Affirming Ministry

Southminster Affirming Statement

At Southminster United Church we affirm the divinity in all God's beloved children. We continuously aim not only to include but to welcome, modelled by Jesus Christ, all individuals no matter their gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, family composition, physical and mental ability and health, race, age, or class. Following the God revealed in the Bible, we strive to be a place of unconditional acceptance, appreciation, and respect. 

Southminster's community of unique individuals would be honoured to share God's light and love in relationship with you.

Our Affirming Journey

In 2022, at the annual congregational meeting, Southminster voted to begin the process of becoming an Affirming Ministry of The United Church of Canada. This designation, given by the United Church’s national network, Affirm United, identifies communities of faith as being inclusive of all people regardless of their race, physical and mental ability and health, sexual orientation, gender identity, or economic class, and specifically safe and welcoming to Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people in a public, intentional, and explicit manner.

After a year and a half of intentional study and reflection, the congregation approved the proposal presented by the Affirming Ministry Committee. On January 21, 2024, Southminster was officially designated as an Affirming Ministry of The United Church of Canada. Our Affirming work is always ongoing, and we know we will not always be perfect. Though, with Christ’s help, we strive to live into the commitments we have made for ourselves.

You can find more information on the Affirm United website.

Information on other Affirming Ministries in southern Alberta can be found on the Affirming Connections website.

And for more information about how we interpret the Bible in queer inclusive ways, you can visit the Queer Theology website.