Over the past decade, through prayer, reflection, art, listening, and community building, the church has engaged in intentional listening processes to understand the experiences of 2S and LGBTQIA+ people within The United Church of Canada.
Today, it acknowledged and apologized for the many shortcomings and the harm the church has caused to the 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities, and commits to radical love and affirming people of all identities, strengthening its witness to justice and love in action.
The apology was offered in a special worship service held this morning at Knox United Church in Calgary, as part of the 45th General Council, which ends on Aug. 11 with the installation of the Moderator, also at Knox UC, at 5 p.m.
We have failed to celebrate and delight in all of your beautiful Creation. We have wounded people instead of seeking wholeness. We are sorry.
—The Rev. Michael Blair, General Secretary, August 8, 2025
Tangible commitments, such as revising policies, providing reparative support, and ensuring 2S and LGBTQIA+ voices are centered in decision-making would help dismantle systemic barriers and foster a church culture where equity is actively pursued.
“We, The United Church of Canada, express our deepest apologies to all those who have experienced homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia within The United Church of Canada,” the Apology reads in part. “This has at times looked like overt actions such as loss of income, harassment, being denied access to church leadership, and threats to personal safety. The church should be a place of sanctuary and belonging for all people. You deserve a church that reflects God’s unconditional and abiding love.”
The full text of the apology is available on generalcouncil.ca.
In November 2023, an Apology Task Group was appointed to draft an intentional living apology to move beyond statements to explicit action. Recognizing the need for apologies to be lived into with action, the Apology Task Group developed a statement in response to the findings from the Iridesce: The Living Apology Project and a National LGBT Consultation in 2011.
In January 2025, the Task Group presented the draft of the apology at a public town hall meeting attended by 96 people. The Task Group provided an update on the apology development and welcomed insight into what may need more attention. The GCE reviewed and adopted the text of the apology at its meeting in March 2025.