[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
On Friday, August 8, The United Church of Canada will offer a somber and historic apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities. We invite you to join us in person at Knox United Church in Calgary (9:00 a.m. MT) or via the livestream.
The United Church of Canada was the first denomination in Canada to affirm the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons into the life of the church. While the 1988 decision was significant, there are still many painful stories of exclusion from before 1988, and that continue into the present.
By formally apologizing, the United Church reaffirms its commitment to radical hospitality and full inclusion of 2S and LGBTQIA+ people in all aspects of church life, including leadership, worship, and governance, strengthening the church’s witness to justice and love in action.
The road has not been smooth, and the church has not always accepted 2S and LGBTQIA+ people. The living apology is one way to acknowledge the many shortcomings and the harm the church has caused, while also continuing to build toward a world of radical love and affirming people of all identities.
Read the full news story and register for the Zoom event.
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The United Church of Canada will offer an historic apology for ways in which thedenomination has hurt and harmed 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities within and beyond the United Church. The apology will take place in the context of a special livestreamed worship service on Friday, August 8. The service will be held at Knox United Church, 506 4 St. SW, Calgary, Alberta at 9:00 a.m MT.
All are welcome to attend in person, and the service will also be available on Zoom with English and French interpretation. Online participants are invited to have a bowl of water and branches for a special blessing.
Various ways to participate and gather are available:
- For General Council attendees: In-person attendance and a closed lunch for 2S and LGBTQIA+ participants with support.
- For non-GC participants in Calgary: An in-person gathering at Knox United Church, hosted by Affirm United/S'affirmer ensemble and Affirming Connections, with pastoral care and refreshments.
- For online participants: Stay in the Zoom room for hosted conversations or request individual pastoral care.
The full worship liturgy will also be posted online on the day of the apology.
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