With a rich history and a forward-looking vision, St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church has positioned itself as a leader in progressive spiritual life. The church proudly embraces their principal value: "Whoever you are, whoever you love, all of you are welcome here."
As an affirming congregation, the church actively supports 2SLGBTQIA rights and inclusivity and justice for all people, while striving to address environmental challenges and contemporary social issues through compassion, dialogue and action.
"Faith really doesn't matter if it's belief without action — there has to be action in belief," says Rev. Rhian Walker, co-lead minister. "We believe every person deserves to feel at home in the world, in their skin, in their lives. To us, the Christian faith path is not only a set of beliefs — it’s about exploring, asking brave questions and then doing something about it together."
With a commitment to creating a place where faith intersects with social responsibility, their long-term goal is to continue the programs and resources available that reflect the diversity in Vancouver.
St. Andrew's-Wesley partners with the community to empower individuals through art, spirit and social justice, nurturing those seeking a better life for all.
You'll explore creative expression through their free art programs where art, in all its forms, deepens your connection to the Divine. Music is at the heart of their ministry, with five choral ensembles – two children’s choirs and three adult choirs, including a community choir that performs Broadway and pop songs. Their renowned Jazz Vespers service features Vancouver's top jazz musicians, woven together with spiritual reflection. They also offer an artist in residence program with free public workshops and events.
Walker notes significant growth in their choirs, with memberships increasing by one third—something she recognizes as an important aspect of the church’s mission. "Music is something people find very healing and therapeutic and also builds community. In support of economic justice, having low-barrier programs like this where people aren't paying to attend really matters to us."
Their community outreach continues to prove positive successes. The church is active in refugee sponsorship, climate action and local social issues such as recovery and the conversation around safe supply with partners like Rainbow Refugee, Moms Stop the Harm and Sierra Club, where they helped fund Mother Tree School, taking a holistic view of the climate crisis. Their drop-in parent and tot program continues to grow, becoming an important place of connection and community for newcomers to Canada.
"We believe that each of us has a role to play in healing and helping the world," says Walker. "Part of our role is to equip and empower people to do that." Opening soon, the Centre for Spiritual Accompaniment will offer spiritual counseling to help people connect with their own spirituality and explore beyond their personal life.
Walker recognizes the congregation's impact simply. "We're not human beings with a spiritual life. We're spiritual beings with a human life. The world needs us to bring about peace, love and justice. And it's not going to be done by somebody else; it's going to be done by us—taking action."
