UCAN is an ecumenical Christian network serving churches from different traditions. The following statement expresses the historic faith shared by its members, drawing on the Nicene Creed while leaving matters of denominational order, sacramental practice and church governance to each member’s own church.

We believe

We believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God: God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the Holy Spirit he took flesh from the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father through the Son; who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified; who has spoken through the prophets, and who equips the Church for worship, witness and service.

We believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic Church, the universal people of God called in Christ and sent into the world. We acknowledge one baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Our shared calling

In response to this faith, we seek to follow Jesus Christ, to receive the Holy Scriptures as the authoritative witness to God’s saving purposes, and to depend on the Holy Spirit. In our work, we commit ourselves to serve the mission of God with integrity, competence, humility and love; to strengthen the life and witness of the churches we support; and to work generously with Christians of different traditions.

Note on ecumenical wording

In this statement, catholic means universal and does not identify one denomination. The wording on baptism affirms the shared Trinitarian confession without prescribing its mode, subjects or sacramental understanding. The wording on the Holy Spirit is intended to honour the faith expressed by the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed while remaining suitable for ecumenical use.