It's Our Affirmaversary: December 4th 2022

Every year, on the first Sunday of December, West Hill United celebrates the occasion of becoming an Affirm Ministry on December 6, 2009. At the June 2008 Annual Congregational meeting, the community voted unanimously in support full humanity of Two-Spirit and LGBTQI+ communities. They did this as part of a year-long process of study and reflection to become a member of Affirm United/S’affirmer ensemble (AUSE). As of today, over 300 ministries have joined AUSE in a commitment of solidarity with Two-Spirit and LGBTQI+ and their right to their lives in safety and love. We will examine the history of AUSE from its beginning in a church basement decades ago. AUSE is not actually a part of the United Church of Canada. Rather they are partners. AUSE in its infancy decided not to become subsumed by the UCC but to remain a separate organization. They did this, at least in part, so they could hold the UCC to account. AUSE’s signature program is its Affirming ministries program, which accompanies diverse ministries through the process of becoming publicly, intentionally, and explicitly welcoming of all genders and sexual orientations. AUSE has developed processes to help communities learn what it means to be truly affirming so that the decision is made in wisdom and a real commitment is made.

Youtube Link : It's Our Affirmaversary: December 4th 2022