in General Council decisions. It is therefore thoroughly grass-roots in its origins. As numbers grew, regional groups took shape and began building local fellowships. From these, Regional Associations were formed, each with its own officers and constitutions.
The National Alliance itself was formally established on September 28, 1991, with a constitution and four elected officers. Its coordinating body comprises delegates from Regional Associations and unorganized Areas. It charges no fees and its existence depends on support from Regional Associations, member congregations, and other friends.
Through its member congregations, its four Regional Associations and the officers of the NACC executive, the National Alliance seeks to work in harmony with other organizations that promote renewal within the United Church and elsewhere. It seeks to work by dialogue, not confrontation, and its members are encouraged so to participate within the courts of the church. Its Regional Associations pursue the goals of internal support and fellowship through net-working, newsletters, and periodic events of various kinds.
What are the Benefits?
- For congregations, the NACC offers a way to take a stand based firmly on the Basis of Union, one that will hold their people together in good heart, one that will be known and respected in their own neighborhoods and in their own community of faith, a stand that encourages others to do likewise. And when a congregation is looking for a new minister, membership in the National Alliance gives potential candidates a clear signal as to the sort of person who would fit well and happily into the position.
- For individuals who believe that the church must uphold traditional Christian standards of belief and morality, and not drift with the current trends in a secular society, the NACC offers a way to remain within the United Church of Canada with a clear conscience and with hope for the future.
What does it Do?
Whether locally or nationally, the NACC attempts to be an effective voice for the traditional faith upon which the United Church was founded. Thus, through its member congregations, Regional Associations, and Officers, the National Alliance works in harmony with other organizations interested in promoting renewal within the United Church and elsewhere.
Among its specific services, the National Alliance
- Publishes a quarterly electronic newsletter,
- Helps put orthodox ministers and NACC congregations (and others with a renewal mindset) in touch with each other when vacancies occur,
- Maintains a legal defense fund for the assistance of clergy and congregations,
- Provides advice to Parliament and the secular Courts through its membership in the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada,
- Maintains a cross-Canada information and support network for congregations and individuals requesting advice and assistance, and
- At the national level, feels increasingly called to raise matters of concern, using the processes provided by the Basis of Union and the By-Laws.
