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); Cathy Kinsman; Wilson MacLennan; Louise Rogers; Monica Rosborough; Julie Graham (Regional staff). Please contact the task group through northernspirit@united-church.ca to protect members’ privacy.

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 Ministries Printable Resources

YouTube Affirming Playlist