The actual language of the United Church's requirement of new members is this: "New members are asked to profess their faith in the triune God and to commit themselves to faithful conduct in church and world. What is required additionally of those being ordained or commissioned in the United Church is 'essential agreement' with the doctrinal articles of the Basis of Union" (United Church of Canada web site, http://www.united-church.ca/ucc/webelieve.htm).

Only people who are being ordained or commissioned need to express agreement with any doctrinal statement of the United Church of Canada. Therefore, the only requirement of the rank and file person is to express faith in God and commit themselves to faithful conduct--in other words, to "do the best that they can."

We believe this demonstrates that we are accurately depicting the teaching of the United Church of Canada.