Yes, every congregation and community of faith believes that it is warm and welcoming. Really? Consider the following questions:
1.Do your nametags include a space to name preferred pronouns (she/he/they/ze/other)?
2. Does your Order of Worship include ways to participate other than ways that depend on the ability to read or to see?
3. Can a person in a wheelchair reach every part of your building, including the office, choir loft or pulpit?
4. Are the washrooms in your church building labeled with any terms other than male/female?
5. Do you begin your community gatherings or meetings by acknowledging the indigenous people who first gathered there, on whose land you are meeting?
6. Are all couples included in your congregation’s marriage policy?
7. Does your Order of Worship include ways to contribute to the life of the community other than by publicly placing a financial gift in an offering plate?
If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, then your community will benefit from your participation in this program.
We are not alone – as individuals and as communities of faith. Our members and neighbors come from every place along a diverse spectrum of age, ability, culture, economic situation, ethnicity, faith, family, gender, and so on. As we seek to share our faith and our facilities, how do we extend hospitality in ways that are respectful and build healthy relationships? How do we create spaces that are truly welcoming, inclusive and safe for all? Beginning with the first ‘hello’ and first impressions, this program will help participants and congregations examine their current practices and learn how to extend a radical welcome with grace.
Leadership: Members of the Affirming Conference Task Group, Rena Kulczycki and Rick Gunn
Program Cost: $345 (tuition, meals & accommodation)
Local Price: $265 (without overnight)
We strive to make our programs as accessible as possible.
Please contact our Registrar to inquire about a bursary or payment plan.
Please register at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your place in this program.
Rick Gunn
Rick Gunn Program Resource Group (PRG) facilitator, is a Christian educator and a musician who has worked for the past eight years in ministry with children, youth and adults. He is presently Minister of Youth and Music at Bedford United Church.