This most commonly asked question is answered:

The B- Q Conference Affirming Ministries Action Group recently held two introductory workshops at the extreme east and west ends of the conference.

The first was held on Nov 23, 2013 at Zion-Memorial UC in Carleton Place. Inspired by former Renfrew Presbytery,  the first  to become affirming  in B-Q Conference., the hope was to encourage other presbyteries and the eastern pastoral charges to investigate what it would mean for them to offer public welcome to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual And Transgender (GLBT) community. Eleven congregations from four presbyteries, one presbytery, and Conference UCW Executive were represented.

Guest speakers were Margaret Martin of Portland UC, who told of her personal change of heart , having left the United Church over the 1988 decision to ordain homosexuals, to one of  active  advocacy; and Jim MacGregor, of Zion-Memorial, recounting his experience as a gay man involved in the life of his church  and his desire for that church to stand for up for all social justice issues including public acknowledgment of its inclusion of all people. Continue reading →

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GENERAL COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE – CANADA MUST CONTINUE TO OPPOSE RUSSIA’S ANIT-LGBTQ LAWS

Friday, February 7, 2014

Toronto: The United Church of Canada sent a letter today congratulating Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird on the stance he has taken in support of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Russia.

”Your leadership in advocating for the protection of the human rights of all people, especially those who are most marginalized, such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, and queer people in Russia, underscores Canada’s commitment to protecting and promoting human rights globally,” says the letter.

The letter notes that the United Church, Canada’s largest Protestant denomination, has long supported acceptance and inclusion of all human beings as persons made in the image of God regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“As Christians, we reject the assertion that homosexuality is an offence against God and threatens the ‘spiritual values’ of a culture,” says the letter.

The letter continues, “Cultures that last and are life-giving build in correctives to myths and rumours not based in fact. Much of the work in the struggle against the HIV/AIDS pandemic has focused on dispelling myths and ending marginalization on the basis of sexual orientation.”

The complete text of the letter to John Baird is available on The United Church of Canada’s website (www.united-church.ca).

For more information

Mary-Frances Denis

The United Church of Canada

416-231-7680 ext. 2016 (office)

mdenis@united-church.ca