TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY EDITION November - 2007 “Never doubt” CONNECTING AND INFORMING GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, AND The following is an edited version of an address TRANSGENDER PEOPLE AND given by Anne Squire, former moderator of The THEIR FRIENDS ACROSS THE , at St. Andrew’s UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA. United Church, Peterborough, Ontario, at the WORKING FOR JUSTICE AND THE 25th anniversary conference of Affirm United on FULL PARTCIPATION OF PEOPLE August 5, 2007. OF ALL SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS AND GENDER IDENTITIES IN THE s I thought about the Margaret UNITED CHURCH AND THE Mead quote that inspired this WORLD. conference (”Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful concernedA citizens can change the world.”) I INSIDE THIS recalled when I met the famous ISSUE anthropologist. I heard Mead speak at the 1978 meeting of the Religious Education 2 Reflections from the Association in St. Louis, where she received co-chairs the William Henry Harper Award. It’s given each year to an educator who Anne Squire, former moderator of the United Church, 3 Alyson’s angle “promoted understanding between spoke at Affirm United’s 25th anniversary. cultures, nations, sexes, races and 4-9 Conference 2007 generations.” Photo: Lyn Miller in Peterborough Mead’s speech addressed the question of why religions which claimed to be encompassed a new social vision that 18 Conference 2008 devoted to “peace and brotherhood” had included all of those left out of the society

spent much of the past thousand years of his day. So many of the stories and 10-12 Affirming ministries fighting each other and praying for the parables of Jesus give us descriptions of this death of their brothers. When she asked her realm, or simply the world as it would be if Affirm United/S’affirmer daughter to critique a paper she was God’s way really ruled the world. Jesus had ensemble celebrates 25 years: preparing on that subject, the daughter a vision of what that world might suggested that “brotherhood” was not a encompass, and it certainly included the 13 Reflections from United good figure of speech, not only because it poor, the leper, the blind, the tax collectors, Church moderators left out sisterhood. This led Mead to change the widows, the Samaritans—all who were her language about brotherhood, and to say excluded from the society of his day. 15 Affirm across the years that no community is complete if it If that vision is to be brought up‐to‐

excludes others from its circle. date and relevant in today’s world it must 16 Reflections by pioneers That is the question which I addressed include gays, lesbians, bisexual and in a chapter in the book, The Emerging transgender people — all of those who are Christian Way: Thought, Stories and Wisdom still, much too often, experiencing and for a Faith of Transformation. My contribution witnessing hurtful exclusion in society and was entitled “Radical Inclusion,” which I the church. defined as the practice of including in any Twenty‐five years ago, a small group community those who are normally of thoughtful concerned citizens were excluded. My main point in that chapter is determined to change that world, and that Jesus is the model of one who lived and officially that has happened in both our taught “radical inclusion.” nation and our church. Never doubt that The main focus of Jesus’ ministry was the day will come when we do not have to “the kingdom of God,” and although that remind people that the struggle is ongoing, P.O. Box 57057 Somerset Stn. word “kingdom” has fallen into disrepute, and still needs vocal support. Ottawa, ON K1R 1A1 the kingdom of which Jesus spoke Never doubt! INSIDE consensus

Consensus is the newsletter of Affirm United/S’affirmer ensemble, an Your $5 donation can adjust the sails organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and Someone once wrote, “The pessimist Support and Global Partners by giving a transgender people and their friends complains about the wind. The optimist surpragift of ONLY $5.00 earmarked for within The United Church of Canada. expects it to change. The realist adjusts the this campaign. Send a cheque made out to Opinions expressed are those of the sails.” And so as an organization and as a The United Church of Canada Mission and authors and do not necessarily reflect council we adjust our sails to the changing Service Fund to: the views of Affirm United/S’affirmer times of the United Church. This adjusting Direct Giving Program ensemble. Your news stories, articles, was very evident at our 25th Anniversary The United Church of Canada and letters are always welcome. celebration in Peterborough and we are 3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300 Consensus reserves the right to edit for length, clarity or style. grateful for the respectful and articulate Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4 discussions that were evident both at our State on the cheque that the donation workshop and at the AGM. How blessed is “designated equally for the 2009 Mission Send to; the United Church is to have the history Support Grants and Global Partner [email protected] and the persistent voice of Affirm United/ Grants.” Consensus Sʹ affirmer ensemble. This is not a protest or a sign of 1120 Moselle Cresc. As we go forward into our second support for General Council Executive Ottawa, ON quarter century we will remember that at decision to let 20 staff positions cease, but times we need to sail with the wind, at K1C 2T2 an active way for all of us to express our other times we need to sail into the wind concerns for the most vulnerable partners 613-841-2354 and when appropriate we need to work to in and outside of Canada. Mission and influence the direction of the wind. To that Service donations are not a weapon but a Contributors to this issue: end we invite you to participate in a tool of love. In faith and in hope and in Jim Abel, Colleen Adair, Ruth, Blaser, Sally campaign initiated within the church to solidarity let us act to reduce the impact of Boyle, Dominique Gauvreau, Nicole Hamel, lessen the amount (currently set at these reductions on our brothers and Sally Harris, barb janes, Anne Hebb, Wilson $900,000 for Global partners and another sisters. MacLennan, Don Ross, Yves Samson, Read $900,000 to Canadian partners) needing to Blessings from the co‐chairs Sherman, Malcolm Spencer, Al Stewart be cut in 2009 grants to the Mission Sally Harris and Wilson MacLennan Managing Editor: Alyson Huntly Editors: Pierre Chartrand, Heather Menzies, The Affirming ministries of Affirm United work for inclusion and justice for people of all Andrea Nugent, Read Sherman, D’thea Webster sexual orientations and gender identities within the United Church and in society. For a list of Layout: Colleen Adair Affirming ministries across Canada, see page 19. For information on how your ministry can Design: JAC Design become Affirming, contact the program co-chairs c/o Brian Mitchell-Walker [email protected]. Words of Congratulations Blessings on Affirmʹs twenty‐fifth. Congratulations to Affirm United /S’affirmer ensemble Eldon Hay and Anne Pirie, Sackville, NB on your completion of one quarter century of working for

Along with the satisfaction of supporting a just cause, we justice and equality within The United Church of Canada have enjoyed the bonus of many wonderful and lasting and the broader Canadian society. friendships. Congratulations, Affirm! Wilson MacLennan Don and Mimi Gillies

Congratulations and thanks to Affirm United! It has been a journey of wonder and hope. Celebrating 25 years of intentional ministry with Alyson Huntly and Andrea Nugent Affirm United. Thank you for the many hands that have

We are delighted to be able to offer our congratulations drawn the inclusive circle wide! and thanks to Affirm United for all the hard work done over the many years. Trinity United Church Trinity United in Vancouver ‘in the heart of Kitsilano’ Vancouver. In gratitude to Affirm, Friends of Affirm, and Affirm Proudly celebrating 10 years as an United/Sʹaffirmer ensemble for 25 years of witness to Affirming Congregation! Godʹs inclusive vision of church and society. Read Sherman

