In 1982, Affirm, a worshipping community which recognized gay men and lesbians as members of the whole people of God within The United Church of Canada, was formed. In 1983, Friends of Affirm was founded. This became a network of people across the country which supported Affirm financially, emotionally and theologically in the struggle to increase the inclusiveness of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people in the church and in society. In 1994, a decision was made to formally create a new organization within the United Church to replace both Affirm and Friends of Affirm. This new organization is known as Affirm United. Affirm United encourages congregations to study GLBT issues, publicly declare their welcome of GLBT people and participate in ongoing education and action. Congregations within The United Church of Canada that meet the criterion of Affirm United are registered as “affirming congregations.”
The congregation of Victoria Avenue United Church began its journey towards becoming an affirming congregation in 2003. In October of that year, the Council of Victoria Avenue United Church decided that a clear policy was needed with respect to same sex marriages and the use of the sanctuary. Meetings were held to allow people to express feelings about this issue, after which Council voted in favour of a motion stating that it was “God’s will for this congregation to allow same sex marriage within the sanctuary”. A letter was sent to all members of the congregation to communicate this decision.
However, it became apparent that some members of the congregation wished to have this issue decided by a congregational vote. At a congregational meeting held on November 17, 2003, the congregation voted in favour of supporting the minister and the Council in the decision to make Victoria Avenue an open, affirming and inclusive congregation by allowing same sex marriages in the church.
At the same time, the Council had been dealing with ongoing issues of an aging church building and decided to begin a process of Discernment, a series of congregational meetings to reflect on “what we believe God’s will is for our church”. This Discernment process led to the drafting of a new Mission Statement, which was approved at a congregational meeting, January 9, 2006.
Our mission statement reads:
Victoria Avenue United Church, a diverse community, seeks to provide
a safe environment where all people, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin and economic circumstance, can explore and grow in their relationship to God through Jesus Christ.
Recognizing our diversity of faith backgrounds, abilities and interests, we seek to live our faith by:
· honouring the unique gifts of all people;
· supporting one another in friendship and compassion;
· working through current issues with faith and courage;
· being caring stewards of the earth;
· speaking for social justice;
· encouraging faith formation through the use of
contemporary language, knowledge and music;
· participating fully in the life and work of the church; and
· listening for God.
Also at this meeting, the congregation approved a motion to move towards becoming an affirming congregation within The United Church of Canada. In practice, we have been living as an affirming congregation for the past few years. This year, the Council submitted a formal application and subsequently has received approval for membership in Affirm United. This membership allows Victoria Avenue United Church to become more widely known as an affirming, inclusive congregation within this community.
On Sunday, April 13, 2008, we celebrated this milestone in our faith journey with a special “Service of Celebration.” Affirm United representative, The Rev. Ron Coughlin from Richview United Church in Etobicoke, celebrated with us and presented a certificate declaring Victoria Avenue United Church a member of Affirm United. After the service, we gathered as a community to enjoy a potluck finger food lunch.
The Worship and Sacraments Committee
