Representatives from The United Church of Canada and the United Church of Christ are meeting in Toronto this week to begin formal conversations toward a Full Communion Agreement.

The two denominations have long-established working relationships in North America and globally. They share many common global partnerships, have shared some overseas appointments, and have taken common actions on North American justice issues. National staff frequently connect, and there have been many interactions of the denominations across regional judicatories.

These working relationships, together with a shared ethos of progressive faith and deep commitments to social justice, have led to the beginning of formal conversations toward a Full Communion Agreement. Full Communion agreements usually involve mutual recognition of ministries and membership, as well as commitments to common mission.

While the United Church of Christ has Full Communion agreements with many other denominations, this is a new and historic undertaking for The United Church of Canada. The meetings begin this week in Toronto with six representatives from each denomination.

– from the United Church of Canada’s website