2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming

The Affirming program is both a process and recognition for ministries who strive to celebrate Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+  people publicly, intentionally, and explicitly. Any ministry of any kind can become Affirming! Within our Regional Council there are many such ministries, with lots of room for growth. Keep scrolling down this page for more resources, and for the latest news and Affirming opportunities.

Our key commitments

Collage of nine photos showing diverse people at the Affirming celebration.

Photos from our Regional Affirming celebration, 1 June 2024. Thank you to all the beautiful people who made this service of worship and praise a sacred time.

In May 2023, Living Skies Regional Council voted to become Affirming, after a three year process. As part of this commitment, we offer you this Affirming statement (video version). Click here for the text version of our Vision Statement, which represents our overall commitments. And click here for the Living Skies Affirming Action Plan (2024, PDF), which will guide how the Regional Council will live into being and becoming Affirming in its work, ministry, and structures.

Being Affirming builds on past commitments, when the former SK Conference and one of its presbyteries were Affirming. And it reflects the need to revisit and renew those commitments. Guided by a permanent committee, and by Affirming and supportive ministries, people, and partners throughout SK, the Regional Council and its members will discern how we live into the spirit and practice of being Affirming.

Committee members

As of June 2024, we moved from a task group which guided the process to a permanent Affirming committee.
Committee members (we welcome more!): Rev Sarah Giles, Rev Shelly Manley-Tannis, Allison Sarauer, Charlotte Snyder, Rev Jackie Van’t Voort, Owen Wright.

Past task group members: Rev Joy Cowan, Bob Hayes, Rev Shelly Manley-Tannis, Allison Sarauer, Yoonjoo Shin, Rev Tony Thompson, Rev Jackie Van’t Voort.

Have a look for Affirming ministries in Living Skies Regional Council: On the AUSE site; and on The United Church of Canada ministry locator (check under SK communities for both.) Many others are currently in the Affirming process. We welcome conversation and cooperation! Please get in touch with the committee through the Regional office, at livingskies@united-church.ca

Affirming news

Three 100th anniversary and celebrations, May 24-25

May 24-25 join Living Skies in Saskatoon and online for three celebrations: May 24, From Fear to Hope daylong anniversary celebration; evening banquet for those retiring; May 25 Celebration of Ministries and 100th Anniversary service. All welcome!
See all details under News and Events -> Regional Calendar
A tiny new tree growing out of the crook of an old, moss covered tree.

United Church News

Five ordained ministers from across Canada confirmed for next Moderator, as opening session of 45th General Council finishes on Sunday. Learning sessions scheduled for June 28. Read More

Canada must seek an urgent meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to act under the UNGA Uniting for Peace resolution. Read More

A special worship service to offer a living apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities to be held at 9 am MT on Friday, August 8 at Knox United Church, Calgary, Alberta. Service will be livestreamed. Read More

General Council 45’s theme of Visions and Dreams calls diverse voices to play a role in forging a future for the church Read More

“Ohiatonhseratokénti” becomes the new Union Bible, replacing the original from 1925, which every Moderator has signed. The new Bible was dedicated during the special Centennial worship service at… continue reading Read More