FAQ

Question 1 – What is the Affirming Ministry Program?

Answer 1 – The Affirming Ministries program is a network of United Church congregations and ministries that declare themselves to be fully inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.  The program also encourages additional United Church congregations and ministries to study and discern what it means to be publicly welcoming and inclusive. The program provides support for sexual orientation and gender identity issues. The program was launched in 1992. The United Church officially endorsed the program in 2000 and there are almost 200 Affirming Ministries and ministries in the discernment process across Canada.

Question 2 – Why is the United Church putting so much emphasis on the Affirming Ministries program?

Answer 2 –The bitterness of the debate during the 1980s about same-sex rights within the United Church left many people distrustful. Still today, some congregations have taken a position against LGBTQ2 people by openly declaring that their church will never have a “gay minister”, that they condemn homosexual relationships, and/or that they will never celebrate same-sex marriages. Some LGBTQ2 people have been asked to resign as Sunday school teachers or youth leaders or have been made unwelcome in their congregations. People are not free to be themselves or share their stories or feel welcome.

Question 3 – KUC is already welcoming, why do we need to be affirming?

Answer 3 – KUC is a very warm and friendly congregation and most congregations do their best to be welcoming, but being affirming goes deeper and is public, intentional, and explicit, in our commitment to diversity and inclusion and being a safe space.  Affirming Ministries acknowledge that God’s love is wider and inclusive and demonstrates to others who may have been marginalized that KUC as a congregation is open and welcoming to LGBTQ2 communities.  This is not always easy and takes some specific efforts to hear others’ stories.  An Affirming Ministry is one that is making an intentional effort to listen and learn from people who have been silent, or silenced, stigmatized or invisible.  These people presently exist at KUC and in our community.  KUC needs to be explicit about our inclusion because so many Christians have been so explicit about their exclusion.

Question 4 – Doesn’t KUC have a same sex marriage policy, why isn’t that enough?

Answer 4 – Partially correct.  KUC has one marriage policy that includes same-sex marriage.  For many LGBTQ2 that is not enough.  Today, many Christians hold to beliefs of natural law and traditional interpretations of certain passages in the Bible which regard- homosexuality as a sin.  Continued voices of condemnation, exclusion and hatred towards LGBTQ2 by Christians or churches are witnessed daily.  Affirming Ministries acknowledge the hurt and pain that has been part of the LGBTQ2 church experience because of their identity or sexuality.      

Question 5 – What does LGBTQ2 stand for?

Answer 5 – L: Lesbian, G: Gay, B: Bisexual, T: Transgender, transsexual, Q: Queer and questioning and 2: Two-spirit

Question 6 – Given that LGBTQ2 communities have all the same rights as me, by participating in the Affirming Ministry program aren’t we promoting their agenda?

Answer 6 – There is no “agenda”.  The KUC Affirm Task Group believes that many at KUC are already affirming and want to take more action to support a more just society,. Many members believe that a safe space for all is important and demonstrates a KUC that is built on equality and inclusion of all.  Many LGBTQ2 have felt the pain and disappointment of family rejection, a sense of isolation and the sense of loss when deciding to leave their church.  Suicide, harassment, mental health and hate crime statistics are increasing and many countries outside of Canada are inhospitable.  Conversion therapy programs which punish, are inappropriate and, of course, do not work are becoming more prevalent.  In Ontario, the current provincial government is reversing progress made in areas of school curriculum, and is removing funding to LGBTQ2 charities and programs, etc. 

Question 7 – Will this make us an LGBTQ2 church and will KUC attract many new members and why is the term “safe space” used?

Answer 7 – There is no such thing as an LGBTQ2 church.  It is unknown if we will attract new members, however, research and surveys have confirmed that people who are church shopping are seeking diverse and inclusive congregations for their families. Since the start of the Affirming Journey KUC has received new arrivals who have expressed that they are looking for a church with emphasis on openness to diversity and inclusivity. If KUC decides to become an Affirming Ministry, it will signal to the community that this is a safe space open to all sexual orientations and gender identities.  A safe space would make KUC a place in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm.

Question 8 – I think KUC is already LGBTQ2 friendly and feel that there are other important areas that we should focus on instead such as accessibility, indigenous, mental health or seniors?

Answer 8 – Those are indeed areas that require attention and focus, however as part of the Affirming Ministry process, the KUC Affirm Task Group is only focused on the specific requirements which allow KUC to journey through the education and discernment Affirming Ministries process in a timely manner. The Task Force’s mandate to do this was approved by the congregation at the annual general meeting in 2018.  As we progress, the congregation will increasingly open up to diversity and that may include different areas such as disability, age, gender, race, economic class, etc.  The congregation should not lose sight of these areas, they will however not be part of our focus. 

Question 9 – If KUC votes to become an Affirming Ministry, what does it really mean and how will things change?

