Affirm United

In October 2016 St. Albert United Church in Saint Albert, Alberta decided to celebrate the anniversary of becoming Affirming by welcoming the whole community—and supporting a new generation of LGBTQ and Two-Spirit leadership.

Camp fYrefly YEG with the University of Alberta, ISMSS and Calgary Sexual Health Centre will screen their documentary film “Over The Rainbow”; it premiered at the Calgary Fairy Tales Film Festival last May, as well as The Banff Centre for the Performing arts. It’s also available for screening by other Affirming ministries. Have a look at the trailer: https://vimeo.com/185158953 Continue reading “How to celebrate your Affirmaversary: St Albert United, AB”

Kamloops United in Kamloops, BC has been an Affirming ministry for twenty years. They became Affirming long before equal marriage was obtained, and long before trans* activists and allies brought us much closer to full recognition of trans* human rights. They write,

“We are feeling excited and optimistic about the renewed energy at Kamloops United Church to live more fully into our obligations and privilege of being an Affirming congregation, and of being a member of Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble.

Since celebrating the 20th anniversary of becoming a member of Affirm United on May 12, Kamloops United Church, Centre for Community and Spiritual Discovery, has hosted the multi-faith community vigil for Orlando in June, and we have been offering regular meeting space for the board of Kamloops Pride. Just recently, we hung a beautiful new AUSE logo banner on the brick cornerpiece on the exterior of our building.

On Wednesday September 28, for the second year, we participated in the 5th annual Thompson Rivers University Student Union Pride Parade. A baker’s dozen of KUC folk carried our banner and signs, and participated in the tabling afterwards. Among our handouts at TRU were invitations to a special Affirming and Welcoming Sunday on October 16.

We. Are. An. Affirming. Church.”

(Note: Port Nelson United is currently renewing its Affirming process, and sent us this great example of the kind of public witness offered by ministries in the process. Your Affirming process can be a public witness too!)

When the adjudication committee at Port Nelson United Church in Burlington, Ontario met last May to consider applications for the annual Youth Award, they knew the job would be challenging. Young people in their final year of high school from every segment of Halton Region had applied for the $1000 scholarship. The award honours leadership in promoting inclusion, with a special emphasis on the needs and concerns of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and queer individuals. (Right: Award recipients Colleen and Tyler.)

Continue reading “Positive space and GSAs= a much deserved youth award”

Every year, Affirming ministries are asked to give a short annual report. Jordan Sullivan, Ministry Partnership Animator, and LGBTQ⁺ Justice at the General Council office, takes on the enormous task of compiling highlights. Many thanks to Jordan and to all the ministries who reported for sharing your stories and inspiring us. Please take a moment to look at these hope-filled stories, and feel free to share them in other publications. 
Continue reading “Highlights from Affirming ministries, 2015-2016”