2 consensus November 2007 Is our work finished? It has scarcely begun

grandparents are members of United Church Affirming by ALYSON HUNTLY congregations. They have known gay and lesbian people all their lives. As they grow up they will enjoy greater aiden and Alyssa (age four and freedom and acceptance for gender and sexual identity five) are sorting toy people into than ever before in Canadian history. two yellow school buses, one But that is not all these children know. Deeper than J bus for girls and one for boys. the changes that ripple the surface of public No matter that these toys could be consciousness lurk homophobia, heterosexism, sexism, sorted by a host of other and transphobia. These are not words these children categories—the figures are Asian, know, of course. But they know words that mean much Black, White; some have yellow the same thing, words like “queer,” “fag,” “homo,” bottoms, some red or blue; some use wheelchairs, one “sissy,” and “lesbo.” They know the playground; they wears glasses; some are children, some adults—no know the dangers of being different; they know that matter, only gender matters. certain forms of gender and sexual expression are taboo. “What about the kids who aren’t a boy or girl?” I For 25 years, Affirm/Affirm United/S’affirmer ask, “Or ones who are both?” ensemble has been working for sexual justice. Along with Two pairs of eyes scan my face. Without a word, the countless individual and organizational allies we have two children return to their play. I ask again, holding up been chipping away at the bedrock. one of the toys: “I’m a kid that is both a boy and a girl.” Has anything changed? Absolutely. As the articles Now holding up another toy, “And I’m a kid that is not a in this special anniversary issue of Consensus attest, boy or a girl. Where do we go?” change has far exceeded our wildest imaginings. Faith Their look says it all: I am serious—seriously wrong! communities are increasingly visible and vocal about Finally they address the toys I am holding, “You can ride Godʹs message of inclusive love. They carry banners in on the girl bus sometimes and the boy bus sometimes. Pride celebrations and open their doors in welcome. This “But I’m not a boy or a girl,” replies one of the year, seven new congregations joined the Affirming figures petulantly. ministry program. Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of “You’ll have to choose or you’ll just have to stay in gay, lesbian, trans, and bisexual people—both lay and the playground.” clergy—now openly share their faith and gifts at all The boy bus or the girl bus; take your pick. These levels of the church. two children have been alive for four or five years, so This issue offers a historical perspective—reflections they know these gender matters. Two genders is all that from former United Church moderators and from some can be known, all that can be played. of the founders of Affirm, as well as a short history of +++++ Affirm through the years, all remind us just how far we Sam (age 8) and Marcie (age 5) are playing with have traveled since the organization began in 1982. several chrome and plastic toys in the back seat of the Articles from this year’s annual conference and car. Amid the noises of machine guns, helicopters, and general meeting remind us of the strength of Affirm bombs, Sam says, “Girls are so sucky. Transformers can United today, as we welcomed new members to Council beat ballerinas anytime. Boys can beat girls anytime.” and honoured volunteer and affirming ministry “Ballerinas aren’t sucky.” contributions. A motion on trans issues at the AGM “Transformers are stronger.” reminds us of important work for the coming years. More noises of play battle. Is our work finished? It has barely begun. Messages “Boys kissing girls, that’s yucky,” says Sam. that god hates fags, queers, trans…persist on the Internet, “Yeah!” agrees Marcie. “That’s really yucky.” in the playgrounds, in the pulpits. For every Affirming “But you know what’s even worse ?” congregation in the United Church, there are 70 others “What?” who have not yet made their welcome explicit or who “Boys kissing boys! That is soooo gross and explicitly exclude sexual and gender minorities. disgusting.” This anniversary year, as we celebrate 25 years of ++++++ remarkable change, we renew our commitment to It is 2007. These four children live in a country in continue our struggle for justice and inclusion. We rejoice which same‐sex marriage is legal, hate crimes against that the oppression imposed by homophobia, gays and lesbians are prohibited, discrimination on the heterosexism, sexism, and transphobia continues to be basis of sex or sexual orientation is unconstitutional. transformed. Their school board has an anti‐discrimination policy that specifically mentions sexual orientation. Their parents or

November 2007 consensus 3 Annual conference of Affirm United drew 100-plus to Peterborough

exercise our bodies, our minds, and our spirits. by JIM ABEL To say the food was awesome is simply to say that it was just another typical United Church event! ffirm United/S’affirmer ensemble held its The Sunday service evoked a range of emotions. The annual conference at St Andrew’s United joyous music, led by Gordon and Jessie Negropontes and Church in Peterborough, Ontario, on the Civic Chris Giffin, shook the building from the foundations to Holiday weekend, August 2007. More than 100 the rafters. Then former moderator Anne Squire calmed peopleA from across Canada came, to work and to and moved us with her compassionate recounting of the celebrate the 25th anniversary of the organization. struggles and successes in the United Church over the The theme of the Conference, “Never Doubt,” was last 30 years. Pride really is faith in the idea that God had based on Margaret Mead’s famous assertion: “Never in creating us as we are. doubt that a small group of thoughtful concerned citizens Even the resident bat enjoyed the weekend! can change the world.” The conference featured a theme song entitled “Never Doubt,” composed by Gordon Overheard at the picnic at the zoo: “Adam, this is Yves,” Miller for the occasion. followed by a pause during which eyes started to dance Brian Nichols, a Peterborough psychotherapist, and chuckles grew into guffaws. Then, “Hey, those guys teacher, and humanitarian, led the participants in three that claim it was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve, two‐hour theme sessions, the first of which explored the are right. They just don’t know how to spell Yves!” positive episodes of individuals’ life stories. In the second, we shared the dark moments of our life From the editor: Gordon Miller has posted the lyrics and experience in a safe place with supportive people. In the the audio version of his commemorative anniversary third session, we discovered that by acknowledging and song “Never Doubt,” on his website at: http:// naming both the light and the dark and by seeking and millermusic.ca. Select the tab “original songs of faith.” keeping the proper tension between them, we can reach a The sheet music will be posted soon. whole new creative level. Brian invited us to play and to

Affirm United’s 25th anniversary conference and annual general meeting at St. Andrew’s United church, Peterborough, Ontario, Aug. 3-6, 2007. Photos: Lyn Miller

4 consensus November 2007 S’affirmer ensemble et en français!

NICOLE HAMEL francophone au sein de la réunion qui a duré plus de quatre jours. Comme en témoigne la photo, les francophones et les a rencontre marquant le 25e anniversaire d’existence francophiles du Canada se sont réunis, grâce à l’initiative de de « Affirm United / S’affirmer ensemble » aura Nicole Hamel, pour partager un repas avant de retourner dans permis aux participantes et participants francophones leurs milieux respectifs. Parmi les sujets de discussion abordés, de se retrouver et d’échanger entre eux. Yves retenons celui de la présence francophone dans l’Église unie du LSamson et moi, venant tous deux de la paroisse Saint-Pierre à Canada, et plus particulièrement au Québec. Québec, sommes repartis heureux d’avoir incité nos pairs à parler français. Nous y avons découvert des gens de Enfin, l’équipe responsable du site internet de « Affirm Peterborough qui parlent français, mais aussi des gens de United / S’affirmer ensemble » a mis les bouchées doubles Toronto et d’ailleurs qui, malgré le fait de vivre en milieu pour procéder rapidement à la mise en place d’une version anglophone, parlent très bien français. Une fois la gêne de française, qui est déjà accessible aux internautes. côté, les échanges ont été très chaleureux, cordiaux et amicaux. Nous espérons et souhaitons une présence francophone encore Le comité organisateur de l’événement a créé un espace plus visible lors de notre rassemblement de l’an prochain en Saskatchewan.

Participants at the conference and annual general meeting of Affirm United/S’affirmer ensemble celebrate the 25th anniversary of the organization with fellowship, worship, dance, and song.

Photos: Lyn Miller

November 2007 consensus 5 Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, Graham Down, and Alyson Huntly receive 2007 awards at Peterborough conference

by READ SHERMAN remember him never missing a meeting. He was the voice on the phone to remind everyone of the meetings, ffirm United/S’affirmer ensemble looked to and used his skills in visual arts to create program inserts the past, the present and the future in for the meeting mailings. He always offered his personal selecting recipients for the 2007 Volunteer of support to members, and reminded the group that the the Year and Affirming Ministry awards as it “check in” time, especially with new people, needed to markedA its 25th year of justice making. be a large part of their meetings. Graham was a constant 2007 Volunteer of the Year – helper and participant in the United Churches’ floats at the annual Toronto Pride Day. the late Graham Down Finally, Graham contributed to Affirm by staffing In recognition of a past contribution to the life and booths at Toronto Conference, and at General Council mission of Affirm, and in honour of the memory of a man whenever it was held in the Toronto area. He who died in December, long‐time Toronto activist participated in the National Consultative Council Graham Down was awarded one of two Volunteer of the meetings of Affirm and urged Toronto Affirm members Year awards – and the first posthumous award the to take positions on the Council. Graham also used his organization has made. Graham’s nominator was his audio‐visual skills to produce for Affirm its first minister and friend John Joseph Mastandrea. Affirming Ministries Program video, All Means All, which Graham Down was born in the town of Wallington significantly contributed to the discussion and education in Surrey, England. He immigrated to Canada, landing in toward inclusion of lesbian, gay, and bisexual folk in all Toronto in May 27, 1964. Coming from an evangelical areas of the church. background, he first worked at Testimony Press, and When Graham’s partner Robert learned about this later for World Vision starting in 1976 as an audio visual award, Robert said he was sure that Graham would have specialist. In 1986, Graham began his relationship with been so proud to know of this honour. Robert asked that his partner Robert Sheng. When Canada opened the the award be entrusted to Metropolitan United to be a doors for couples of the same gender to marry, Robert lasting honour to one of their own in a place Graham and Graham were officially married by Malcolm Sinclair called his spiritual home. in November 22, 2003. 2007 Volunteer of the Year – Alyson

