On August 6, 2012, AFFIRM UNITED/S’AFFIRMER ENSEMBLE presented the 2012 MINISTRY PROGRAMMING AWARD to the 10 X ’10 Action Group of Bay of Quinte Conference

Award Presentation to some representatives:
Judy Amsbury (Co-ordinator) Bruce Hutchinson, Lyn Miller, Linda Hutchinson, Annette Taylor and Brian Mitchell –Walker ( Co-Chairs Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble Council)

The All Welcome sign often belies long held prejudice and ignorance, and is simply not sufficient to reassure one of differing sexual orientation that they will be fully accepted and integrated into the life of that ministry. Nor will an equal marriage policy alone guarantee an atmosphere free of discrimination. The affirmation must be public, active and ongoing before one can be deemed Affirming.

In October 2007, the Mission, Outreach and Advocacy (MOA) division of Bay of Quinte Conference formed an action group called 10 x ’10 whose goal was to have 10 Affirming ministries in process or certified by 2010. That goal was met with 8 Congregations, 1 Presbytery and the Conference itself involved in discernment around this objective. Continue reading →