United Church apologizes for ongoing and past harm to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities in historic service
As the second day of the 45th General Council opens on Friday, August 8, The United Church of Canada will offer an apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities in a special livestreamed and in-person worship service.
The service will be held at Knox United Church, 506 4 St. SW, Calgary, Alberta at 9 am MT, on Friday, August 8. The service is open to anyone who would like to attend in person; it will also be available on Zoom, with live interpretation in English and French. Register here.
“The call of Jesus is that we love one other,” says Rev. Aaron Miechkota, Iridesce Project Coordinator and Apology Task Group member. “The apology project was simply one opportunity for us to live this call and promise... this time in a dialogue between the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community and the United Church. It is my sincere hope that the sacred call to love and know each other will continue, with the apology being a touchstone and marker along the way.”
The United Church of Canada affirms that gender and sexuality are gifts of God, and the church welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities as full members. In 1988, the 32nd General Council declared that "all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, who profess their faith in Jesus Christ are welcome to be or become members of The United Church of Canada" and that "all members of the United Church are eligible to be considered for ordered ministry." In 2012, “gender identity” was affirmed to not limit participation in membership or ministry.
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.
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.
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.
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well." (Psalm 139:14)