AFFIRM COMMITTEE UPDATE

The members of the Affirm Committee are: 

Heather Copeland, Gillian Davies, Genie Morrissey, Brenda Pelton, Ann Price, and Ingrid Thompson, with our minister David Clinker.

To date, we have had two speakers preach to our congregation about their work and challenges with regard to the LGBTQ community, there was an informal discussion before church with committee members and members of the congregation, and a bag-lunch discussion after church led by one of the founders of the West Island LGBTQ Youth Center.  We continue to be open to ideas to foster an understanding about what it means to be an Affirming church.

In case you were not able to attend the lunch discussion on January 27^th after our service, some of the following concerns were discussed:

Question:  Why do we need to do this?

Answer:  Every church posts that “All Are Welcome”.  But sometimes, people are surprised and disappointed by the welcome they get!  We need to be more specific in our welcome, letting people know that our congregation welcomes all people, including members of the LGBTQ community.  Because of the history of exclusion, many members of this community believe that they are only welcome if they hide that reality of their life.

Question:  Why have a rainbow sign outside?

Answer:  It would be a visible sign of our spirit of inclusiveness.  It needn’t be big, just present and visible.

Question:  How would our congregation change if we became Affirming?

Answer:  Very little, if at all.  Perhaps some people, who are vehemently opposed, may leave or consider leaving.  Some new people may come and join us.  The congregation would be free to decide how it makes sure its position is clearly articulated to those who come to our church, and how it is reflected in our mission and our programs.

To continue to keep this communication open and vital, two boxes will be placed in the church for Questions/Concerns/Suggestions for the Affirm Committee.  You will find one on the table in the front of the church and the other on the table at the door going to Lynn Hall from the Sanctuary.  We look forward to your input to our committee so we can continue to answer questions as best we can and bring these concerns and ideas to our congregation.  Please write your questions or concerns on the back of this sheet.  Fee