Affirming

On Sunday, Leaside celebrated two years as an affirming congregation. We had the opportunity to think about the question “What does it mean for you to be a part of an affirming congregation?”Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble  is the organization within the church that recognizes affirming ministries. In order to be recognized as an affirming ministry, it is necessary to take part in an intentional learning and discussion process, to create affirming policies, and to publically celebrate being affirming. As Leaside United Church, we recognize that being affirming  is not a one time decision, but an ongoing process. Since becoming an affirming congregation, we have invited guest speakers, had a movie night, and ran a Question Box to continue our ongoing education. We also have rainbow flags visible on our outdoor sign, our website and social media, our bulletin, and in our sanctuary.

As of the end of 2017, there were 199 affirming ministries, with another 120 ministries in the affirming process. There are currently approximately 3000 ministries in the United Church of Canada. The number of new affirming ministries has been increasing year by year. In 2007, there were 39 affirming ministries total (31 of them congregations). 2016 – the year that Leaside United Church became an affirming ministry – saw 26 new ministries. 2017 had 35 new affirming ministries. According to the listof affirming ministries on the Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble website, Leaside is one of 19 affirming congregations in Toronto.

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Emily’s Weekday Wonderings – An Affirming CongregationRead More »