The church differentiates "doctrine" as containing further expression of the "Doctrine" as found in the Basis of Union.

The United Church of Canada Act, Basis of Union, Trusts of Model Deed, and The Manual exclusively use "doctrine" [except in headings] leaving question of the church arbitrarily defining "doctrine" differently as article 26 restricts "the terms and provisions thereof" must not be inconsistent with the provisions of the act.