We are delighted to share with you that a team has joined together and begun the Affirming Process with support from Affirm United for James Bay United Church. All with the blessing of our Church Board.

Affirm United is a proud partner of The United Church of Canada for the support of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

What’s the difference between being “Welcoming” and “Affirming”? Most congregations do their best to be welcoming, but being affirming goes deeper and is public, intentional, and explicit, in their commitment to diversity and inclusion. An Affirming Ministry uses symbols and signs which are echoed outside and inside the church building, in worship, and in all other facets of church life. The broader community should also know what it stands for; a witness to the wider community that God’s love extends to everyone equally and without reserve. This is still a radical message!
Affirm United

You are invited to join us as we explore ways to become more inclusive; to discover how we can learn more about each other. We plan to listen to stories, speakers, films and each other as we unpack how to draw our circle wider, build a more encompassing community and do our best – all of us – to practice radical acceptance.

These plans will take some time, some effort, an openness, and a willingness to learn about each other and others.

While the Affirming process is rooted in work toward 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, the team will also be embracing work toward all people. People of every age, race, colour, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, ability, mental or physical health, family configuration, social or economic circumstance, political background, religious or non-religious belief and educational background. Our dream, our hope, our work is to have everyone seen and accepted for who they are. And to be designated as an Affirming Congregation.

We look forward to bringing opportunities to you that we hope you will participate in as we begin this process. Our first ‘event’ will be a table-talk time after service in October. Date to be determined.

Our team:
Colleen Adair
Anne Manikel
Diane Monteith
Gwenna Moss
Milt Papageorge
Rev. Greg Powell
Jennifer Turner

Ministries And Programs
Social & Climate Justice Ministry