#gay 2/5

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IRIDESCE

OUR STORIES

29 years ago, The United Church of Canada did something historic when it voted not to exclude gay and lesbian people from eligibility for ministry and membership. This vote was celebrated by many and brought communities together. At the same time, this vote proved deeply divisive for some communities. Iridesce is asking people to reflect on this time and this decision throughout our history.

Collected here are reflections, stories and community art that reflects our time of personal and community remembering, acknowledging, lament and sharing around topics of LGBTQ2+ experience in The United Church of Canada, from the time of our 1988 vote, through 'the issue years', up until today. You are welcome and invited to share about your experiences too.

From a Gay Anglican

From a Gay Anglican

Dear United Church Your Spirit-Guided journey into fuller Affirmation and reconciliation with the LGBTQ+ community is one that gives me...

I wish I could rewind the spool of time

I wish I could rewind the spool of time

I wish I had known how to support young people who were struggling with rejection, depression and hopelessness because they were not free...

1988 signalled the end of the Metropolitan Community Church I loved

1988 signalled the end of the Metropolitan Community Church I loved

I was there in 1988 when a minister we had sent from the Western Canadian District of Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) reported back...

Our society and culture remain trapped

Our society and culture remain trapped

I wish I knew how to say to people of other faiths, other religions, other cultures, that we’re all equal. Equal in the eyes of God,...

Small “a” affirming?

Small “a” affirming?

I used to think that when the United Church accepted gay/lesbian ordained ministers, and our local congregation agreed to/and did perform...

I am gay. Please don’t judge me until you get to know me!

I am gay. Please don’t judge me until you get to know me!

I want to thank the United Church for being there when I was searching for a Church. I know that I am a good person, and for the Catholic...

I have learned not to discriminate or keep anyone out

I have learned not to discriminate or keep anyone out

I was there in 1988 and I remember being somewhat upset by the decision of the church to accept gay or bisexuals to be ordained. While I...

My hope is that an apology will help us to let go of anger and hurt

My hope is that an apology will help us to let go of anger and hurt

I am a lesbian and would like to share my story with the United Church. I came out when I was studying for ministry in the late 1990s. I...

Being an outsider makes me seek to include others

Being an outsider makes me seek to include others

For me, it started with AIDS in the early 1980s. Although I had been raised in the United Church, I found my spiritual awakening in a...

human beings can hurt each other so

human beings can hurt each other so

Dear g-d, I realize I may be rambling here, but… I wonder where you are when people hate people because they have sex differently or...

add your voice to the conversation.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU REFLECT

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

To contribute your perspective or experience: write, make a video, create draw, paint, collage, collect artifacts… it’s up to you.

Email your contribution to livingapology@gmail.com along with a signed consent form. Download the form: PDF or .docx

Stories can be as anonymous (or not) as you prefer, and will never be shared without your clear consent.

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