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Affirming Ministry

 

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Affirming Conversations | Resources | Highlights | Other Links | Map | Our P.I.E. Video Stories |  Staff Support

Affirming Conversations

Why is it Important to Become Affirming?

Canadian Shield and Shining Waters Regional Councils recently held an  Affirming Conversations Zoom gathering, where we discussed how to equip and empower people to lead their congregation towards becoming an affirming ministry. This zoom gathering was open to all communities of faith who are interested in becoming Affirming or who had questions. Several guest speakers shared with us why it is important for them that there are safe spaces. Special guest speaker Linda Hutchinson, Affirming Ministry Program Coordinator from Affirm United, was on hand to explain the process of becoming an Affirming community of faith within the United Church of Canada.

Linda’s PowerPoint Presentation – [ PDF – 20 pages ]

Affirm United / S’affirmer Ensemble Website

 

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]

SMALL TOWN, BIG IMPACT: Stories and strategies from the Affirming Journey A new video series from Affirming Connections that invites Affirming leaders from smaller rural communities to share their Affirming journeys.  Watch the playlist on their YouTube Channel.  [2022]

 

Calendar Moments

 

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]

 

LGBTQI2S Inclusion

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SPONSOSPONSORING AN LGBTIQ2+ REFUGEE 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.

SONGS FOR THE HOLY OTHER Hymns Affirming the LGBTQIA2S+ Community request a copy from The Hymn Society website.

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.

Rainbow flag with the words Created in the image of God carried by 12 people in the Pride parade

 

Shining Waters Regional Council

is an Affirming Ministry

Highlights

P.I.E. in our own words

P.I.E. in our own words

by | Mar 22, 2022 |

Thanks to everyone who contributed a video and attended our event to share your stories of what it means in your place to be public, intentional and explicit in your affirming journey.  View our video library of stories here. We invite all Affirming Ministries to...

read more

Map of Affirming Communities

Staff Support

Staff support for this ministry is pending. If you require assistance please contact:

CELIO de ANDRADE SANTOS Jr.

CELIO de ANDRADE SANTOS Jr.

Administrative Support

Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension:  2020
Email: cdeandrade@united-church.ca

Serves in: Shining Waters Regional Council and Canadian Shield Regional Council

Location: Teleworks and works in the Guthrie office

Role: Celio provides administrative support to Shining Waters and Canadian Shield Regional Councils.