Scripture Union traces its origins back to 1867 when a young man called Josiah Spiers shared the Gospel with children on a beach in Wales. The first SU work in Canada dates from 1879, making it one of the founding Christian ministries in this country. Reaching children & young people where they are has remained at the centre of SU's ministry which today takes place in nearly 130 countries worldwide. Alongside the emphasis on evangelism is the twin aim of encouraging daily Bible reading among people of all ages. Although SU started in 19th century Britain, the start of the 21st century finds it in many Third World countries, where it reaches thousands of children and their families.

One of SU's strengths has been the ability to allow the development of ministries within different countries appropriate to their culture. Given the Canadian passion for sports, this means ministry to children and youth using sports as an outreach tool, while maintaining a commitment to helping people of all ages pray and read the Bible with understanding.

In all SU does, we aim to serve the church, not substitute for it, and we encourage people of all ages to get involved in a local Christian congregation.