What is an affirming congregation and why are we doing it now?
At the 2013 Annual Congregational Meeting, Riverside passed a motion to form a Circle to lead the congregation in exploring the possibility of becoming an Affirming Congregation.
The members of the Affirming Exploration Circle have been asked questions such as…why don’t we just go ahead with the required formal processes? Why the delay? Or: Why don’t we just hang up an ‘all welcome’ sign. Why are we doing this now? And: If we become an Affirming Congregation, will we then be a gay congregation?
I’d like to address some of these questions.
An Affirming Congregation is often described as a congregation that is open and welcoming all, including the LGBT community, all cultures, other-abled people, and those that just look and act different from what we may be used to.
But it is more than just being welcoming. Before declaring themselves to be ‘affirming’, ministries study issues of sexual orientation and gender identity; make explicit and proactive statements of welcome, inclusion, and justice-seeking for people who have been historically marginalized and excluded within the church and in society, and commit themselves to work for justice and inclusion within their congregation, the wider church, and their community. That doesn’t make a congregation a ‘gay’ congregation, it makes it knowledgeably and intentionally inclusive.
The process is largely designed by the individual congregation and since the education element is key, the congregation has been informed of, and invited to the following: a talk by Reverend Read Sherman, a gay United Church Minister, who talked to us about the process and why it is important, a movie, shown here at the church, posted LGBT language explanations, attended a play, circulated a survey, hosted a discussion of the United Church of Canada’s decision in 1988 to ordain openly gay people, and we have now posted, on the bulletin board across from the coat racks, a listing of upcoming LGBT events for those who might want to learn or experience more, or wish to show support. Each of the events was followed by a discussion period.
So, we’re a pretty welcoming congregation. Why NOT just hang up an All Welcome sign?
Reverend Sherman explained that most LGBT’s, and he, specifically, would not read himself into an ‘all welcome’ sign. Churches that haven’t gone the distance to name who they mean, and to educate themselves, are not truly welcoming/inclusive re: gender identity and sexual orientation. An ‘all welcome’ sign doesn’t really mean much.
I hope these explanations have been helpful, and if you have any questions, please talk to any member of the circle.
Thank You, Wendy Graham