. . .asked that the award Huntly “Eighteen years, and counting!” It was with these words be entrusted to that long‐time editor of Consensus, Alyson Huntly, was Metropolitan United to honoured for her dedication and commitment to Affirm,

be a lasting honour to not only in the past but very much in the present. In his nomination letter, Ron Coughlin wrote, one of their own. “Alyson has been an active member of Affirm United since the late 1980s. When Affirm United met in Ottawa in the summer of 1989, Alyson was one of the key people Graham became active at Toronto’s Metropolitan to help plan and organize the meeting. At that meeting United Church in 1991. He was a key leader in the she also volunteered to take over the role of editor of development of Metropolitan becoming Affirming, helping people name it and claim it by, along with others like Ian Mahaffy, taking it to every committee to look at . . .honoured for her individually, and then to the congregational vote. dedication and Graham was always ready to welcome new people, commitment to Affirm. . . especially helping gay people feel comfortable and included, as opposed to feeling on the edge. He and his partner Robert, who is Presbyterian, also empowered the Consensus. So for the past 18 years she has been involved ministry of the LGBT group, “SAGA,” at St. Andrew’s in the production of our very important newsletter, Presbyterian Church on King St., Toronto. Consensus, and a participant in the then National In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Graham was a big Consultative Council and later, the National Council part of coordinating and facilitating the very active Continued on page 7 Toronto Affirm group. Brian and Russell Mitchell‐Walker

6 consensus November 2007 2007 Affirm United awards honour past, present, and future contributions

Continued from page 6 Nominator Betty Kellner wrote, “In celebration of its of our organization.” seventh anniversary of becoming an Affirming Alyson is very creative and gifted in the art of Congregation, Southminster‐Steinhauer decided to writing. She took on the challenging task of writing a organize a workshop to make information about their book on the state of the United Church ten years after the experience available to a broader group and create a United Church decision of 1988 to be an open and sense of community for other Albertan congregations inclusive church which did not discriminate against exploring whether to become an Affirming congregation. GLBT folk. The book was called Daring to be United and The event was held Saturday, September 30, 2006, at the was an important contribution to the life of the United church. Although attendance figures depended on the Church and Affirm United. Since that time she has also time of day a count took place, 17 congregations were written numerous resources for the United Church in the represented and we had approximately 60 registrants, areas of exclusivity, sexual orientation, and gender with additional people attending for portions of the day identity. and joining us for the closing worship and BBQ. To When Affirm United came knocking again on advertise the event widely, a poster was developed and Ottawa’s door to host its 2002 conference, Alyson again sent to all congregations in the Alberta Northwest answered the call along with others to put on a Conference. The response was overwhelming positive. memorable event. Subsequently, three additional congregations in the The Awards Committee concurred with Ron Alberta Northwest conference have voted to become Coughlin that Alyson was a most deserving recipient of a Affirming congregations. Others are on the road.” Volunteer of the Year Award in the organization’s 25th Southminster‐Steinhauer’s Affirming Committee anniversary year. organized a follow‐up event with Mill Woods United, Edmonton, its sister congregation and the second Alberta 2007 Affirming Ministry Programming congregation that voted to become an Affirming Award – Southminster‐Steinhauer congregation. The follow‐up event, “More than 8 in 2008?” took place Saturday, October 20. United Church James Ravenscroft, on staff at Robertson‐Wesley Each year the Awards Committee receives award United Church in Edmonton, and attendee at the nominations for excellent programming being carried out Peterborough conference, received the award on behalf locally by Affirming Ministries around the country. It is of Southminster‐Steinhauer. The award was handed to the purpose of this award to recognize and celebrate the the congregation by Affirm Co‐Chair Wilson MacLennan ways congregations and other ministry settings publicly on October 21. live out their call to work for greater inclusion of, and justice for GLBT people in church and society. This year’s award recognized the program, “Alberta Affirming Congregations: Why Not Eight by 2008?” put on by Edmonton’s Southminster‐Steinhauer United Church. The program stood out because of its regional vision to Travel mugs commemorate Affirm United’s 25th encourage other ministries to engage in the Affirming anniversary. process.

Photos: Lyn Miller

Affirm United website:

James Ravenscroft, staff member at Robertson-Wesley United www.affirmunited.ca Church in Edmonton received the Affirming Ministry Programming Award on behalf of Southminster-Steinhauer United Church at the 2007 conference in Peterborough.

November 2007 consensus 7 Welcome to new council members Issues about which I am passionate and willing to Affirm United’s two newest National Council work: members introduce themselves and share their • How can Affirm United Council inspire and visions and hopes. challenge existing Affirming ministries, especially ones like Sydenham Street—the only Affirming ichelle Hogan congregation in our city and conference—to After suffering from a disorder that still encourage and support United Church congregations defies proper definition, treatment and and other communities to become Affirming care, I finally found a doctor who seemed ministries? to know what was going on with me. • What can Affirm United learn from and what MNow, ten years later, I can say that I have a life that is wisdom / insight / resources can Affirm United offer mine. those congregations who support same‐sex marriage, I now know my Heart and that has allowed me to and are now living with the consequences (some of know the Hearts of many. In 2003, I completed my them unexpected) of marrying same‐sex couples? transition from male to female, with the guidance of • What roles and / or responsibilities do Affirming several doctors and the ministries at all levels of the United Church have in Love of an entire church relationship to queer candidates for ministry within that financed those final The United Church of Canada as they navigate their steps. way through the minefields of theological education Since then, the support and candidacy processes? group that they formed to • How can the interfaith and secular relationships that care for me has been called Affirm United Council is nurturing at a national level ʺTorchlight Gender be opened up / extended to include regional and Supportʺ and it continues local affirm ministries? How can Affirm United to guide and listen to those Council connect with interfaith and secular who are seeking their true selves. But, even though this bio is supposed to be about relationships being developed at the regional and me, I want it to be about those out there who need that local levels? help. That is truly what I am about.

“What you do for me, you do for everyone. What you do not do for everyone, you deny yourself.”

lizabeth Macdonald Retiring Council For the last five years it has been my delight and honour to serve Sydenham Street United members thanked for Church, an Affirming congregation in downtown, historic Kingston. Most recently dedicated service myE affirming efforts have focused on the local Kingston scene where, for example, I have worked closely with he Affirm United Council said goodbye and Unitarians and other faith groups and spiritual traditions thank you to two dedicated members, Ed Avey on what has become Kingstonʹs annual Interfaith Pride and Ruth Bramham, both of whom served as Service just before the Pride March, and have worked members‐at‐large at the national level since with HIV AIDS Regional Services (HARS) on addressing T2002. Ed, from London, Ontario, worked on scanning spiritual dimensions of care and support of those people and inputting material for the Affirm United archives, HARS serves. was the seminarian liaison of Council, and was In my pastoral role as instrumental in the development of the new bylaws. ministry staff, I put Ruth, from Mississauga, Ontario, was the considerable energy into transgender contact on Council. Through her welcoming queer folk and information, educational activities, advocacy, and many encouraging them to finding articles in Consensus, Ruth helped Affirm United grow in their way and take their place in its understanding of and support for transgender issues. the Sydenham Street Ruth also represented Affirm on the planning committee community, and into for the “Together in Toronto” conference in 2006. encouraging the congregation to take our Affirming story far and wide.

