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
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,...
AB’s proposed transgender legislation- new Regional action resource
Alberta’s proposed transgender legislation and new Regional Council action resource The Northern Spirit Regional Council Executive believes that taking action against Alberta’s proposed legislation...
Hate mail being sent to Affirming ministries
Transphobic and homophobic hate mail from the US is again being sent to United Church Affirming ministries. The package contains messages and a USB key, and often has a Customs declaration that it...
What Elder Charles Wood taught me: a memorial
By Rev. Cecile Fausak Elder Charles began his journey to the spirit world on December 17, 2023. We miss him, and will strive to carry forward his teachings. He was always saying that we have to...
Daring Justice: Western Intercultural Ministries Network Conference 2023
Western Intercultural Ministries Network Conference 2023, 19-21 October, St Albert AB, Treaty Six, at Star of the North Retreat Centre. Click here for registration. Registration is $150...
Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023
Honouring Orange Shirt Day/ National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Saturday September 30, 2023 “When you wear an orange shirt it’s like a little bit of justice for us Survivors in our lifetime,...
Western Intercultural Ministries Network Conference 2023
Hold the date! Western Intercultural Ministries Network Conference 2023, 19-21 October, St Albert AB, Treaty Six, at Star of the North retreat centre. All welcome to our first in-person gathering...
Canada Day 2023: 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act
This reflection is written by Chris Mah Poy, First-Third Ministry Coordinator and Networks and Justice Support at Chinook Winds Regional Council and a successful mixed-race Canadian. Here his story...
Regional letter and resource on Pride vigilance and courage
A Pride season letter has been sent to all ministries in Northern Spirit, Living Skies, and Prairie to Pine Regional Councils. In light of vandalism, and angry words sent to2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming...
Background on 2SLGBTQIA+ hate movements in Canada
This article accompanies a June 2023/ Pride season letter sent to all ministries in Northern Spirit, Living Skies, and Prairie to Pine Regional Councils. In light of vandalism and angry...