Over the past two-and-a-half years, people have been remembering and reflecting on the historic 1988 vote of membership and ministry of LGBTQ2+ people in the United Church. And how the United Church has lived out that vote toward LGBTQ2+ members, ministers and their circles over the past 30 years. Over 250 stories, perspectives, memories, reflections and prayers are ready for you to view at Iridesce Stories.
The project window is closing on November 30, 2019.
In these last few weeks of the project, we are eager to connect with:
- United Church people (past, present, friend, all ages)
including LGBTQIA+ United Church people - LGBTQIA+ people who are Black, Two-Spirit, Indigenous, People of Colour
- LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people who have (in)visible disabilities
- Anyone who was not in favour of the 1988 motion, who is willing to share their story of conflict, healing, grace, transformation, and what it means to be affirming of LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people.
- Everyone who feels called or inspired to contribute to this national dialogue.
Facilitators are available to receive your story by email. We are also ready to speak one-on-one with individuals or small groups by phone or online, to listen to your story or perspective. Facilitators can coach congregations or small groups to use the Iridesce Workshop Template or the Iridesce Theatre Play.
Do you have a friend who may be interested? Please refer them to us at livingapology@gmail.com.
You can also share your story with us directly. These reflection questions may help you reflect and write. Contributions can be shared anonymously, if requested. To contribute your story, perspective, memory, reflection, prayer—we invite you to contact us directly at livingapology@gmail.com.
Why Share Your Story?
The stories gathered will directly inform the report and recommendations submitted to the General Council Executive in 2020 and the General Council in 2021. Your contributions will shape the call to the church to engage in LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit justice, and discern if, and how, it might live into a possible apology to LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people.
Will you consider sharing your memories or perspectives? That is what the Iridesce project is all about. Remembering, lamenting and sharing together... so we can challenge ourselves—as our 1988 fore-friends did before us—to "consider what kind of church we are and are called to be." Please be in touch at livingapology@gmail.com
From, the team of Iridesce: The Living Apology Project
