11th Affirming Anniversary

Affirming Service

On Sunday December 6, 2009 West Hill United celebrated becoming an Affirming Ministry within the United Church of Canada.  One of over 50 ministries at that time that had joined Affirm United in support and in celebration of the LGBTQ+, West Hill took this step after a year of exploration and following a unanimous vote supporting the motion at our June 2009 Annual Congregational meeting.
As a progressive congregation, West Hill had been a place of non-exclusivity and welcoming of diversity for many many years. But declaring that we are an Affirming ministry was much more than receiving recognition for the openness that existed. In making a public, intentional and explicit (PIE) declaration, West Hill joined Affirm to stand alongside and in solidarity with those who have been marginalized due to their sexual orientation and gender identity or those who advocate for them.  Our declaration also in some small way seeks to mitigate the effects of religious communities who have marginalized and continue to marginalize those who have walked a path of truth.

Over the years, on the first Sunday in December, we've invited guests to share their Perspective(s) at our Affirming Services. We've welcomed George Smitherman, Kathleen Wynne, Francisco Alvarez, Kamal Al Solaylee, Irene Miller, Deb Pearce, Spencer Harrison, EJ Kwandibens, Pascal Murphy, Ken Setterington and David Mckinstry. 

Mark the date and plan to join us on our 11th Affirming Anniversary on Sunday, December 4th.