Answer 9 – Not much will change from what is already experienced.  Becoming an Affirming Ministry asks us to be public, intentional and explicit (PIE), for example:

Public: An Affirming Ministry uses symbols and signs which are echoed outside and inside the church building, in worship, and in all other facets of church life. The broader community should also know what it stands for; a witness to the wider community that God’s love extends to everyone equally and without reserve.

Intentional: An Affirming Ministry is deliberate in their process of study, education and dialogue with members of their faith community (both during the Affirming process and as a piece of their ongoing work), to ensure that the history of oppression and discrimination is both understood and acknowledged.  Continued growth, education, and celebration are part of its ministry.

Explicit: Affirming Ministries should explicitly indicate in their Mission and Vision statement – and everywhere else that the LGBTQ2 community is a part of and embraced in all facets of KUC.

Question 10 – What other changes will be made as part of this process?

Answer 10 – The language that is used in worship is more inclusive such as being gender neutral.  Our bathroom signage has been updated.  Committees are ensuring that their actions and resources are LGBTQ2 friendly.  Most of the changes are minimal and not noticeable to the majority, but they are huge, noticeable and positive measures for any LGBTQ2 individual.   

Question 11 – How much is all of this costing?

Answer 11 – The KUC Affirm Task Group falls under the Faith, Development and Learning Committee and has a nominal budget of approximately $500 to cover costs for guest speakers, resources and printing.  If KUC becomes an Affirming Ministry an annual membership fee of $100 to assist in advocacy and support is provided to the Affirming Ministry program.

Question 12 – How is the KUC Affirm Task Group conducting this journey, do I have to participate in all of the events?

Answer 12 – A detailed action plan has been developed that we continue to update over the course of our journey.  The plan and its updates are reported to the FD&L Committee and to Council. We have taken lessons from other congregations that have completed the Affirming Ministry program.  We are attempting to have many events and initiatives are very diverse which include sharing of information in many different formats (blog, bulletin, e-brief, handouts, newsletter, social media, verbal) as well as organizing various events and guest speakers and involving many of the KUC committees and KUC staff to help us.  The KUC Affirm Task Group is intentional about working in the open, being transparent, respectful and sensitive to all.  KUC learned valuable lessons during the same-sex marriage policy experience and the Task Group has taken lessons learned from that as well.  You are free to participate as much as you are willing and comfortable with.  Certain changes are small while others are more visible.

Question 13 – I’m not comfortable being part of a gay pride parade, is that okay?

Answer 13 – While the Ottawa gay pride parade is lots of fun and a great celebration, not everybody likes parades and that is more than okay!  Those interested, more info will be provided but plan for mid-August 2019.

Question 14 – How long will this journey take?

Answer 14 – We anticipate that the journey will take approximately two years.  The Affirming Ministry program mandates that certain elements must be completed and this takes time.  KUC is a very busy congregation and we are seeking an educational and discernment process that does not disrupt the other church activities and is balanced to allow those that require more time to question, ponder and reflect to do so in their own time and at their own pace. 

Question 15 – Who decides if we become an Affirming Ministry?

Answer 15 – Once the KUC Affirm Task Group feels the congregation has completed the educational-discernment process, we will recommend to the congregation the approval for KUC to become an Affirming Ministry through a vote.  Members, adherents and members at large who participate in person will be eligible to vote during a special congregational meeting in which a baseline of 75%+ will be required to endorse KUC as an Affirming Ministry.

Question 16 – What is required to become an Affirming Ministry?

Answer 16 – A Mission and Vision or statement of faith which demonstrates inclusion of LGBTQ2+ individuals, a continuing plan of action which includes a commitment to the Affirming Ministry program, an inclusive marriage policy and a vote for becoming an Affirming Ministry by the congregation.

Question 17 – What happens if KUC decides not to become an Affirming Ministry?

Answer 17 – Should the vote result not be favourable it would be recommended for KUC Council to further explore and understand the reasons why so that the congregation could have a better understanding of the outcome. 

Question 18 – I would really like to help in this process, but do not know all of the LGBTQ2 issues.  How can I help?

Answer 18 – The KUC Affirm Task Group is always seeking members or volunteers for specific events and no experience or knowledge is necessary!  Email or speak to any of us.   

Question 19 – I’m struggling with this journey and would like somebody to talk to?

Answer 19 – Reverend Casey or any members of the Affirm Task Group may be contacted directly.  Items that are discussed are done so in a confidential and personal manner and no question or topic should be minimized.

Question 20 – I’d really like more information, where can I get more?

Answer 20 – Many resources exist:

Affirm United - http://affirmunited.ause.ca/

KUC Affirming Journey Blog - https://affirmkuc.blogspot.com/

Affirm United Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2431226478/

Affirm United Twitter - https://twitter.com/affirmunited

Questions or Comments – KUC Affirm Task Group shared e-mail – affirm@kuc.ca 

Thank you for your interest and your participation.