Intercultural Ministry

Patch work quit drawing in yellow, red, blue, with Western Intercultural Ministry Network in a black oval/ fish in the middle. Becoming an Intercultural Church in Western Canada/ Turtle Island

The Western Intercultural Network: Who are we? We are people and communities in the United Church of Canada committed to a fully inclusive and intercultural church, from northwestern Ontario to the Pacific, and north to Yellowknife. Anyone of any identity is welcome!

We  hold gatherings and online conversations that focus on the communities named below. We work in our own Regional Councils across Western Canada, and we gather as the Western Intercultural Network in person every fall. An executive from the five Western Regional Councils of the United Church offers us leadership. Please see our 2020 Mandate and Terms of Reference here.

Our vision of becoming an intercultural United Church encompasses:
Racialized people and communities, which includes ethnic churches within the United Church, racialized lay leaders and ministry personnel, and more.
Indigenous people and communities, within the United Church and beyond, of all traditions.
People with disabilities.
LGBTQIA+ and Two spirit people and communities.

We honour these identities, and the spaces where they intersect. Our ministry includes courageous (and awkward!) conversations about our diversity, and about the social privilege and history that hinder right relationships. We believe the Good News of Jesus Christ calls us into such conversations and relationship.

Interested in knowing more?

Sign up for our email list here (all information is confidential and will not be shared with anyone else. You can leave the list at any time.)

More resources

Overview of the United Church’s intercultural vision
Intercultural worship resources
Round the Table: personal intercultural reflections
Racial justice training program of the United Church (open to all); further details about the online format are here.
Deepening Understanding for Intercultural Ministry program, Canadian Council of Churches
Disabilities and inclusion
Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble, the LGBTQIA2S+ and ally movement within the church

Intercultural news

Gratitude for our Sacred Obligations day

Gratitude for our Sacred Obligations day

February 27 gathering on unmarked burials: gratitude for all who participated Many thanks to the 70 plus people from across Alberta and beyond who attended Our Sacred Obligations gathering on...

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Call to action: Alberta Bills 26, 27, and 29

Call to action: Alberta Bills 26, 27, and 29

Expressing your concerns about Alberta’s Bills 26, 27, and 29 and their impacts on transgender children, youth, and loved ones.  PDF version of this resource First, here’s how to set up your letter...

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Details on Remit vote results

Details on Remit vote results

(Please also see Regional chair Rev Helen Reed's letter.) Remit 1: Establishing an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization has passed. All 16 Regional Councils, the National Indigenous Council,...

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United Church News

Since 2013, Orange Shirt Day (September 30) honours Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families, homes, and communities. Many United Church individuals and Communities of Faith… continue reading Read More

The United Church of Canada welcomes the news of the recent arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with highly documented crimes… continue reading Read More

During Earth Week, April 20‒27, let’s show up For the Love of Creation. Read More

KAIROS Canada and its members issue joint statement in response to spiraling violence in Middle East. Read More

In her National Affirming/PIE Day message, Moderator Carmen Lansdowne highlights the incredible affirming work happening across the United Church. Read More