About St. John's

Presbyterians Around the World

Presbyterians are part of a global family known as "Reformed" churches.

Reformed churches honour the teaching of Scripture in worship and in our priorities for daily life. We study scripture with all the research and skill contemporary scholarship provides - and we listen for God's Word challenging us to reach out to a world in need and to take a stand for justice for God's most vulnerable people. Presbyterians aim to be good citizens wherever we live, working for the common good in our communities, sometimes serving in public office, often volunteering in other organizations to be "good neighbours" as Jesus taught us. You can check out The World Alliance of Reformed Churches to learn more about our global family.

Presbyterians are Ecumenical

Presbyterians are ecumenical Christians, too. We are part of the World Council of Churches and the Canadian Council of Churches, learning from Christians throughout the world and working with them wherever need arises. Through our ecumenical partnerships, we share in relief efforts in times of international emergency and provide development assistance with local partners throughout the developing world. We also participate in inter-faith conversations with other religious groups locally, nationally and internationally. Ecumenical goodwill is part of Jesus' hope that his followers would find unity and peace through the gift of God's Spirit. Check out the websites of the World Council of Churches and the Canadian Council of Churches to catch the ecumenical vision.

Presbyterians work for Justice in God's World

Along with many ecumenically-minded churches in Canada, Presbyterians participate in a network called Kairos. This network provides research and advocacy into important issues of our time so that Canadian Christians are well informed. Kairos churches are concerned about human rights issues around the world and build partnerships globally and locally. We work together on environmental and economic issues, too. 'Kairos' is a Greek word from the New Testament which points to God's time, God's opportunity to act for peace and justice. Explore the Kairos network at www.kairoscanada.org.