Friday, May 28, 2021

Let's Chat - May 27 - The Present

For those who were unable to participate in the "Let's Chat" discussion on May 27, focused on "The Present", here is a summary of the topics we discussed. I hope you will think about how you might have responded to these topics.

We started by looking at the world outside of Canada. In many countries in the world, same-sex relationships are still illegal and in some countries, the offense carries a death penalty. Canada was the first country in the world to recognize danger due to sexual orientation as grounds for a refugee claim. 

We next discussed "conversion therapy" which is the practice of trying to change an individual's sexual orientation using psychological, physical or spiritual interventions. Many of the practitioners of this "therapy' are ministers, or claim to be called by God. Parents often coerce their children into this "therapy" by telling them that they are not welcome in the family unless they change who they are. conversion therapy has lead to mental illness, homelessness, addiction and suicide in young people. In Canada, a bill banning this is currently in third reading.

We moved on to a discussion of Charter Rights in Canada. While the Charter promises equality regardless of sexual orientation, it also guarantees religious freedom, and these two guarantees are often at odds. Some examples are seen within religious based schools. Churches may discriminate based on sexual orientation.

We spent some time talking about young people and the kinds of initiatives are occurring within schools. We also touched on the internet and how social networking can be a good place for marginalized groups to get together, as well as a place where harm and abuse can occur.

Finally, we recognized that there is still work to be done for seniors. Same-sex couples in committed long term relationships are often forced to hide their orientation when one of the couple must move to long term care. The relationship is often not recognized or accommodated by the facility.  

We again finished with a discussion of how the vote to become an affirming ministry will be organized on June 13. We were all asked to tell 5 people about what is happening, and invite them to participate.

Our final "Let's Chat" session will be held on June 3 @7PM . At that time, we will talk about "The Future" and where becoming an affirming ministry could take us as a congregation. Please join us.

Friday, May 21, 2021

Let's Chat - May 20 - The Past

 For those who were unable to attend the May 20th "Let's Chat", this is a summary of the topics we discussed, with a focus on "the past".  I hope you consider these topics and think about what your own answers would be.

We started out discussing what we may have been taught or knew about  LGBTQ2+ when we were growing up. Was it sinful? Was it a mental illness? Were you taught one thing in Church and another at home?

Next we moved to the discussions and the eventual 1988 United Church General Council declaration that "all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, who profess their faith in Jesus Christ are welcome to be or become members of The United Church of Canada" and that "all members of the United Church are eligible to be considered for ordered ministry." 

Those who were attending KUC at this time, talked about the discussions at that time within our congregation, and how that made them feel.

We continued to the discussions and vote on same-sex marriage in about 2006. Again those who attended those discussions talked about their feelings.

We reflected on the divisions these two decisions caused within our congregation. We talked about what might happen after the Affirm vote.

As we wrapped up, we were asked to think about how we would never be asked to explicitly vote to include Blacks, Indigenous, or women, and why LGBTQ2+ might be different.

We finished with an outline of the parameters of the vote on June 13 when we will finally vote on becoming an Affirming Ministry.

We hope you can join us for our next"Let's Chat" session, May 27 at 7PM, when we will explore "the present".

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Pensions and Same Sex Spouses - CN

 On Monday, CBC reported a story about a man who had been denied a survivor's pension from CN because when his same sex partner had retired from CN in 1991, the pension plan did not recognize same sex relationships.

You can read the story here:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/ken-haire-cn-rail-harbour-grace-same-sex-marriage-1.6008873

 

Today, CN revised their position.

Read about it here:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/cn-updates-pension-same-sex-partners-1.6014784 

 

Sometimes, just shining a light on an inequity can cause change.