8 November 2007 consensus Sunset United Church in Regina celebrates becoming an Affirming ministry

by RUTH BLASER by consensus. At Sunset, consensus does not necessarily mean complete agreement but rather being able to live he autumn afternoon was calm and warm as into a decision—an intention. people streamed into Sunset United Church to At the end of the service, everyone streamed out of celebrate the congregation’s commitment to the church singing “We are going in the light of God.” becoming an Affirming Ministry of The United Worshippers gathered around the church’s sign, where TChurch of Canada. they placed rainbow symbols for all to see. The day of celebration, September 30, arrived on the Excerpts from the congregation’s statement of faith slow‐moving and dignified arm of four years of follow: discussions, thoughtful and rigorous education, and We declare publicly our commitment to creating a community where we welcome people of all ages, gender, racial/ethnic minority, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ability, and economic circumstance. At Sunset United Church, everyone can take part in every aspect of church life including: membership, leadership, celebrating life passages and marriage. We affirm that diversity is truly a gift of God and that all people belong here. We celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our church, even as it challenges us individually and

Shelby Kinrade (convenor of Saskatchewan Conference Affirming Ministries Committee) presenting the certificate on behalf of Affirm United to Hilary Wallin (member of Sunset who got the ball rolling after attending Kairos 2002).

engagement about things that matter. There were many people in attendance from Wascana Presbytery, Saskatchewan Conference and the other Saskatchewan Affirming ministries. Regina’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered choir –the singers of the Sacred Web and Prairie Pride Chorus— sang. Sunset’s committees presented symbols of what it means to be an Affirming Ministry. A colourful circular, children’s story quilt was presented to the children of Sunset. The children placed it on the floor in the centre of the worship space and camped out there for the rest of the service. Kelly Warden and Brian Mitchell-Walker first presented the quilt during the morning Over the past four years, the Affirming Ministries service in their Sunday school area. They described how the fire in the centre comes from a description of an aboriginal fire pit where there is an opening in the stones so Working Circle had worked in collaboration with the it can be made larger to invite more to join. As they look upon the quilt they will see whole congregation. The Official Board led the way in the colours of the medicine wheel (White north, Black south, Red west and Yellow redeveloping the congregation’s mission statement and east) to symbolize the inclusiveness of all people of the earth, balance and health. When they look out from the Centre they will see a Sunset (since their statement of faith. congregation’s name is Sunset). Kelly and Brian shared some of the stories that The new mission and faith statement was taken to a they have tied to different squares – and invited them to tell their own stories as congregational meeting in April, where it was received they connect with different images in the quilt and then to invite any new children they see in our congregation to join them on the quilt and share their stories.

consensus November 2007 9 Seven United Churches join the Affirming ministry program in 2007, making a total of 47 affirming ministries across Canada

New Affirming ministries include White Rose United, Calgary, St. John's United Church, Halifax; St. Andrew’s United Church in Sioux Lookout, Ontario; Sunset United Church in Regina; St. Paul’s United Church, Edmonton; Parkminster United Church, Waterloo, Ontario; and Deer Park United Church and Wholeness Centre in Calgary.

n February 11, 2007, the congregation of White welcoming community of spiritual seekers, as diverse as Rose United Church, Calgary, voted to the colours of the rainbow. The congregation held a become an Affirming congregation within The service of celebration of its new Affirming status on June United Church of Canada. Stating that they 17, 2007. areO “an open, diverse, and inclusive community that White Rose United is one of six Affirming welcomes all into the circle of our faith family,” the congregations in Alberta. There are now 47 Affirming congregation approved a statement of ministries in nine Canadian provinces. faith. The statement says in part: Six other congregations became Affirming ministries in 2007. They are: St. Johnʹs United Church, Halifax; St. “Characteristics such as age, religion, Andrew’s United Church in Sioux Lookout, Ontario; sexual orientation, gender identity, Sunset United Church in Regina; St. Paul’s United differing abilities, ethnic background or Church, Edmonton; Parkminster United Church, economic circumstances should not Waterloo, Ontario; and Deer Park United Church and separate us. We celebrate the gifts that Wholeness Centre in Calgary. diversity brings to our church.”

The rainbow sand sculpture pictured There are now 47 here is prominently displayed in the Affirming ministries in White Rose sanctuary to remind worshippers that this is an inclusive and nine Canadian provinces.

Le Blog d’un Congratulations to Affirm United on 25 Years! Parpaillot http://leblogdunparpaillot.blogspot.com/

Je vous présente mon Blog Internet dédié à la spirituali‐ té et à l’inclusivité. J’ai voulu me joindre ainsi à la blo‐ gosphère gaie chrétienne francophone qui existe déjà en Small Business Accounting Europe depuis quelques années. Je m’y identifie comme Payroll, WCB, PST, GST membre de l’Église unie du Canada. Vous y trouverez Personal & Corporate Income Tax plusieurs liens vers des sites et des blogs chrétiens inclu‐ Rental Management sifs ou ouverts envers les personnes LGBT. #6 - 2910 Commercial Drive CAROL A. O’DELL Vancouver, BC V5N 4C9 Dominique Gauvreau, Église unie St‐Pierre de Québec Ph: 604-875-1173 Fax: 604-875-1163 [email protected] www.cardelaccounting.ca

10 consensus November 2007 À Québec, une communauté chrétienne solidaire contre l’homophobie

out comme elle l’a fait tout au long du débat sur Mohamed Cherfi, dont la vie était mise en danger par le mariage entre conjoints de même sexe, l’Église une déportation arbitraire. Selon Nicole Hamel, l’Église unie réaffirme son soutien indéfectible aux hom‐ unie doit appuyer ses frères et sœurs dans tout combat, mes et aux femmes d’orientation homosexuelle. toute lutte où les droits de la personne sont en cause. TCela s’est traduit par une présence visible et sentie de Elle poursuit en disant que « si le Dieu de Jésus‐Christ, membres de la paroisse Saint‐Pierre (Québec) de l’Église tel que présenté dans l’Évangile, a pris le parti des pau‐ unie du Canada lors de la Fête Arc‐en‐ciel, qui a eu lieu à vres et des opprimés, l’Église unie a à cœur le souci cons‐ Québec du 1er au 3 septembre dernier. tant de toute personne qui se trouve au bas de l’échelle ».

« Nous avons des convictions. Pour nous, l’homo‐ Dans ce contexte, la paroisse Saint‐Pierre de l’Église sexualité et l’hétérosexualité sont des dons de Dieu et unie de Québec est l’alliée des personnes en recherche une orientation sexuelle n’est pas meilleure qu’une autre. spirituelle dans la communauté gaie de Québec. Lors En outre, l’Église unie du Canada prend résolument le d’un brunch qui a eu lieu le 2 septembre dernier dans le parti de travailler activement à faire avancer la justice cadre de la Fête Arc‐en‐ciel dans la Vieille Capitale, la sociale et le respect des droits de la personne », d’indi‐ communauté homosexuelle de Québec a démontré sa quer Nicole Hamel, membre du conseil d’Affirm United / détermination de ses membres de ne pas se laisser intimi‐ S’affirmer ensemble. Évoluant au sein de l’Église unie du der par des attaques homophobes, comme celle dont a Canada, S’affirmer ensemble est un regroupement qui été victime un jeune gai le 1er juillet à Place d’Youville, à s’emploie à sensibiliser la population aux différentes Québec. questions concernant les lesbiennes, personnes gaies, bi‐ sexuel‐les et transgenres (LGBT). Il travaille à mettre fin à Selon Yves Samson, l’Église unie se joint à celles et ceux la discrimination dont sont la cible les LGBT dans l’Église qui partagent le goût de vivre dans une société démocra‐ et la société; il aide également les LGBT à trouver un sou‐ tique et non discriminatoire. La paroisse Saint‐Pierre, par tien efficace au sein de communautés chrétiennes accueil‐ sa présence à la Fête Arc‐en‐ciel, a posé un geste concret, lantes et signifiantes dans l’Église unie du Canada. si petit soit‐il, affirmant sa volonté à poursuivre le dialo‐ Ouverture et accueil gue avec la société qui nous entoure et surtout à rendre

Pour Nicole Hamel, ce sont l’ouverture et l’accueil un témoignage vivant de l’Église unie et de l’Évangile pour les personnes de toutes orientations sexuelles qui incarné. « On ne le dira jamais assez : toute personne est ont été déterminants dans sa décision de se joindre à cet‐ créée à l’image de Dieu et elle est aimée par Lui, incondi‐ te Église. À la paroisse Saint‐Pierre de Québec, les per‐ tionnellement », a conclu M. Samson. sonnes LGBT sont accueillies avec la même attention, la même chaleur tout en étant reconnues comme membres à Source : Yves Samson, président part entière de la famille. « Et quand nous nous appro‐ Église unie Saint‐Pierre chons de la table de la communion, toutes et tous sont Église unie du Canada invités – sans aucune exclusion – à partager le repas du (418) 204‐9967 Seigneur. Nous sommes l’Église de la grande multitude. À l’instar des grands réformateurs, nous tenons pour http://www.egliseunie.org/paroisses/st‐pierre/ membres de l’Église celles et ceux qui par leurs paroles et leur conduite professent un même Dieu et Christ avec Nicole Hamel, membre du conseil nous », d’ajouter Yves Samson, président de l’Église unie Affirm United / S’affirmer Ensemble Saint‐Pierre. [email protected] Une question de justice sociale http://www.affirmunited.ca/

