This content was originally featured as part of our Centennial Newsletter in June 2024
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Centennial Newsletter: Love is Louder
As we embark on our journey towards celebrating the Centennial of The United Church of Canada, we are thrilled to welcome you to our inaugural Centennial Newsletter! This monthly communication will serve as a window into the rich tapestry of our history, shared faith, and ongoing commitments as a church community.
This month, we are shining a spotlight on one of the many facets of our commitment to inclusivity and social justice: our 2SLGBTQIA+ initiatives. Over the years, The United Church of Canada has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and dignity of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in our congregations and in broader society.
A Brief Timeline of LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit Justice in The United Church of Canada
Summer festivals are in full swing, and many United Church communities are proudly participating in Pride events. Some of these communities have earned the title of “Affirming” because they've made a commitment to support 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, including marching in Pride parades. This marks a significant departure from the 1980s, when the church grappled with whether openly gay individuals could serve as ministers. Back then, there were heated debates, often centred around interpretations of scripture. In 1988, the church made a landmark decision affirming that anyone who professes faith in Jesus is welcome, and is able to serve as an ordered minister, regardless of sexual orientation.
In the early 2000s, the United Church embraced same-sex marriage and actively opposed attempts to reverse this stance in 2006. That's why some United Church initiatives are focusing on tangible actions, such as sponsoring 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees, advocating against legislation that negatively impacts transgender youth, and creating vibrant banners to proudly display in Pride parades.
Key Moments in United Church History
- 1984 - The United Church affirms its acceptance of all human beings as persons made in the image of God regardless of their sexual orientation and acknowledges that it has encouraged, condoned, and tolerated the rejection and persecution of homosexual persons in society and in the church. The church calls for repentance.
- 1988 - General Council 32 declares that all people regardless of sexual orientation are welcome as full members of the United Church, and all members are eligible to be considered for ordered ministry.
- 1992 - The church urges the government to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation as a prohibited ground for discrimination.
- 1992 - Tim Stevenson becomes the first openly gay minister to be ordained in the United Church.
- 2001 - United Church minister The Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo performs the first registered same-sex marriage in Ontario (and all of Canada).
- 2003 - The church calls on the federal government to recognize same-sex marriage in the Civil Marriages Act.
- 2009 - The church affirms the participation and ministry of transgender people, and encourages all congregations to welcome transgender people into membership, ministry, and full participation.
- 2010 - Rev. Cindy Bourgeois is the first openly transgender person ordained in the church.
- 2012 - Gary Paterson is elected Moderator, the first openly gay leader of a major Christian denomination.
- 2012 - United Church partners with Rainbow Refugee Canada to sponsor 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees.
- 2016 - The United Church supports Bill C-16, which ultimately adds gender identity and expressions to the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code.
- 2017 - The church and Affirm United host a dialogue on Global 2SLGBTQIA+ rights with global ecumenical and civil society partners.
- 2017 - The church and Affirm United launch Iridesce: The Living Apology Project to help the church discern a possible apology to the church’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
- 2019 - United Church supports Revitalizing the Circle, Saskatoon’s first Two-Spirit Powwow.
- 2023 - The United Church hosts an Asian Consultation on Gender and 2SLGBTQIA+ Justice.
- 2024 - The United Church plans a Gender and 2SLGBTQIA+ consultation with African partners to be held in Zimbabwe.
Learn more about The United Church of Canada's belief that all persons are made in the image of God.
Videos
Check out these videos to learn more about the initiatives, stories, and voices that demonstrate our commitment to fostering a more inclusive society.
Opening Traditions: A Welcome for Everyone
Revitalizing the Circle, Saskatoon’s first Two-Spirit PowWow, has no boundaries around gender.
A Safe Home
Down a long road behind a large fence in Nairobi, Kenya, is a safe house for LGBTQIA refugees from Uganda, Somalia, and South Sudan. The refugees who live here dream of a day they are resettled in Canada or another country where they can live freely without fear of imprisonment.
Exclusive United Church of Canada Centennial Merchandise
Celebrate The United Church of Canada's 100th year with our exclusive merchandise!