Remembering our 1988 vote not to exclude gay and lesbian people from membership and ministry in The United Church of Canada.
In 1988, the United Church affirmed that “sexual orientation was not a barrier to full participation in the life and ministry of the church.” These were truly historic words celebrated by people throughout the church and beyond. At that time, it was impossible to foretell where that welcome would lead us—personally, theologically, and as a community. Now, 30 years later, that welcome to LGBTQ2+ people is still a work in progress, and we look on it with wonder and ask, What has happened since 1988? Where has the affirmation taken us? Where is the affirmation, and where are we, as a church, going? (Read the full article from Mandate Magazine here.)
The stories and reflections being shared with Iridesce: The Living Apology Project are from people from across the church wanting to have brave and honest conversations about the past three decades of LGBTQ2+ experience in our communities of faith… to help the United Church discern if and how a possible apology is needed, in order to better live into good relationships with LGBTQ2+ people, their family, friends and allies.
You are invited to add your voice to this conversation, no matter your point of view…