Au cours des dernières années, l’Église unie du Ca‐ nada s’est fait connaître par son engagement auprès des personnes victimes de discrimination de toutes sortes. À Québec, la paroisse Saint‐Pierre a accueilli en sanctuaire

November 2007 consensus 11 Choose your shoes and walk your faith

by COLLEEN ADAIR What if we asked folks to . . . Choose Their Shoes and Walk Their Faith? n 2007, the Affirm Committee at Trinity United Three years ago Stan McKay, former moderator of Church, Vancouver, wanted to do something The United Church of Canada, called us to “live as if” at different for the Vancouver Gay Pride Parade. We the Affirm United annual conference in Winnipeg. Our wanted to be more engaged with the parade, committee decided to live as if and go with “What if we wantedI more members of the congregation to participate, asked the congregation to come to the parade with us?” and wanted to celebrate our ten years as an Affirming We asked. . . and members came! We made placards congregation. in the shapes of shoes, proclaiming our joy to be an We met in mid‐June to discuss our annual Affirming congregation. We decorated an on‐loan red fundraiser (selling parking spots at the church during the Mustang convertible so one of our senior members (92 four nights of fireworks), the upcoming annual years senior!) could join us. From our fund‐raising efforts conference in Peterborough (where Sally Harris, as Co‐ we had a new Trinity banner made, stating our faith Chair of Affirm United, and her partner, Gloria, would walk. We unfurled the incredible Affirm United banner be during the weekend of the parade), and our that had been resting at First United Church in the attendance at the Vancouver Gay Pride Parade. Vancouver downtown eastside. My first clue that it was going to be an energized We extended an invitation to other United Churches meeting was when one (new) member truly came in the in the area to join us. St. John’s United of the west end, window of the boardroom. It reminded me of the line, and Shiloh‐Sixth Avenue of New Westminster were “Close the doors, they’re coming in the windows.” Her delighted to answer the call, congregational members entry marked the beginning of a productive and lively bringing banners and enthusiasm. meeting that lay the plans for a more involved, more fun, We slapped on sunscreen, made sure water bottles were and more intentional presence at the parade. full, and we had a party! Proudly walking through the West End with banners and placards, members of three United Churches truly chose their shoes and walked their faith. It was an awesome event that still makes my heart sing. . . I think I’ll open more windows in the boardroom!

COLLEEN ADAIR is chair of the Trinity United Church (Vancouver) Affirm Committee.

Trinity United Church, Shiloh-Sixth Avenue United Church, and St. John’s United Church march at the 2007 Vancouver Gay Pride Parade.

Photo: Rita Bruneski

What if. . . what if we asked the congregation to join us at the parade? What if we asked them to consider their presence as a visible way to walk their faith? What if we all stayed and made placards after Trinity United Church carry their new banner in the Vancouver Gay Pride service two weeks before the parade, and had some Parade. social time as well? Photo: Rita Bruneski

12 consensus November 2007 Affirm United celebrates 25 Years Congratulations to Affirm United from United Church moderators

The following are messages to the Affirm United 25th I have never doubted that the United Church was anniversary meeting that were received from United Church on the right course, that our minority voice would moderators, past and present. eventually win the day. I know how strong the

nne Squire, a former moderator, brings opposition is, but history has shown that a small, greetings on behalf of the Moderator, David concerned, and determined group can initiate change. In Giuliano: my lifetime, I had seen women win the right to sit in the Unfortunately, especially after he helped plan Senate; the right to be ordained and share in the theA Conference, moderator can’t be here leadership of our church. I have seen our denomination because of illness. Former moderators were all contacted refuse to let sexual orientation became a barrier to to pick up some of Davidʹs responsibilities, and when I ordination or marriage. I have seen my own agreed, I immediately received an email asking me to congregation become part of that voice for equality, even “stand by for Affirm,” which would have been my first to the extent of bringing our congregation into the circle choice in any case. of Affirming congregations. Pray for us! But never doubt! During the “the sexual orientation years”, the 80s, I was involved in these issues, in Ottawa Presbytery in arion Best recalls the work of sessional 1980, as General Secretary of the Division of Ministry committee at the 1988 General Council: Personnel and Education from 1982‐85, and as Moderator Greetings and good wishes for your 25th from 1986 to 1988. My involvement didn’t stop then. anniversary meeting of Affirm United. MIt was 1982 at Naramata Center that program staff, In 2004, I represented the United Church at the Supreme Court hearings “in the matter of a Reference in with the support of the Board, began a variety of Council concerning the Proposal for an Act respecting programs designed to raise awareness, encourage certain aspects of legal capacity for marriage for civil dialogue, and provide a welcoming place for persons of purposes as set out in Order of Council P.C. 1055, dated differing sexual orientations. July 16, 2003ʺ. Our lawyer, John O’Sullivan, rather than I, I count it a privilege to have been asked to chair the spoke at that session. I and Elizabeth Bowen, of the Sexuality, Ordination, Lifestyles and Ministry Report Unitarian Universalist Church, sat as sole church Sessional Committee at the 1988 General Council. There representatives on the affirmative side. I was so proud of were 24 of us, representing a broad spectrum of opinions. our church, representing that small group of concerned We agreed to try for consensus, with a vote only if citizens that changed the world. consensus proved impossible. We prayed together, reflected on scripture and told stories of how we had come to our present positions, I have never doubted that listened respectfully to one another. After meeting for the United Church was three days, we asked for Council’s response to several on the right course. proposals. Considering the 1,837 petitions from across the church and responses from Commissioners, we presented our final formulation reached by consensus. In 2005, I accompanied Choice Okoro, Program What caused the most debate was “All persons, Officer for Human Rights and Reconciliation Initiatives, regardless of their sexual orientation, who profess Jesus to House of Commons Legislative Committee hearings Christ and obedience to Him, are welcome to be or on Bill C‐38 –on gay and lesbian marriage. I presented become full members of the church. All members of the the submission and joined Choice in fielding the church are eligible to be considered for the ordered committee’s questions. With her current information ministry.” What had enabled us to reach consensus in about UCC involvement and my history, we answered Committee could not be replicated on the floor of the all the questions, helped at times by Bill Siksay, who was Council. a member of the committee. The debate’s tenor, the procedural wrangling, and When harangued about the sanctity of traditional factions that developed was disappointing to behold. I marriage, I spoke of my traditional marriage of 62 years, kept hoping we’d arrive at an acceptable statement, but and of standing that year with lesbian friends as they celebrated their marriage. Continued on page 14

November 2007 consensus 13 Affirm United Celebrates 25 Years More congratulations to Affirm United from United Church moderators

