"Ut Omnes Unum Sint"

“Ut Omnes Unum Sint”

This phrase is in Latin.  It means “That All May be One” and it is a quote from the Gospel of John, chapter 17, verses 20-21, where Jesus says,

“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.  As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

He is praying, out loud, in the presence of the 11 apostles (Judas has left the room) after they have shared their last supper together.  Jesus is preparing his friends for what is to come next, so he spends a long time teaching them, and then a long time praying, aloud, so they will hear and understand something of his relationship with God, a relationship that he wants for them too.

This phrase appears on the United Church of Canada’s official crest.  It expresses the spiritual impulse that led to the formation of the United Church on June 10th, 1925, the impulse towards unity in faith.  For 100 years, the United Church has sought unity in the midst of diversity, both within the Christian Church and within our secular society. 

This impulse has led our church to seek out relationships with many, many other Christian denominations, church groups, and secular organizations within Canada and around the world.  It has been criticized by some Christians who feel that we are diluting our Christian identity and compromising our Christian faith by being so open to others.  And it has been celebrated by others who feel that too often Christianity separates people into hostile camps that are in conflict (and sometimes at war) with one another. 

Whatever others may think and believe, after 100 years the United Church continues to seek unity in diversity, in accordance with the clear teaching of Jesus to his earliest followers.  It will come as no surprise to you that I am proud of our church’s history and heritage.  I hope you are too.