Youth

They spoke about attending church youth programs, but feeling uncomfortable being the only racialized youth. Some opted out of regional and national youth gatherings, feeling the programs wouldn’t reflect diverse cultures or racial identities. Those who signed up for the racialized youth gathering knew immediately this would be a safe space for their authentic self. As a result, they felt honoured rather than isolated.

Read the full report [PDF: 18 pp/127 KB].

What does racialized mean?

The term “racialized” is a more inclusive alternative to “racial minority.” In any culture, those in the majority may be oblivious of their own race. But those who are perceived as belonging to a minority often find racial labels thrust upon them. The United Church has begun using the term “racialized” to include people who identify as racial minority, bi-racial, Aboriginal, or Métis.

Top

Why a consultation only for racialized youth?

The United Church of Canada is a diverse community that values inclusivity and is committed to racial justice. However, the voices of racial minority, bi-racial, Aboriginal, and Métis youth in the church are often underrepresented. This consultation was a space to carefully hear the unique perspectives of racialized youth in the church. The insights shared will help to shape our church as a whole.

The assumption of the consultation was not that people are the same, but rather, that people have had diverse experiences in the church as racialized individuals. This space sought to offer diverse youth an opportunity to share their reflections in a broader context and help shape the church to which they belong.

Top

How were youth selected to participate?

The consultation was designed for youth, aged 14–21, who

• self-identify as racial minority, bi-racial, Aboriginal, or Métis,
• are connected to The United Church of Canada, and
• are open to speaking about racial and cultural experiences in the church.

Young people who fit this criteria were invited into a simple application process, to help ensure good representation from across the country. Youth were asked to each write a short paragraph sharing the following:

• their name and full contact information
• how they self-identify (i.e., as racial minority, bi-racial, Aboriginal, or Métis)
• their age and gender identity
• their connection to the United Church
• why they wanted to be part of the consultation

Staff then carefully reviewed the applications received. In the end, all of the young people who applied were selected to be part of this consultation.

Top

How many other consultations like this have been held?

This was the first Consultation for Racialized Youth in The United Church of Canada. Previously, there have been camps designed for racialized youth and a few gatherings. However, there has never been a consultation to intentionally focus on implications for the rest of the church.

Those who gathered were promised an interesting, informative gathering with great opportunities for conversation. The consultation was created as a space where racialized youth could grow in faith and have fun. Youth were offered the opportunity to meet other young people in the church, make some new friends, and dialogue about issues related to racial identity and cultural communities. In particular, racialized young people who were looking to share their voice and help shape their church were encouraged to attend the consultation.

The ideas and recommendations from this consultation will be directed through appropriate channels so that they might continue to affect the development of future programs, ministries, and policies of the church as a whole.

Youth hope that gatherings such as this will be repeated, praying that their church will embrace them fully by becoming an intercultural church of truly inclusive and welcoming communities.