The Affirming Ministries Program is a network of United Church congregations and ministries that declare themselves to be fully inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Before declaring themselves to be Affirming, local congregations, colleges, church courts, and other ministries study issues of sexual orientation and identity; make a statement of welcome; and commit themselves to work for justice and inclusion within their congregation, the wider church, and their community. The program was launched in 1992.  The United Church officially endorsed the program in 2000 and encouraged its ministries to participate.

To open our new 95 page resource Open Hearts:  Resources for Affirming Ministries in The United Church of Canada   click here.  (Note in its electronic format you can navigate through the table of contents and preset bookmarks)

This page includes two excerpts from our Affirming Ministries Kit:

• The Table of Contents (to see the many pieces within our resource)
• The requirements to declare your ministry an Affirming Ministry (the most frequently asked question) - this is also available in an adobe pdf file by clicking here.

Please check out the web sites for various Affirming Ministries from the links on our Affirming Ministry List page.

If looking for ideas for opening or continuing discussion -Look at information about the great resource Breaking Barriers in the Church.

This might include:

• Ongoing work of your committee to reflect on what areas of inclusion can be further worked on.
  • Cooperation between this committee and other groups to continue the education with new members.
• ongoing educational events for your Ministry, presbytery, community or other ministries,
• joint worship service with a Chapter of AFFIRM UNITED or other lgbt religious groups in your area,
• exploring issues of mission and ministry with lesbians, bisexuals, transgender individuals and gay men who live in your community,
• developing workshops for other ministries within your Presbytery and Conference
• getting involved with the local AIDS Committee or hospice
  
   

C.   A commitment to the Affirming Ministry Program nationally.

You will need to contact the Affirming Ministry coordinator/s via email.

You will need to:

• provide a contact name (preferably with e-mail) to be added to our network list.  This contact would receive information and report annually the ongoing work of your Ministry. They also may participate in ongoing discussions between Affirming Ministries.

• give an annual financial contribution to Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble .  There is an annual institutional membership fee of $100 to assist in communications, and providing resources for the national program.  We recognize that some Ministries will be able to contribute more and others less.  We ask that you notify our membership coordinator if you are unable to contribute in any given year with a short explanation of circumstances that prevents a contribution.

      There is also an expectation that a separate free will offering will be collected at the time of the service of celebration. 

You will be added to the mailing list for the Newsletter Consensus produced approximately four times per year by Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble.  You are also encouraged to send members to Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble's Annual Conference and General Meeting each summer.

D.  An Inclusive Marriage Policy (for Affirming Ministries that offer marriage services)

A Marriage Policy in which couples of all gender combinations are treated equally.  This requirement was added by the actions of the Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble Council in February 07.

Once you receive approval of your Vision Statement and Plan of Action from the Affirming Ministry Program Coordinator/s and you have become members of Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble, we expect you to hold a public service of celebration.  It is at this service that you would receive a certificate from Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble to mark this step within your process and at this point you join the growing list of Affirming Ministries throughout Canada. 

If you have any other further questions – please contact Anne Hebb