One of the questions before the Congregation during the 2006 Joint
Needs Assessment was whether we were willing to explore becoming a
formally designated “Affirming Congregation” of the United Church. The
response was strongly "Yes!". At our Congregational Meeting last year we
reaffirmed this direction. Anne Parks, Harry Brown and Kathryn Moase
were asked to take the lead in engaging us in the discernment process.
What is a designated "Affirming Congregation"?
An “Affirming Congregation" is one that has intentionally reflected upon
what it means to be inclusive and that has evaluated its openness to the
ongoing work of being intentional about how it welcomes and includes
others within the life and work of the church. All barriers to those
wishing to be a part of the congregation are explored, particularly,
though not only, those around issues of sexual orientation and gender
identity.
A Sunday service was held on May 4th to explore our history of
inclusion and to offer ways of furthering that process. Click
[here] to see Alan's sermon from
that service.
For more information, check out the links below or contact
affirming@st-marks.ca :
January 2008 MEMO of
St. Mark's
February 2008 MEMO of St.
Mark's
Report from
January 2008 Session
Flyer for March
2008 Session
Final Affirming Report,
Presented to the Board on May 7, 2008
