The United Church of Canada's Apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ Communities

Credit: The United Church of Canada

On Friday, August 8, The United Church of Canada will offer a somber and historic apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities. We invite you to join us in person at Knox United Church in Calgary (9:00 a.m. MT) or via the livestream.

The United Church of Canada was the first denomination in Canada to affirm the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons into the life of the church. While the 1988 decision was significant, there are still many painful stories of exclusion from before 1988, and that continue into the present.

By formally apologizing, the United Church reaffirms its commitment to radical hospitality and full inclusion of 2S and LGBTQIA+ people in all aspects of church life, including leadership, worship, and governance, strengthening the church’s witness to justice and love in action.

The road has not been smooth, and the church has not always accepted 2S and LGBTQIA+ people. The living apology is one way to acknowledge the many shortcomings and the harm the church has caused, while also continuing to build toward a world of radical love and affirming people of all identities.

Read the full news story and register for the Zoom event.