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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.

A response to Kai from Robin: You chose the narrow path

A response to Kai from Robin: You chose the narrow path

A response to Kai from Robin: You chose the narrow path

I read your two stories, and I am sorry, most of all, that I can’t say this to you in person: To me, you seem like an honest person,...

A prayer for Iridesce and the United Church

A prayer for Iridesce and the United Church

A prayer for Iridesce and the United Church

I am bi — my faith has been strengthened by being in a same sex relationship. I have had to learn to honour love, be outside the norm,...

I used to think… but now… by Rahul

I used to think… but now… by Rahul

I used to think… but now… by Rahul

I *used to think* that LGBT people have no place at church because of the general message that we got from the Catholic Church that we...

Erika Offers a Compassionate Presence

Erika Offers a Compassionate Presence

Erika Offers a Compassionate Presence

I’d like to tell gay, lesbian or trans Christian people that I am offering my compassionate presence. Dear Anne, I read your story and I...

"Keep looking up": A response to Chris, from Diane

"Keep looking up": A response to Chris, from Diane

"Keep looking up": A response to Chris, from Diane

Chris your story made me think about how different the church has become. Accepting people for who they really are. Not just judging them...

Trans Christians, we are praying for you

Trans Christians, we are praying for you

Trans Christians, we are praying for you

I’d like to tell gay, lesbian and trans Christian people that you are not alone. I pray that God our Lord is here and knows all of your...

A response to Anne Squire, from David

A response to Anne Squire, from David

A response to Anne Squire, from David

Anne Squire, I read your story and I want to tell you how sad I am that anyone who would call themselves Christian or a believer would...

A message from Noreen Ueberer

A message from Noreen Ueberer

A message from Noreen Ueberer

Dear United Church, The things I want you to apologize for are not having insightful conversations with 1) the people who fill the...

From Robin

From Robin

From Robin

I am a celibate lesbian woman who has enjoyed ordained ministry in many settings — in rural and urban settings — in two Affirming...

We are not alone, from Heather

We are not alone, from Heather

We are not alone, from Heather

My hope is that everyone who enters a United Church finds a HOME that is welcoming, loving and supportive. While providing stability and...

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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