Annual Theology Conference (October 20 - 21, 2025) 2 day Conference

In person at Bells Corners United Church, Ottawa ON
and livestreamed at United in Learning

How do we lead with faith when the world feels fragile? In a time marked by global instability, political division, economic uncertainty, and post-pandemic fatigue, how can the church be a beacon of hope, courage, and compassion?

This October in Ottawa, you're invited to a transformative gathering of ministers, lay leaders, and seekers. Together, we’ll wrestle with the big questions:

• What wisdom do our theological traditions offer for today’s challenges?
• What practical ministry skills are essential for navigating this moment?
• How can we turn crisis into opportunity—and fatigue into renewed purpose?

Come ready to be inspired, stretched, and equipped. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just beginning your ministry journey, this conference will deepen your calling and strengthen your capacity to lead in uncertain times.

Let’s imagine the future of the church—together.

Daniel Fobi
Jenni Leslie
Doug Throop
Stéphane Vermette

We have made arrangements with the Hyatt Place Ottawa West hotel for a Conference rate. Cut off date for this is September 19. Details can be found in the confirmation email, which will be sent to you after you register.

Early bird rate $275 until September 24

General Admission: $299

Theology Students: $75 (please enter the Promo Code STUDENT when you checkout, if you qualify for this discount)

Please register early; we cannot guarantee meals for those who register after October 3

Uncertain times take a toll on our health, body and soul. Bad news gallops around us. Fresh hells appear before we’ve cleared our eyes from the last one. In times of tension, preachers are called upon to describe what is going on and offer a religious antidote. Preaching in these uncertain times we are called to be incisive and vigorous. This task drains us of patience and intellectual potency. Yet we are gospel people: we are ready with good news. Our ancestors in faith left us stepping-stones. They planted vineyards. They gave us The Word. We’re in this together. Let’s listen.

The Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean is a Disciple in . Her work is in Moments in Time, The Theology of the United Church of Canada, Touchstone Journal, and The Christian Century. She and John H. Young wrote Preaching the Big Questions. Catherine has preached and lectured on theology - and life as faithful communities - in congregations and webinars across Canada, and taught at St. Andrew’s, St. Stephen’s, VST, and AST. She is a Past President of the Canadian Theological Society, a WCC delegate, and on the editorial team of Then Let Us Sing! Catherine also is Guinness Book Official Witness for the Biggest Dodgeball Game in the World.

From climate change to economic inequality, from housing to mental health, and so much more, the word “crisis” is invoked in many areas of our lives. This has led some analysts to use the word “polycrisis” to describe the situation of the modern world. What does Christian witness and gospel proclamation look like in a world like this? These two talks will draw on the Christian apocalyptic tradition, a tradition that is attentive to the powers and structures that shape our existence, to offer ideas for forming and leading Christian communities that witness to the good news of the Christian gospel in a changing and challenging context.

Since 2017, Jesse Zink has been principal of Montreal Diocesan Theological College (widely known simply as “Dio”), a college founded in the Anglican tradition that since 2021 has also served The United Church of Canada. He is the author of five books on Christian witness in a global world, most recently Faithful, Creative, Hopeful: Fifteen Theses for Christians in a Crisis-Shaped World

A year after becoming an Affirming Ministry and hearing about a need to welcome Christian LGBTQ+ refugees, Kitchissippi United Church put out a poster in August of 2024. A year later, it is a thriving ministry with simple underpinnings: love your neighbour as yourself. Is it that easy? Yes and no. Come to hear how we did it.

Rev Jenni Leslie is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada, serving in Ottawa. She has been serving with Kitchissippi since 2008. She shares her home with 19 year old boy/girl twins and a rescue mini poodle,

Leo.Rev. Daniel Addai Fobi shares his journey from conservative Ghana to Affirming Ministry in Canada, advocating inclusive faith, supporting 2SLGBTQI+ refugees, and preaching Christ’s radical love. Daniel is the founding co leader of God’s Beloved at Kitchissippi.

For many years we believed that more programs and events would help us thrive. Instead of looking for the next magical solution to save our institution, we are called to transform the way we understand ministry and explore the boundless possibilities to the church today. These uncertain times are the moment to boldly journey in this land of opportunity.

Stéphane Vermette is a United Church minister exploring Digital Ministry in French for the last 10 years.

The workshop focuses on the painters, and one dancer turned painter, exploring the spirituality of their contribution to a modern Québec. Collectively, having been called Les Automatistes from the way they painted, they presented the emotive impact of colour on canvas, and later through bronze, tile, and stained glass on an urban environment.

Participants will engage in a hands-on project in the ‘voice’ of one of the artists of the group.

Rev. Dr. R. Douglas Throop, grandson of Rev. Sheldon Throop, is a 3rd generation alumnus of Queen’s. Doug holds a BA in Art History, Queen’s, an MA in Art & Theology in Early Christian Art, McGill, a Dip. Min. from UTC, and a doctorate from Princeton in Architectural Leadership. He has served rural, suburban, inner city, university campus, and First Nations communities in B.C., Ontario, and Québec. Minister of Mountainside United Church in Montréal, he has experience leading congregations through major transformations. Doug is an artist, with studio courses at Queen’s and private lessons with A. J. Casson.

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