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.
Northern Spirit is now Affirming
In June 2019, Northern Spirit Regional Council voted to begin the Affirming process. In June 2024, after being guided by a task group through the process and after a positive vote of the full Regional Council in May 2023, the Regional Council completed the Affirming process with a public celebration. In this journey, we are guided by our Vision Statement, our Action Plan, and by our community partnerships, United Church global partners, and responses to emerging needs and opportunities in NWT, Northeast BC, and northern Alberta.
A committee will guide the continuing work of living into our commitments. Members: Mary Annan; AJ Janewski, Wilson MacLennan; Louise Rogers; Gary Simpson; Mickey Wilson; Rachel Young. 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
Affirming news
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...
