Embracing gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered persons at Cedar Park United Church

Cedar Park United Church in Pointe Claire is making it clear that it is open to having gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered persons worship with them.

Cedar Park has declared itself an Affirming Ministry within the United Church of Canada, meaning they are fully inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. “By recognizing and embracing our diversity, we are committed to building an inclusive faith community for all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, ability, language, or economic background,” said Rev. Sharon Moon. “This decision, which has been reached through careful and thoughtful study and discernment over the past year, represents an important expansion of our vision for our ministry. The rainbow symbol on our outdoor sign indicates a welcoming church home for those who may feel shy to step forward as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered persons, as well as their friends and family.”

Before declaring themselves to be Affirming, local congregations study issues of sexual orientation and identity; develop a statement of welcome; and commit themselves to work for justice and inclusion within their congregation, the wider church, and their community. The United Church officially endorsed this program in 2000 and encourages its ministries to participate. Cedar Park United Church joins several other ministries on the Island of Montreal that are Affirming Ministries — Union Church in Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Rosedale-Queen Mary United Church, Église unie Saint-Jean, and the United Theological College downtown. “We will hold a special worship service on Nov. 30, the First Sunday in Advent, to celebrate our declaration as an Affirming Ministry,” Rev. Moon added. “Under the overall theme of ‘Birthing the Promise’, we are preparing our journey into Affirming Ministry, with all of the possibilities for inspiration and growth in the future." James Loney, the first recipient of Craig Chaplin Memorial Award from United Theological College and who was held hostage for four months in Iraq for his work with Christian Peacemaking Team, will be our guest preacher.” Six new banners are being created for this and future celebrations, incorporating fabrics donated to represent ownership of our diversity within the congregation — some old, some new, some bright, some dark, some sparkling, some delicate, some sturdy, some plain.

The public is invited to share Cedar Park United Church’s celebration on the First Sunday in Advent, Nov.30 at 10 a.m., 204 Lakeview Avenue, Pointe-Claire. All are welcome.