Continued from page 13 beautiful, struggle for dignity, respect, and equality— from Toronto’s Trinity‐St. Paulʹs in the ‘70s to Calgary’s that wasn’t possible. The vote passed by a considerable Scarboro until my retirement this year. After following majority, but divisions and hurts remained. That journey Affirmʹs clear and deliberate process, we are on the continues and we have many other inclusion issues yet to threshold of becoming an Affirming congregation. be addressed. I’ve been involved in a multitude of inspiring stories over Affirm United has been a consistent, faithful voice these 30 years. This weekend I thank you on behalf of over all these years. Congratulations and every good many people for your persistence, faith, and humour. My wish for the continuing journey. spirit is with you as you celebrate 25 years! I wish you peace. on Gillies remembers when … At the 1984 Morden General Council, Friends eter Short sends greetings to the Peterborough of Affirm, of which I was chair, gathered, 80 gathering: strong. Midway through the meeting, former Sisters and brothers gathered in Peterborough, moderatorD Clarke MacDonald poked his head in and celebrating a quarter century of the work and asked: “Is there a place here for someone who isnʹt sure Pwitness of Affirm, Peace be with you, where he stands on this issue?” And thanks be to God for your faithful and brave Without pausing to think, I replied “No!” His face work over 25 years. Your witness has been a fire in front fell and he closed the door. Clarke was a good man and a of the camp and a sign for us of the coming of the day dear friend, but I felt that our gathering was political (in when earth might once more be fair and all her children the best sense) rather than educational. I still feel OK one. I hope you have much fun, that you find strength in about what I did. But it reminds me how difficult it is to solidarity, and that the good spirit will sustain you today, stand for justice, especially when it divides people who tomorrow and the next day until weʹve seen the journey care about each other. Jesus predicted just that in through. Matthew 10:34‐39. Blessings to you and grace. We need to remember that, even at our best, we “see through a glass darkly” and that we don’t have a ois Wilson recalls the storytelling tent at the monopoly on the truth. But, at some point, we need to Morden General Council : decide where we stand, and then take a stand, whatever I remember the Morden General Council the fallout. Which is what we were doing in that room especially because of the tent adjoining the main and at that watershed General Council. meetingL room. We were invited to drop in anytime to meet gay men who were telling their stories for perhaps

It’s been a long struggle. the first time, to sit down in a relaxed atmosphere and exchange views. This stood all of us in good stead later It’s not over, but great when The Issue became so very public at the 1988 Victoria progress has been made. General Council. In 1988, I had just returned from a World Council of Churches meeting in Hamburg, as a part of which, we ill Phipps congratulates Affirm United on visited Bergen‐Belsen Concentration camp site. We helping create history: paused at a war memorial honouring all those Hitler had You have helped the church and society create tried to exterminate: Jews, gypsies, and gays. Each of us, history. Congratulations ! I wish I could be from four dozen different churches, laid a rose at that thereB to celebrate with you. memorial. Because of that background, I found the It’s been a long struggle. It’s not over, but great debate in Victoria extremely poignant. progress has been made. I remember well both the I send my warmest greetings to Affirm in its 25th year, viciousness and the grace at congregational, presbytery, and wish you well in your continuing work. conference, and General Council meetings. I have been in the thick of the painful, yet often

14 consensus November 2007 Affirm United Celebrates 25 Years A brief history of Affirm United ffirm was founded in 1982 by 18 pioneers of Ottawa, addressed the church’s AIDS strategy. Bill faith and courage. They were Maureen Siksay was chair; Susan from Manitoba, secretary; James Ashfield, Bob Birnie, A. Bonnar, Ron from Montréal, treasurer; and Adam Con, membership Coughlin, Richard Delorme, Linda Ervin, Paul coordinator. By now, Affirm had nine local groups. Evans,A John Foster, David Hallman, barb janes, Fred Several regional chapters of Affirm and Friends of Affirm McNally, Brad Newcombe, Scott Patton, Don Ross, Terry were discussing mergers. Shaw, Malcolm Spencer, Tim Stevenson, and Brian 1990 – AGM and conference at St Andrew’s Church, Thorpe. The historic first meeting took place in an upper Toronto, welcomed Chris Glaser as guest speaker. room of the Newman Centre in Montreal, in the shadow Rosemary Carnahan and Bill Siksay co‐chaired and Ron of the United Church General Council meeting. Coughlin took over as membership coordinator. Affirm 1983 –First anniversary AGM, Vancouver, was hosted by was invited into official dialogue with the General Affirm B.C. Attendees from Saskatchewan, Winnipeg, Council Executive. The United Church reaffirmed its Toronto, and Montreal, representing five local chapters, decision to include gay and lesbian people in ministry. considered the organization’s name and constitution, and 1991 – In May, 27 people gathered at the Prairie Christian selected officers. The first issue of the newsletter, later to Training Centre to discuss organizing United Church be called Consensus, was published. congregations that were publicly affirming of gay and 1984 –AGM at St. Augustine’s Church, Winnipeg, lesbian people. The Affirm AGM and conference at St. considered the upcoming General Council in Morden. Stephen’s Broadway United Church, Winnipeg, decided Affirm drafted a statement for General Council to call the new program the Affirming Congregation commissioners. Christine Waymark was chosen as Program. chairperson, Bill Siksay, secretary‐treasurer, Eilert 1992 – Tenth anniversary AGM and conference, Frerichs, spokesperson. Halifax, approved educational resources for the At General Council, the report of the United Church Affirming Congregation Program, and continued Task Force on the Changing Roles of Women and Men in discussing the Affirm/Friends of Affirm merger. Worship Church and Society addressed issues of sexism and its grew out of the meeting; Friends of Affirm led and connections to heterosexism and racism. Other United participated. Ten years of work and play and prayer – Church members formed Friends of Affirm to support how glorious and what a struggle! Malcolm Spencer and Affirm. Rosemary Carnahan chaired. 1985 –AGM and conference, with the theme, Our Passion At its 1992 General Council, the United Church for Justice, in Toronto, had six local groups represented. approved same‐sex covenanting services, included same‐ Brian Burke was elected chair. sex couples in the employee benefits program, and Later that year, United Church Moderator, Bob recommended that the church support the Affirming Smith, the first moderator to do so, met 100 Affirm and Congregation Program. Friends of Affirm members to discuss gay and lesbian The first event to train consultants for the Affirming issues in the church. Congregation Program was held in November 1992. 1986 – AGM and conference, St. Andrew’s United 1994—Affirm and Friends of Affirm merged to become Church, Sudbury, discussed United Church policy on Affirm United/S’affirmer ensemble. AIDS, and considered forming a movement of inclusive The 1994 United Church General Council officially congregations (later, the Affirming Congregation thanked Affirm for its leadership in promoting justice for Program). Ron Coughlin was chair, Erin Shoemaker, all people regardless of sexual orientation. spokesperson. February 26, 1995— Augustine United Church, 1987 – AGM and conference, continuing its practice of Winnipeg, became the first Affirming Congregation in consensus decision making, was held at St. Andrews the United Church. By the end of 1995, there were four College in Saskatoon, and included gender‐specific more Affirming ministries. By1999, 15 congregations had groups. undertaken a process of study and reflection and issued a 1988 – AGM and conference, in Vancouver, preceded the public statement of welcome and inclusion for sexual historic 1988 General Council, in which the United minorities. Church said that all people, regardless of sexual In the years since, Affirm has grown, and grown orientation, were eligible to be considered for ministry. stronger. Affirming ministries has become central to its Many Affirm members stayed on to attend General work. There are now 46 Affirming ministries across nine Council and watch the decision making. provinces. 1989 –AGM and conference at First United Church,

November 2007 consensus 15 Affirm United celebrates 25 years Reflections from Affirm pioneers

