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

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance

You are invited to join Affirming Ministries for the Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Service on November 20th from 2:00-3:00PM. Join us in-person at Robertson-Wesley United Church or watch...

read more
Letter re Anti-Racism Proposal

Letter re Anti-Racism Proposal

A letter from Gord Waldie, Northern Spirit Executive Chairperson and Annual Meeting Convenor November 3, 2021 (PDF format) Friends and Siblings in Christ, May the Grace and Peace of Christ be with...

read more
PRIDE 2021

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,...

read more

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...

read more

United Church News

Mobilize for a just peace in Palestine and Israel. If you’re not sure what you can do, this list can help focus your efforts. Read More

Moderator Carmen Lansdowne is joining the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage and encourages everyone who can to join the pilgrimage in Ottawa on May 22. Read More

In a preliminary court hearing, judge upholds politically motivated charges against United Church partners in El Salvador. Read More

The National Indigenous Council shares their vision statement with the whole church and offer words of thanks for all who have brought the church to this moment. Read More

Jane Thirikwa, United Church Program Coordinator, Global Advocacy 2SLGBTQIA+, joined the Rainbow Pilgrims of Faith delegation to World Council of Churches in March 2024. Read More