Our History
This short document, published for the 80th anniversary of the first meeting of The Canadian Council of Churches at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto, September 26-28, 1944, cannot possibly capture all that remains to be told. A comprehensive history of the Council—and its unique role within Canada and the broader ecumenical movement—has yet to be written, and I encourage anyone interested to follow my steps to the archives, housed by the National Library and Archives of Canada and by the Council itself.
Rather, this document offers snapshots and key quotes from each decade of the Council’s journey, beginning in 1944. Through these glimpses, you’ll encounter the wide-ranging work of the Council, the many organizations that have shaped its legacy, and the remarkable continuity of themes and concerns addressed by Canada’s churches, committees, initiatives, and projects.
In 1944, as the long years of the second world war were drawing to a close, Christians in Canada were yearning for ways to come together.  Â
For many in the churches of the day, The Canadian Council of Churches was the answer to that yearning. Founded in 1944 by ten original members, the Council has grown to include 26 member churches representing virtually all Christian traditions and 85 percent of Christians in Canada.
Although our member churches represent diverse traditions, together we respond to Christ’s call for unity and peace; seek Christ’s truth with affection for diversity; and act in love through prayer, dialogue, and witness to the gospel.
The Canadian Council of Churches is aware that the place of Christianity in society has shifted dramatically since it was established 80 years ago. Today’s churches are confronted with new and challenging realities, including dwindling membership, abuse perpetrated in their communities, and a legacy with Indigenous people in Canada which demands response and reconciliation.  Nonetheless, The Canadian Council of Churches remains a place of common ground where Christians in Canada today can gather to think carefully about our shared calling and work together for the common good.