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
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
Current Committee members (we welcome more!) are: Rev Sarah Giles, Charlotte Snyder and Lilac Colibaba.
Past Committee members are: Rev Shelly Manley-Tannis, Allison Sarauer, Rev Jackie Van’t Voort and 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
Resources and info: Affirming partners
Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble (AUSE)
The United Church of Canada: resources
AUSE private Facebook group
Affirming PIE Day (14 March annually)
Affirming Connections
Affirming news
Three invitations to the whole Region
Our Regional Council meeting is coming up June 13-15, and it wouldn’t be a United Church meeting if we didn’t try to do ALL THE THINGS in one go. There are two worship services and one day-long...
Living Skies You Are Loved t shirts and bunny hugs!
This year the Affirming Task Group is again offering You Are Loved t-shirts and hoodies (ok ok, bunny hugs), in support of the Living Skies Regional Council Affirming celebration. In the photo you...
Living Skies Affirming vision statement
Approved May 2023 Living Skies Regional Council recognizes the diversity of God’s creation and encourages the full participation of all people in our ministries. The complete spectrum of human...
You’re invited: Living Skies Justice Team Open House
Tuesday February 20, 10:00AM-11:30AM the new Living Skies Justice Team invites you to come and share your social and ecological justice work and interests! They're starting the work of re-engaging...
Hate mail being sent to Affirming ministries
Transphobic and homophobic hate mail from the US is again being sent to United Church Affirming ministries. The package contains messages and a USB key, and often has a Customs declaration that it...
Statement on Parental Inclusion and Consent Policies for Saskatchewan Schools
Parental Inclusion and Consent Policies for Saskatchewan Schools Statement from Living Skies Regional Council of The United Church of Canada Living Skies Regional Council, the United Church of...
Regional letter and resource on Pride vigilance and courage
A Pride season letter has been sent to all ministries in Northern Spirit, Living Skies, and Prairie to Pine Regional Councils. In light of vandalism, and angry words sent to2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming...
Background on 2SLGBTQIA+ hate movements in Canada
This article accompanies a June 2023/ Pride season letter sent to all ministries in Northern Spirit, Living Skies, and Prairie to Pine Regional Councils. In light of vandalism and angry...
*UPDATE: Invitation: draft Regional Council Affirming Vision Statement (with video link*)
PDF copy of this letter, to share. Dear siblings in Christ in Living Skies Regional Council, You’re receiving this because you’re a member of Living Skies Regional Council or connected to a partner...
Affirming updates and PIE Day 2023 invitations
Click here to read this post in newsletter format. Greetings across the Prairies and North this cold January, as the light slowly begins to return, and we continue our many Affirming journeys and...