iversity fails if none of us diverge we have been, helping the church open itself through the Affirming Congregation Program. When possible, let’s I entered the upper room under the eaves of encourage our LGBTTT folk to take their place, assuming Newman House, expectant yet uncertain. positions of leadership in congregations and beyond, as We didn’t look like insurgents/radicals/ many are already doing. What I would really like to see, D outcasts bent on overthrowing the powers. though, is for all of us to discover and develop our But, in that moment and place and for the solemn LGBTTT identity now, in today’s world, in today’s purpose laid upon us, our clandestine gathering felt that church. Once it was easier to know who we were, but not way. The only powers we wanted overthrown were our easy knowing or living it. Today for many it is easier. But fears and those of others that kept us from freely serving who are we now who benefit from the freedom we the church we already loved and served. witnessed for, and in that witnessing, found our We began modestly enough: our agenda, to support strength? lesbian and gay folk in the church, to worship together This work of spirited discovery may be our next whenever we could. We gathered Friends of Affirm, adventure. available as education/counseling/consciousness‐raising resource to our church. We presented at presbyteries and DON ROSS, one of the 18 founding members of Affirm, conferences and were, mostly, well‐received. was ordained in 1960, and retired in 1996 while serving Then came the 1984 human sexuality reports, which Augustine United Church in Winnipeg. Augustine became some of us helped introduce to the church. Affirm the first United Church Affirming congregation. became more widely known, but not always affirmed. The most tense/intense years for us were those leading up to 1988 and General Council’s approval of the Victoria Statement. Affirm played a major role and we were given here was a time when gay people serious attention by the church. Some believed that weren’t welcome in our church attention was much more than our small numbers Twenty‐five years is a long time in a life span, warranted. Affirm became the focus of the anxiety of and short time historically. i recall that there many and the hostility of a few, and some of us paid the was furtiveness and fear of the early years, price for the witness we bore. T and conversations (at least in Saskatchewan) about setting up a network of safe houses that would shelter queer clergy when (not if) the poop hit the fan. i recall imagining that in my lifetime, openly gay/lesbian clergy The idea of diversity was not yet a hope we might exercise their ministries in chaplaincies in hospitals, but not likely in pastoral charges. Although harboured. Affirm members were almost all cradle United church members, we were cast as outside agitators, a “well‐ funded lobby group”, and repeatedly told “there are other issues.” This was a surprise, and yet it wasn’t. Many of us Affirm carried the ball for the United Church in the involved in those days were Pink Triangle people—our struggle to maintain the church’s justice‐seeking ethos primary symbol of queerness was a reminder of against the tides of the United Church Renewal martyrdom. We were not living then in a rainbow world; Fellowship and the Community of Concern. We were on the idea of diversity was not yet a hope we harboured. the front line, and we bore many casualties while much But, with its unprecedented liberties, that time is of the mainline church sat on the fence and pretended now. And, of course, the birth of freedom has been bewilderment at the bloodletting. There were internal attended by the usual challenges: the presumption that struggles as well, all about power— in vs. out, feminist nothing more need be done, the drift into vs. not, Toronto vs. hinterlands, order of ministry vs. lay, conventionality, the fading into respectability. time‐consuming consensus vs. quick action. Remember, though, our distinctiveness, our gifts to the church and the world, our very diversity fails if none Continued on page 17 of us diverges. So, what of the future? Affirm needs to continue, as

16 consensus November 2007 Affirm United celebrates 25 years

Continued from page 16 hours of the morning, some of us believed we had reached the New Jerusalem and that indeed there was A few years ago, a 15‐year‐old member of my freedom for all God’s children. Others were quick to note confirmation class said with astonishment, “You mean that it might simply be that our brains were a bit addled there was a time when gay people weren’t welcome in at that hour. The 1988 decision, momentous though it our church?” I am not so naive as to imagine that it is all was, did not mean that we were free so much as it meant sweetness and light in every pastoral charge in the land. that we had challenged captivity. But it is much, much better than my imaginings of 20 Today, I would place us at a different point in the years ago, thanks to the astonishing hard work of Affirm Exodus journey. Maybe the metaphor no longer works. members. Pop the champagne for what has been Maybe it never did. Or maybe I’m just loathe to admit I realized, and celebrate, as old Wesley would say, think we’re still stuck in Egypt. “Lustily and with good courage!” We have come a long way in 25 years: raised consciousness, supported Affirming congregation bARB jANES, was one of the eighteen pioneers of faith who growth, challenged the church to talk about ordination, founded Affirm in 1982 in Montreal. She is an ordained and participated in the challenge leading to legislative minister currently at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church in and judicial recognition of equal rights for gay, lesbian, Winnipeg. She was the first editor of Affirm’s newsletter, bisexual, and transgender persons. We have much to be Consensus, serving from 1981 to 1989 and she served for proud of. The United Church has worked in the public many years on the National Coordinating Committee (now arena, never hiding from the camera or a neighbour’s the National Council) of Affirm. reproach. We have encouraged congregations to own their own power. We reminded them of their right to choose their own clergy and to be discriminating in that choice. o speak to the church as a unified There has been a ruling that clergy do not have the right voice to perform weddings anywhere without local church Affirm came into being during the Montreal board or council consent, further hampering the freedom General Council in 1982. It was an exciting of clergy to follow their conscience and giving oversight T time in many ways—we came up with the authority to the congregation when it properly belongs to name then. I don’t suppose any of us could have the presbytery. In 25 years, we’ve become increasingly envisioned the changes that would take place both congregationalist as presbyteries choose to exercise their socially as well as in the church in the next 25 years. authority less and less. The GLBT community is warmly Although Affirm began in 1982, there were already accepted in some congregations and shunned and pockets of gay and lesbian United Church support despised by others. There is a wide variation between groups across the country (often connected to theological these two extremes. As a denomination, we approve of schools). Affirm enabled us to bring together this this broad spectrum. network and speak to the church and others as a unified Back to the Exodus … when the Israelites left Egypt voice of gay and lesbian United Church members. they left as a community, an exclusive community, not including the slave owners or the oppressors in their BRAD NEWCOMBE, one of the 18 people who gathered in number. The leaders understood the human soul’s an upper room in Montreal to found Affirm, is presently destruction in the wake of slavery and oppression and minister at Lakeview Multicultural United, a multi-ethnic they called on the people to follow them and trust God. United Church in east Vancouver. I suggest that our future lies in our ability as a denomination to become exclusive in our inclusivity…no oppression allowed, no segregation allowed, no t a different place on the Exodus shunning allowed. May we be truly re‐united in our journey journey toward the Promised Land.

For some time leading up to and following SALLY BOYLE attended the second national gathering of the 1988 General Council, Affirm United Affirm, the Annual General Meeting in Vancouver in 1983. used the metaphor of the Exodus variously. A A United Church minister and chaplain, she has been a key During that time, I was introduced to the celebration of the Seder. I remember the hope and the yearning as we figure in the Saskatchewan chapter of Affirm, as well as closed the evening with the words “Next year…next year serving on the national executive, as national spokesperson, when all of God’s people shall be free”. and as co-chair. She is currently a minister at Ottewell Following the General Council’s decision in the wee Pastoral Charge in Edmonton.

November 2007 consensus 17 Remembering James “Roy” Smith

April 22, 1942 —August 8, 2007 Outside the church walls, he readily volunteered his time at the after‐Pride Parade event in Halifax for several oy Smith joined Bedford United Church in years, letting people know about Affirm United’s Bedford, Nova Scotia, upon his return to welcoming message. Halifax from Toronto in 2003. He was looking This fall Roy was looking forward to the launch of a for a local United Church that was working long‐time dream of his: a social and support group for Rtoward becoming an Affirming congregation. Roy, a shy, Christian LGBT folks to be held at the Bedford United. reserved man, became a dedicated member of Bedford’s Committee chair, Anne Hebb expressed that committee Affirming Congregation Committee and many times members will be feeling Royʹs loss for some time to come. stepped outside his comfort zone to reach out to It is hoped that a new banner woven in rainbow colours, members of the congregation who were having difficulty soon to be finished and added to a wall in the church during the process. He won the hearts of many in the sanctuary, will be dedicated to his memory. church. He became involved in the Inclusive Church Roy passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August Committee and also staffed the Affirm United 8, 2007, at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax. He information table at Maritime Conference when it met in was 65. Halifax. He became a District Caller at Bedford United. Become a member of Affirm United Membership information can be found on the Affirm United website at www.affirmunited.ca

To join, send a cheque or money order, along with your contact information, to Affirm United/S’affirmer ensemble P.O. Box 57057, Somerset Station Ottawa, ON K1R 1A1

Membership is $40 for individuals/households and $100 for institutions. If you cannot afford the full fee, a smaller donation is accepted.

Make a 25th anniversary donation to Affirm United We welcome your gifts. Affirm United is a small , non‐profit organization. We depend on our members and the network of Affirming ministries to support our work. Affirm United thanks the many generous donors and supporters who sent anniversary greetings and donations on the occasion of Affirm United’s 25th anniversary. If you would like to make a special donation this year and have your name, ad, or business card appear in a future issue of Consensus, send your donations and greetings to the above address. Send electronic greetings to [email protected]. The suggested donation is $25 for business‐card size or $50 for a quarter‐page ad.

