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
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:...
You’re invited to an Affirming check in
Calling all ministries and people who are LGBTQIA+ and Two Spirit-affirming, or 2SLGBTQIA yourselves. We know COVID is making Affirming work harder, even as it also makes life harder for trans, non-...
Zambia Online Conference: Mending the World
Please join this opportunity to hear from United Church partners in Zambia. The conference will be held over two sessions, September 16 & 17, 2020, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (MDT), 8:00 a.m. to...
New Wine: Western Intercultural Gathering online this fall
Join us for part 2 of last year’s cross-Canada gathering of people committed to the United Church’s intercultural vision. Rev. Dr. Eric Law and Tony Snow will be our lead resource people. (Read on...
Moderator and Elders’ Council on the Wet’suwet’en Land Struggle
Moderator Very Rev Richard Bott and the National Indigenous Elders’ Council have joined their voices to express concern about the current situation on traditional Wet’suwet’en territory. They note...
Opportunity for Indigenous Youth: Gibimishkaadimin Project
Gibimishkaadimin, which means travelling together by boat, has begun recruiting for its 2020 canoe trip. Indigenous youth, aged 14 to 18 years, who wish to learn about Indigenous issues, enhance...
