Becoming Affirming
The Affirming Program
The Affirming program is a process and recognition for ministries who strive to celebrate Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people publicly, intentionally, and explicitly. Any ministry of any kind can become Affirming, and within our Regional Council there are many such ministries- with lots of room for growth. Learn more about the Affirming Program on Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble. Scroll down for the latest Affirming news in Northern Spirit.
Affirming Task Group
In June 2019, Northern Spirit Regional Council voted to begin the Affirming process. Guided by a task group, the Regional Council and its members will discern how our new structure can live into the spirit and practice of being Affirming. Members: Linda McLaren (Chair); Kathy Kinsman; Wilson MacLennan; Louise Rogers; Monica Rosborough; Shylo Rosborough (Resource person); Julie Graham (Regional staff). Please contact the task group through northernspirit@united-church.ca to protect members’ privacy.
Affirming Ministries Coordinator
Shylo Rosborough is the Affirming Ministries Coordinator based out of Robertson-Wesley United Church. His role is to help congregations and organizations become affirming while providing programming, support, resources, and mentorship to Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ and allies on their spiritual journey. Shylo has received a certificate in Biblical Studies and Christian Discipleship as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Theology. Shylo, as a transgender man, has been active in both the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Christian communities supporting and advocating for the full inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ people within the Church. With his academic knowledge and personal experience, he hopes to provide education and bring change through his role as the Affirming Ministries Coordinator.
More Resources and Information
To find Affirming ministries in Northern Spirit Regional Council:
On the AUSE site; and on the United Church of Canada ministry locator
(check under AB/ BC/ NWT communities for both.)
Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble
Affirming PIE Day (14 March annually)
Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20th annually)
The United Church of Canada: resources
Celebrating Gender Identity Toolkit, second edition, United Church of Canada
Moving Toward Full Inclusion-Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the United Church of Canada (second edition)
Affirming Ministries Resource List
Affirming news
PRIDE 2021
Join in on the Pride month celebrations! Many Pride societies are offering online or distanced events in communities large and small. Support from your community of faith makes a difference,...
Affirming Leaders Day 2021
Join from anywhere in the world for Affirming Leaders Day on May 22nd from 10:00-4:20PM. A faith-based development & connection day for allied and LGBTQ2S+ folks! Featuring Civil Rights...
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia
You are invited to join Affirming Reflections for an International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia Livestream Event on May 17th from 2:00-3:30PM. This event will feature songs,...
You’re invited to an Affirming check in
Calling all ministries and people who are LGBTQIA+ and Two Spirit-affirming, or 2SLGBTQIA yourselves. We know COVID is making Affirming work harder, even as it also makes life harder for trans, non-...
Solidarity with Rev Lee Dong-hwan, Methodist Church in Korea
The United Church of Canada has many rich and long-standing partnerships with Christian denominations in South Korea. Here in Canada, we are blessed by many Korean and Korean-Canadian ministers, lay...
Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is internationally recognized on November 20th every year. This day raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people; it is a day to publicly...
Background on Remit 1 and voting on it
Remit 1 proposes a simple but very important gender-inclusive change to the language describing who is eligible to be a minister. Please find here a short resource to help voting delegates and the...
Affirming Pride 2020 Video!
Shylo Rosborough, Affirming coordinator for Edmonton and area, writes, “Please share this video at your services (if able), on your social media, websites, Youtube channels or anywhere! Get the word...
Conversation: Breaking the Gender Binary, One Word at a Time
Join us Wednesday June 24, 5:00PM in BC, 6:00PM in AB and SK, 7:00PM in MB and NW ON. 90 minutes. All welcome! What is gender inclusive language and how does it have the power to embrace or exclude...
Video on faith journeys of transgender Christians: free access for our Regional Council
Belonging in the Body asks transgender Christians to talk about their faith journey, and they do so with deep insight, grace, and love. This video is an excellent and important resource, and three...
