Sexual Orientation

Daring to Be United: Including Lesbians and Gays in The United Church of Canada

Alyson Huntly (Toronto: United Church Publishing House, 1998)

Stories of hope, change, healing and transformation in the decade from 1988 to 1998.

Moving Toward Full Inclusion: Sexual Orientation in The United Church of Canada

(Toronto: The United Church of Canada, forthcoming)

A history of the United Church’s gradual journey toward full inclusion of all people, regardless of sexual orientation.

Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth Issues in Canada: Action Resources for United Church Congregations

(Toronto: The United Church of Canada, 2003)

A booklet examining issues facing young lesbians, gays, and bisexuals that suggests concrete actions congregations can take to support these members of their community.

Of Love and Justice: Towards the Civil Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage

(Toronto: The United Church of Canada, 2003)

Developed in response to the resolutions passed by the 37th and 38th General Councils. This resource offers four workshops to help a congregation or a group within the congregation to explore civil recognition of same-sex relationships from a faith and justice perspective. It also offers a process for congregational decision making on same-sex marriage.

Passion and Freedom

(Toronto: United Church Publishing House, 2003)

A faith-based resource that addresses all stages of a committed life partnership, both heterosexual and same-sex. Offers an overview of pastoral issues, some orientation to common underlying patterns, and practical ways to encourage couples to find and live out their call from God in the world.

Together in Faith: Inclusive Resources about Sexual Diversity for Study, Dialogue, Celebration, and Action

(Toronto: The United Church of Canada, 1995)

Designed to assist congregations who wish to examine what it means to become more inclusive of gays and lesbians, including the possibility of developing and providing services for same-sex couples.

More on the United Church Website

• The Marriage section includes material related to same-sex marriage, including news items, policy statements, chronologies, FAQ, services, resources, and more. Of especial interest is Affirming Congregations and Ministries that have made a commitment to welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people.
• A useful background document on how scripture is read and understood in the United Church is The Authority and Interpretation of Scripture (1992) [PDF: 49 pp/xx KB]

Affirm United

Affirm United/S'affirmer Ensemble*

Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble is an organization of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities within The United Church of Canada. Affirm works to provide the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in the church and in society.