Common Cause

Last week, the United Church of Canada (TIME, Jan. 19) came officially into being. Hereafter, 30% of the people of the Dominion will worship at churches bearing that name. But in brackets will appear the old names--Presbyterian, Methodist or Congregational.

All of the 4,797 former Methodist churches joined the new Church. All but 7 of the 181 Congregational Churches surrendered their old autonomy. But the Presbyterians split. Of some 4,600 Presbyterian congregations, nearly 900 have refused to unite, have formed a separatist organization.

The official membership of the new Church is approximately given as 652,378. It is the greatest organic union of religious sects in modern times.