Celebrating 3 years as an Affirming Congregation

On March 16, 2025, St. Matthew's United Church celebrated its third year as an Affirming Congregation with PIE Day (Public, Intentional and Explicit) and sharing of pies. Pic by Harold Durnford.

1. In case you missed our pronoun workshop, the slides can be found here. Slide 32 contains the links to two suggested resources: Egale's Terms and Concepts Guide, and Pronoun Guide.

Above is also an introductory video that explores some of the ideas and concepts that we discussed.

2. Presented by the Transforming Hearts Collective in partnership with Enfleshed and Soulforce, this trans-led webinar, Defend Trans Lives: A Webinar for People of Faith, offered twice, will equip Christians and other people of faith—leaders and lay—to understand what’s going on, become more familiar with the experiences and realities of trans people, and learn how you can advocate for trans rights and ensure that your church is a welcoming and safe space for trans people and our families in this moment.

Held twice on Zoom (pick which session you would like to attend) on:

Tuesday March 25, 3:30-5pm
Tuesday April 8, 8:30-10pm

Learn more and register online at https://www.transformingheartscollective.org/people-of-faith-defend-trans-lives

Officially an Affirming Congregation

On March 14, 2021, St. Matthew's fully embraced becoming an affirming congregation by adopting this motion. St. Matthew's United Church proclaims an inclusive welcome to all people in the full spectrum of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ethnic identity, age, ability, education, citizenship status, and social class. We are committed to working towards becoming a safe(r) community for all, and we celebrate the gifts of diversity. All are invited to fully participate in the worship and work of our community. On Nov. 14, an Affirming ceremony celebrated this commitment to including everyone in worship.

Affirm United works for the inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in The United Church of Canada and in society. See their Facebook page. Or to join a safe space for reflections, social justice and 2SLGBTQ+ awareness, join the Affirm United Private Facebook Group.

St. Matt's has been a welcoming congregation for many years, and has been blessed with many LGBTQ ministers throughout our time. We now have made our affirming commitment Public, Intentional, and Explicit. But our affirming journey continues, with Bible study, celebration and events to come. Here are some helpful resources. Please email us to participate in further workshops and discussions, or with any questions.

"A vital part of following Jesus’ Way is to recognize

that every person is a beloved child of God, and

is deserving of respect and inclusion"

-- United Church moderator Richard Bott