We invite all people of faith to celebrate the lives and ministry of LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people across the church and beyond.
The United Church affirms that gender and sexuality are gifts of God. This June, we invite all people of faith to celebrate the lives and ministry of LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people across the church and beyond. Pride Month, which is marked in June in many communities across Canada, is a time to publicly celebrate the rainbow people of God, intentionally affirm people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and make explicit our acceptance and kindness for all.
There is no question that Pride celebrations across Canada may continue to look quite different in 2022 due to COVID-19 and possible restrictions on gatherings. In many communities, Pride parades and festivals are among the most visible ways in which Pride is celebrated—events that may have been cancelled, postponed, or will be celebrated virtually. In many United Church communities of faith, in-person worship services have not yet resumed.
During this time of restricted public gatherings and the renewed calls for racial justice and decolonization, it’s all the more crucial for people of faith to publicly celebrate people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in all their diversity—age, race, ability, socioeconomic status, marital status, ethnic origin, language, and any other way in which they identify. In this way, we show all LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people that they are loved and affirmed as children of God.
Ways People of Faith Can Mark Pride in 2022
- Plan a virtual worship service or special celebration related to Pride, or pray this Pride Prayer.
- Connect with Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble, an organization that works for the full inclusion of people of all gender identities and sexual orientations in the United Church and beyond.
- Find a United Church Affirming Ministry near you. Communities of faith could also consider becoming an Affirming Ministry.
- Reflect on these stories and videos related to United Church ministries.
- Explore resources related to Gender, Sexuality, and Orientation more deeply.
- Find out how to sponsor an LGBTQIA+ refugee.