Becoming Affirming
The Affirming Program
The Affirming program is a process and recognition for ministries who strive to celebrate Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people publicly, intentionally, and explicitly. Any ministry of any kind can become Affirming, and within our Regional Council there are many such ministries- with lots of room for growth. Learn more about the Affirming Program on Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble. Scroll down for the latest Affirming news in Northern Spirit.
Affirming Task Group
In June 2019, Northern Spirit Regional Council voted to begin the Affirming process. Guided by a task group, the Regional Council and its members will discern how our new structure can live into the spirit and practice of being Affirming. Members: Linda McLaren (Chair); Kathy Kinsman; Wilson MacLennan; Louise Rogers; Monica Rosborough; Julie Graham (Regional staff). Please contact the task group through northernspirit@united-church.ca to protect members’ privacy.
More Resources and Information
To find Affirming ministries in Northern Spirit Regional Council:
On the AUSE site; and on the United Church of Canada ministry locator
(check under AB/ BC/ NWT communities for both.)
Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble
Affirming PIE Day (14 March annually)
Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20th annually)
The United Church of Canada: resources
Celebrating Gender Identity Toolkit, second edition, United Church of Canada
Moving Toward Full Inclusion-Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the United Church of Canada (second edition)
Affirming Ministries Resource List
Affirming news
Conversation: Breaking the Gender Binary, One Word at a Time
Join us Wednesday June 24, 5:00PM in BC, 6:00PM in AB and SK, 7:00PM in MB and NW ON. 90 minutes. All welcome! What is gender inclusive language and how does it have the power to embrace or exclude...
Video on faith journeys of transgender Christians: free access for our Regional Council
Belonging in the Body asks transgender Christians to talk about their faith journey, and they do so with deep insight, grace, and love. This video is an excellent and important resource, and three...
