Join us in marking International Development Week 2026 (February 1–7), alongside communities across Canada and around the world.

Through blog posts each day, The United Church of Canada is highlighting global partners contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through faith-rooted leadership and justice. Read about African churches advancing food sovereignty and justice and our partners promoting Indigenous women’s church leadership in Guatemala, and stay tuned for more on Round the Table this week.

This year, International Development Week also coincides with the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. It’s a time to honour the countless volunteers and leaders whose time, care, and commitment to working together with communities make justice and hope possible. For The United Church of Canada and global partners, volunteer community leaders are an essential piece of the work.

This week, we also give thanks for volunteers: community leaders, farmers, theologians, youth mentors, COP animators, pilgrims, and United Church members whose faithful service—often unseen—sparks connection and hope.

Read the full news story and learn how you can get involved.

On January 30, the Trump administration issued an executive order that enacts on the people of Cuba "a new tariff system that allows the United States to impose additional tariffs on imports from any country that directly or indirectly provides oil to Cuba." 

The United Church of Canada issued a statement of solidarity with the Cuban people. The church requests an urgent response, through prayer and action with Cuban Mission and Service partners and the people of Cuba, who face multiple and deepening crises.  

Please also sign this petition spearheaded by the Canadian Network on Cuba. (NOTE: to complete the process of signing the petition, you must take the additional step to click on the link sent directly to your email address. Encourage others in your networks to also please sign the petition.)

Read the full statement and news story on the website.

Last week, Moderator Kimberly Heath sent two letters of solidarity to global church partners amid growing political and social instability. The letters express support for church leaders in Greenland, Denmark, and the United States as they accompany their communities through uncertainty, fear, and threats to sovereignty.

Read the full news story and letters on The United Church of Canada website.

On Saturday February 14, communities across the country hold the Women’s Memorial March to honour and remember Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in Canada.

The Women’s Memorial March originated in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Information for the 2026 Vancouver march can be found here. Please check social media to see what is happening in your community – the information often comes out in early February. There will also be a Facebook Live event that anyone can join at 12:30 pm ET.

We encourage United Church communities of faith and individuals to join Indigenous people and organizations, labour, and civil society groups in this important act of public witness against racism and violence, and for justice.

We’re looking for people with strong discernment skills and experience in dispute resolution to help guide fair, thoughtful processes that support ministry personnel and uphold the integrity of our church. By joining the Response Committee or Remedial Committee, you’ll play a vital role in supporting faithful, well-equipped, effective ministry personnel.   

Express your interest or nominate someone else for these or other current opportunities to serve.   

Deadline: Tuesday March 17.  

Applications are open for the Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics and Management (GEM), being held in Panama City from August 17–28, 2026. Co-organized by the World Council of Churches, alongside global ecumenical partners, the school will bring together emerging and current church leaders from around the world to explore tools, language, and strategies to effectively advocate for urgent transformations in the global, financial, and economic realm.

Application deadline: February 20, 2026.

At Mamawe Ota Askihk, the land is more than a backdrop—it is a sacred space where Indigenous children, youth, and families reconnect with culture, language, and one another.

Hosted by Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre and supported by Mission and Service gifts, the 2023 summer gathering brought together 31 participants, alongside staff, Knowledge Keepers, and youth leaders. From the first day, a community grounded in sharing, learning, and ceremony began to take shape.

By supporting the Healing Fund through Mission and Service, your generosity helps make gatherings like Mamawe Ota Askihk possible.