18 consensus November 2007 Augustine United Church First United Church Rosedale-Queen Mary United Church Sydenham Street United Church 444 River Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0C7 PO Box 940, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4P1 6870 Terrebonne Ave., 82 Sydenham St., Kingston, ON K7L 3H4 (204) 284-2250 (250) 832-3860 Montreal, QC H4B 1C5 (613) 542-9616 (514) 484-9969 Bathurst United Church Five Oaks United Church 427 Bloor St. W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X7 Education & Retreat Centre St. Andrew’s United Church RR 3, Tatamagouche, NS B0K 1V0 (416) 921-4967 R.R. 3, Paris, ON N3L 3E3 Box 219, Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A3 (902) 657-2231 (519) 442-3212 (807) 737-3131 Bedford United Church Trinity United Church 1200 Bedford Hwy, Bedford, NS B4A 1C3 Glen Rhodes United Church St. James United Church 1805 Larch St., Vancouver, BC V6K 3N9 (902) 835-8497 1470 Gerrard St. E, Toronto, ON M4L 2A3 4506 Sherwood Dr., Regina, SK S4R 4B4 (778) 889-7324 (416) 465-3755 (306) 543-2626 Bloor Street United Church Trinity-St. Paul's United Church 300 Bloor St. W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W3 Harcourt Memorial United Church Église unie Saint-Jean 427 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON M5S 1X9 (416) 924-7439 87 Dean Ave., Guelph, ON N1G 1L3 110, Rue Ste-Catherine est, (416) 922-8435 (519) 824-4177 Montréal, QC H2X 1K7 Calling Lakes Centre (PCTC) Union Church (514) 866-0641 Box 159, Fort Qu’Appelle, SK S0G 1S0 Immanuel United Church 24 Maple Ave., (306) 332-5691 755 Golspie St., Winnipeg, MB R2K 2V4 St. John's United Church Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 2E6 (204) 669-0220 PO Box 698, Birch St., (514) 457-5819 Cambrian Presbytery Marathon, ON P0T 2E0 310 Park Ave., , ON P7B 6C8 Kamloops United Church United Theological College / (807) 229-1031 (807) 345-3916 421 St. Paul St., Kamloops, BC V2C 2J7 Le Séminaire Uni (250) 372-3020 St. John's United Church 3521 University Ave., Centre for Christian Studies 6225 Willow St., Halifax, NS B3L 1P1 Montreal, QC H3A 2A9 Woodsworth House, 60 Maryland St. Knox United Church (902) 423-8498 (514) 849-2042 Winnipeg, MB R3G 1K7 506 Fourth Street SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1S7 (204) 783-4490 (403) 269-8382 St. Paul’s United Church Wesley United Church 11526-76th Ave., Edmonton, AB T6G 0K7 6 Cambridge St., Cambridge, ON N1R 3R6 Centenary United Church Metropolitan United Church (780) 436-1555 (519) 621-6060 24 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H2 56 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON M5C 2Z3 (905) 522-6843 (416) 363-0331 Église unie Saint-Pierre Westminster United Church 78, Rue Sainte-Ursule, 650 River Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 3S6 Centenary-Queen Square United Church Mill Woods United Church Québec, QC G1R 4E8 (807) 767-2781 215 Wentworth St., 15 Grand Meadow Cres., (418) 692-3422 Saint John, NB E2L 2T4 Edmonton, AB T6L 1A3 Wild Rose United Church (506) 634-8288 (780) 463-2202 St. Thomas-Wesley United Church, 1317-1st St. NW, Calgary AB T2M 2S5 808-20th St. W, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0Y3 (403) 277-5576 Deer Park United Church & Wholeness Ctr. Parkminster United Church (306) 244-7676 77 Deer Point Rd. SE 275 Erb St. E., Waterloo, ON N2J 1N6 Westminster United Church Calgary, AB T2J 6W5 (519) 885-0935 Saskatchewan Conference 543 Beechwood Dr., Waterloo, ON N2T 2G7 (403) 278-8263 Affirming Ministry Committee (519) 746-6080 Peterborough and Area Affirm United 418A McDonald St., Regina, SK S4N 6E1 Emmanuel-Howard Park United Church c/o St. Andrew’s United Church Young United Church (306) 721-3311 214 Wright Ave., Toronto, ON M6R 1L3 441 Rubidge St., 222 Furby St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 2A7 (416) 536-1755 Peterborough, ON K9H 4E4 Southminster-Steinhauer United Church (204) 783-0128 (705) 745-2722 (o) (705) 741-4271 (h) 10740-19 Ave., Edmonton, AB T6J 6W9 First United Church (780) 435-2028 347 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E7 Rainbow Ministry (613) 232-1016 1470 Wilson Place, Unit C Sunset United Church

Winnipeg, MB R3R 3N9 177 Sunset Dr., Regina SK S4S 6Y7

(204) 954-2904 (306) 586-3613

Affirm United/S’affirmer ensemble Members at Large P.O. Box 57057, Somerset Station Elizabeth Macdonald 82 Sydeham St, Kingston, ON K7L 3H4 Ottawa, ON K1R 1A1 Phone: (613) 542-9616 Email: [email protected]

www.affirmunited.ca Rosanne Baatz

Affirm United Co-Chairs 5459 Duquette, Montreal,QC H4A 1J7 Phone: (514) 482-6046 Email: [email protected] Sally Harris

1805 Larch St, Vancouver, BC V6K 3N9 W. John Ross Phone: (778) 889-5797 Email: [email protected] 366 The East Mall, Unit #114, Etobicoke, ON M9B 6C6 Wilson MacLennan Phone: (416) 621-9671 Email: [email protected] 12119-58th St. NW, Edmonton, AB T5W 3X5 Phone: (780) 479-2584 Email: [email protected] Contact francophone Nicole Hamel

Secretary Laura Fouhse 181, Avenue du lac est, Stoneham, QC G0A 4P0 Email: [email protected] 402 McKercher Drive Saskatoon, SK S7H 3W6 Phone: (306) 933-2942 Email: [email protected] Seminarian Contact Treasurer Ken DeLisle Email: [email protected]

125 Furby St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2A4 Gender Contact Michelle Hogan Phone: (204) 772-4322 Email: [email protected] 66 Spruce St, Cambridge, ON N1R 4K3 Membership Co-ordinator John F. Keddy Phone: (519) 740-6894 Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] Affirming Ministries Program Co-chairs Brian Mitchell-Walker and Liz Carter Education Resource Co-ordinator/Webweaver Brian Mitchell-Walker c/o Brian Mitchell-Walker 418A McDonald St, Regina, SK S4N 6E1 418A McDonald St, Regina, SK S4N 6E1 Phone: (306) 721-3311 Email: [email protected] Phone: (306) 721-3311 Email (Brian): [email protected] Email (Liz): [email protected] Communications Co-ordinator Read Sherman 660 MacLaren St, Ottawa, ON K1R 5L2 Email List Co-ordinator Charles Bidwell Phone: (613) 233-0327 Email: [email protected] 11143-70 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6H 2G9

Consensus Editor Alyson Huntly Phone: (780) 436-8774 Email: [email protected] 1120 Moselle Cres, Ottawa, ON K1C 2T2 Phone: (613) 841-2354 Email: [email protected]

consensus November 2007 19 Words of Congratulations

Congratulations on Affirm's 25th Anniversary! In the beginning I am so sorry that I'm unable to be at your With a loud voice Conference. We are in Campaign mode and hope to return to a Queen's Park where a government does God said: pass our “Toby's Act” to add gender identity to the “It is good!” Human Rights Code, as well as many other of our Bills and resolutions addressing issues that the LBGT Centuries later community faces, like poverty, housing and of Denying God course, the $10.00 minimum wage. So, in short, with The people said: an agenda like that I'm working overtime.

“It is not good!” We all should be so proud to have witnessed the amazing presence Affirm has been. I first came to In 1982 the United Church because it was affirming, and only Echoing God in the United Church could we at Emmanuel Affirm said: Howard Park have presided over the first legalized same-sex wedding in North America back well “It is good!” before the law changed. Affirm is the reason we are affirming! Thank you for 25 years of blessings Finally, have a joyous conference. Queerness is about and miracles. love and celebration in the midst of bigotry and prejudice. So be loving and celebrate. God is with Ken DeLisle and John Robertson you.

Love and Blessings Cheri DiNovo MPP, Parkdale High Park, Ontario

Congratulations to Affirm United. Twenty-five years that changed us, changed our church, and changed our country. Félicitations à S'affirmer ensemble! Vingt-cinq années qui nous ont changés, notre Église, notre pays et nous.

Bill Siksay MP Burnaby-Douglas Federal NDP Spokesperson for GLBTT Issues www.billsiksay.ca [email protected] 613-996-5597

20 consensus November 2007