"In the United Church of Canada, we really saw ourselves as part of the culture. We write letters to the prime minister and expect answers," [David Giuliano] says of the denomination's former self-image and access to power. "For me, it's a real opportunity (now) to find out where we belong in the bigger picture."

"We've spent a lot of time being concerned about being successful in our ministry," he says. "But I've spent a lot of time saying our role isn't to be successful, it is to be faithful."

"We're no longer as big a denomination as we used to be, we're no longer as powerful," she says. "We're not that body anymore. We have to get used to being a remnant people."