We are an Affirming Congregation
Affirming Vision Statement
We declare our commitment to be fully inclusive in all aspects of our life and work. This includes, but is not limited to, people of all ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations and gender identities.
Thornhill United Church seeks to be a safe place in the eyes of God and of all people, and to be a growing, vibrant, inclusive, welcoming church.
Thornhill United Church (TUC) welcomes everyone and celebrates the richness that diversity brings to our congregation. We are now in the formal process of education and discernment to promote understanding and acceptance of all, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. At the end of the process, a vote by a majority of the congregation would lead to officially Becoming an Affirming Church.
An Affirming Church is justice seeking and celebrates all people regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, differing abilities, ethnic background or economic circumstances. In our journey to become Affirming, particular emphasis is placed on those from the LGBTQ+ community. The church’s past history is fraught with discrimination, alienation and hurt inflicted upon this group. We continue to make a special effort to reach out and counter this with awareness and understanding in order that all may find a truly welcoming and safe sacred space.
Rev. Ruth Noble joined us Sunday, April 18, 2021 and spoke about the scripture passages that have in the past been interpreted to discriminate against members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Please click on the links below to read the script of her presentation and to see her list of books and tv shows that further the conversation.
FAQ's
Q. What do LGBTQ+ letters mean?
A .
- L – Lesbian
- G – Gay
- B – Bi-sexual
- T – Trans-gender
- Q – Queer
- + - a number of other orientations
For more information, please see the Affirm United website www.ause.ca
