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
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...
Encountering the Intercultural Iceberg: the Clergy Collar!
Encountering the Intercultural Iceberg: the Clergy Collar! Speakers Rev Lee Spice, Rev Piotr (Peter) Strzelecki VDM, and resource people from the WIMN executive, followed by conversation and a short...
Reflections on Emancipation and Anti-Black Racism for Canada
We are pleased to announce to you the publishing of the book, “Reflections on Emancipation and Anti-Black Racism for Canada.” This book has been published by First United Church, Fort Saskatchewan....
Moderator’s Statement on Residential Schools Burial Sites
United Church Moderator, the Right Rev. Dr. Richard Bott has issued a statement of the United Church response re cemeteries and unmarked burials associated with residential schools. For the full...
Moderator message: Doing our own work as the non-Indigenous church
Moderator Rt Rev Richard Bott, 29 June 2021, originally posted on his Facebook page: Over the past few days, I've been hearing a number of settler communities of faith who are looking for contacts...
Challenging Colonial Legacies through the Commemoration of Emancipation
The Black Clergy Network of The United Church of Canada presents "Challenging Colonial Legacies through the Commemoration of Emancipation", a Panel Discussion on Sunday August 1, 2021, at 8:00 p.m....
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,...
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...
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia
You are invited to join Affirming Reflections for an International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia Livestream Event on May 17th from 2:00-3:30PM. This event will feature songs,...
UN Declaration learning event
Bill C-15: Step Forward or Step Back? Hearing Indigenous perspectives on the federal bill to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Tuesday, March 16, 2021:...
