Information and Resources for Affirming Ministries
Quick links to sections on this page:
Highlight | Resources | Quick Links | Staff Support | Map of Affirming Communities
Highlight: Banning Conversion Therapy
A Conversation about Conversion Therapy and Bill C-6
With Bill C-6 regarding Conversion Therapy before the Canadian Government, we met with Mike Smith (they/them) and Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo (she/her) to discuss conversion therapy. Rev. Dr. DiNovo put forward Bill 77, which became law in Ontario banning conversion therapy, and Mike shares their experiences with conversion therapy. There is a study guide to go with this conversation, please email, jdale@united-church.ca to receive this study guide to share with your community of faith as we engage in this all-important conversation.
Resources
Affirming Communities
AFFIRM UNITED OPEN HEARTS DOCUMENT By Alyson C. Huntly, in conjunction with the Affirming Ministries Program Coordinators. This is a resource for and about Affirming Ministries, includes information and resources on the affirming process as well as ideas to help congregations continue to grow. Includes a very full listing of additional resources. [PDF| 95 pages | 2017]AFFIRMING MINISTRY REQUIREMENTS From Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble describes the components required in the affirming process. [2016]
Calendar Moments
NOVEMBER 20 TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE Resources for worship and action from The United Church of Canada and other communities of faith
LGBTQI2S Inclusion
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SPONSORING AN LGBTIQ2+ REFUGEE Questions about LGBTIQ2+ Refugee Sponsorship For United Church of Canada Communities of Faith [PDF | Nov. 2018 | 2 pages]
GENDER NEUTRAL BATHROOMS A variety of resources from the Unitarian Universalists on making washrooms safe spaces, including suggestions for signage.
LGBT RESOURCES PAGE on The United Church of Christ website, our partner denomination in the United States.
OUR WHOLE LIVES A curriculum of life span sexuality education programs from the Unitarian Universalists.
QUEER THEOLOGY An on-line network including resources, podcasts and opportunites for engagement hosted by Brian G. Murphy and Fr. Shannon TL Kearns.
Trans Experience and Gender Diversity
CELEBRATING GENDER DIVERSITY: A toolkit on Gender Identity and Trans Experiences for Communities of Faith
A resource to help communities of faith explore gender identity and deepen their understanding of gender and the integral role it plays in creating welcoming and affirming communities. Includes plans to create a gender-inclusive washroom policy, workshop modules, handouts and a glossary of key terms and concepts. Download this PDF. [PDF | 87 pages | 2019] Link to United in Learning webinar on animating this resource.
CREATING AUTHENTIC SPACES: A Gender Identity and Gender Expression Toolkit
From the 519 Community Centre in Toronto, a part of their efforts to challenge transphobia and to foster environments that are inclusive of gender identity and gender expression. The kit includes a set of infographics that can be downloaded on pronouns, allies, creating a welcoming environment and more. Download the kit.
TRANS AND GENDER IDENTITY RESOURCES CHART
A listing compiled by The United Church of Canada. [PDF | 12 pages]
RUTH’S STORY
Ruth Wood talks about her life journey as a trans person and her theological reflection on love and acceptance [YouTube Video | 6:44 | 2012]
Doctrine and Policy
MOVING TOWARD FULL INCLUSION: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in The United Church of Canada A detailed resource that documents the church’s history intended to enable dialogue with partners and promote respectful sharing. [PDF | 67 pages | 2014]
MARRIAGE: A United Church of Canada Understanding A comprehensive overview of the United Church position on marriage, including same-sex marriage. Highlights changes in the church position over the years and the current theological understanding of what our church believes about marriage. [PDF | 12 pages | 2005]
THE AUTHORITY AND INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE Theology and Faith Committee, The General Council of The United Church of Canada [PDF | 49 pages | 1992] Results of a church-wide study on the authority of scripture.
Quick Links
Staff Support
SUSIE HENDERSON
Minister, Community Engagement & Partnership, Shining Waters Regional Council
Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension: 6262
Email: shenderson@united-church.ca
Teleworks and works in the Toronto Office on Wednesdays.
Susie coordinates communication strategies; provides program and policy support to the Regional Council and Commissions as needed, liaises with the General Council and other courts of the church, and provides support to Affirming Ministries.
JEFFREY DALE
Minister, Faith Formation, Youth and Young Adults, Shining Waters Regional Council
Phone: 647.382.6824
Email: jdale@united-church.ca
Teleworks and works in the Guthrie office
Jeffrey works with communities of faith and camping ministries, in networking and clustering , as well as with faith formation. He assists in the animation of children and youth ministries in the local community and throughout the region; oversees the Camp Awesome Program, Youth at the Regional Meeting, and youth engagement in arts and justice ministries.