On June 7, 2009, Robertson-Wesley United Church was officially recognized as an Affirming Ministry of the United Church of Canada. The celebration, held in our Sunday morning worship service included the presentation of our Affirming Ministry certificate, with Charles Bidwell representing Affirm United and Colleen Ouellette (Affirming Ctte Chairperson) and Sylvia Dufus (Board Chairperson)receiving the certificate on behalf of the congregation. We also had participation by representatives of the three other Affirming congregations in Edmonton, Southminster-Steinhauer, St. Paul's and Mill Woods. The message, Blessings All Around, presented by Rev. Jim Allan is available in audio format.
Soul OUTing
A safe place where LGBT persons and allies can explore the sacred and connect with one another, this informal experience is part worship, part sharing circle, part bible study. Leadership is shared, and people are welcomed from all over the city.
A powerful video on bullying and suicide -- the tragedy and the hope.
Pride Week Worship: June 19
The Sunday, June 19, 10:30 am worship service welcomes guest choir
Edmonton Vocal Minority, as we recognize the International Day Against
Homophobia and celebrate the spirit of Robertson-Wesley's commitment to
opening our hearts and our church family to all people in our community.
Edmonton Vocal Minority
Pride Week 2011
Rainbow cupcakes!
2011 Edmonton Pride Parade
The Affirming Committee invites you to join with members of other Affirming congregations in the 2011 Edmonton Pride Parade on Saturday, June 11.
We will gather at 11:30 a.m. at 108 Street and 102 Avenue (note this is a change from last year). The parade will travel east on 102 Avenue to 99 Street and will conclude at Churchill Square, which will then kick off the Celebration on the Square.
Those unable to walk the whole route may travel in the car that is part of our parade entry. 'For details, please contact Colleen Ouellette through the church office. We also look forward to cheers of support from those who prefer to watch the parade!
Making it Better
The National Conference and
Annual Meeting of Affirm United takes place right here in Edmonton, 2011 August 4 to 7.
Take Action
Bill C-389 to Protect Gender Diversity
An Act to amend the Canadian
Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity and gender
expression). Thanks to all who wrote letters and contacted
MP's.
PASSAGE OF
HISTORIC TRANS RIGHTS BILL
OTTAWA
An historic Private
Member’s bill that extends human rights protections to
transsexual and transgender Canadians passed a final vote in the House
of Commons yesterday. Bill C-389, An Act to amend the Canadian Human
Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity and gender
expression) passed Third Reading by a vote of 143 to 135
“This is an important
victory for the trans community and another very significant step
towards the full human rights and equality of transsexual and
transgender people,” said the bill’s sponsor, New
Democrat Critic for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Transsexual
Issues, Bill Siksay. “It means that trans people are one step
closer to explicitly seeing themselves in our human rights
legislation.”
Bill C-389 adds gender identity
and gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination in the
Canadian Human Rights Act. It also amends the hate crimes and
sentencing provisions of the Criminal Code.
“For too long
transgender and transsexual Canadians have been subject to
discrimination, prejudice, misunderstanding and violence. They are
members of our families, our coworkers, our friends and our neighbours.
Their full acceptance and full human rights are long
overdue,” stated Siksay.
Siksay’s bill has one
final hurdle before becoming law, it must now be passed by the Senate.
“I am very pleased that members from all parties of this
House have taken a stand against transphobia and for the full equality
of trans Canadians. I’m looking forward to seeing the bill
succeed in the Senate,” concluded Siksay.
On June 7, 2009, Robertson-Wesley United Church was officially recognized as an Affirming Ministry of the United Church of Canada. The celebration, held in our Sunday morning worship service included the presentation of our Affirming Ministry certificate, 
with Charles Bidwell representing Affirm United and Colleen Ouellette (Affirming Ctte Chairperson) and Sylvia Dufus (Board Chairperson)receiving the certificate on behalf of the congregation. We also had participation by representatives of the three other Affirming congregations in Edmonton, Southminster-Steinhauer, St. Paul's and Mill Woods. The message, Blessings All Around, presented by Rev. Jim Allan is available in audio format.
A safe place where LGBT persons and allies can explore the sacred and connect with one another, this informal experience is part worship, part sharing circle, part bible study. Leadership is shared, and people are welcomed from all over the city.
The Sunday, June 19, 10:30 am worship service welcomes guest choir
