United Church of Canada. Board of Evangelism and Social Service

The Board of Evangelism and Social Service was established at the time of Church Union, bringing together Methodist and Presbyterian traditions in the fields of social and spiritual welfare. The duties of the Board as outlined in the Manual of the United Church of Canada were "to give leadership to the Church ... in the promotion of evangelism, the development of the spiritual life and work of the Church and the application of the principles of the Gospel of Jesus to the whole life." This mandate was broadly interpreted over the years, and led to the Board's involvement in care facilities, chaplaincy services, the development of communications strategies, and the establishment of committees and commissions to investigate social and political issues in the areas of war and peace, human rights, poverty, industrial society, health care and welfare. In 1964 the Board became a part of the Division of Congregational Life and Work while retaining its independence of action and leadership. In 1972 the Board was absorbed into the Division of Mission in Canada.