Equity & Diversity at UCiM
The United Church in Meadowood continues to be a faith community that lives out its commitment in social justice issues. As an affirming ministry, we continue to light the Rainbow candle every Sunday during our public worship. We welcome all who seek to walk by faith, regardless of age, gender, ability, sexual identity, or social status.
The United Church in Meadowood was the 100th Affirming Congregation in the United Church of Canada. Affirming ministries welcome LGBTTQS2+ people and celebrate gender diversity and expression. The diversity God has created in humanity is good and worthy of praise.
Since 2013, we have been working to create a space that is safe for everyone in the LGBTTQS2+ community. Our Action Plan includes
- A commitment to learn and grow in our understanding of gender and gender diversity.
- To communicate to the public that we are an Affirming Ministry (such as on our website and electronic sign and through social media)
- To display visible signs and symbols of our welcome and openness (such as rainbow candle and rainbow flag)
- To regularly declare our intention in worship and to address issues of homophobia and transphobia through public worship.
- Participate in Pride Events.
- To monitor policies and practices and address system homophobia and transphobia in our life as a congregation, including governance, theology and community life.
- To retain membership in AFFIRM UNITED.
On September 30, 2021, we celebrated the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a 1 hour program for all ages. About 50 people joined us as we learned more about residential schools and the impacts that they are still having on indigenous people today. We ended the program with bannock and tea and a visit on our patio. We hope to expand this program to a full day event in 2022.
The United Church of Canada is helping churches and individuals continue the journey towards becoming anti-racist with this 40-day time of learning, reflection, activities, advocacy, and action. To view the stories and recordings of online events, click here.