In the week of SSUC’s 26th anniversary of becoming an affirming community, there’s been so much activity in the world that requires our attention. The U.S. has enacted orders that no longer recognize trans and gender non-binary people; there have been threats (and realities) of deportations and displacements of immigrant populations; there’s been a bold and courageous reflection, call-out and challenge to the president on the morning of the inauguration; there’s been racist and homophobic protests in the Edmonton area, and more.
All of this can be quite overwhelming. Let’s remember that there are voices of reason, calm, inclusion and love that must be heard, and that we ourselves can take action to add our voices.
What follows are some links to other voices within the United Church that are speaking out, and a few calls to action. Please take some time to read these links and consider participating in some of these actions.
- The Moderator of the United Church of Canada, The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne has written a response to the events of inauguration week. Read her letter to the United Church here.
- Dr. Lansdowne has also written a response on behalf of the church to The Right Rev. Dr. Mariann Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. Read her letter here.
- In this week’s Northern Spirit Regional Affirming News, there is information about The United Church apology to Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people for historic harms and broken relationships. Also in this issue is a CALL TO ACTION to rescind Alberta transphobic bills 26, 27, and 29. Find letter writing resources and other advocacy responses.
- Last Saturday in St. Albert, a small number of individuals rallied with racist/fascist/exclusionary messages. This demonstration of public hate is unacceptable. In response, Pride Corner is organizing a response. From @PrideCorneronWhyte instagram account:
We reject any and all forms of nationalism, whether it be Christian, white, Nazi, Zionist or other. There is absolutely no space in this world for their intolerance, ignorance, and disgusting worldview. Join us on Sunday, February 2 from 1-3pm at St. Albert Centre (St. Albert Trail and St. Vital Ave. intersection) for a supportive demonstration in response to fascists who set up there last Saturday.
We encourage signs in support for our immigrant populations who are vital parts of our society and communities.
We encourage signs anti-fascist in nature and against all forms of bigotry as, no surprise here, the perpetrators are also violently anti-queer and against any non cis-het-white person.
Joy and love will always persist over hatred and division, but we are also past the point of asking nicely. We will stand up for the rights and safety of ALL, not the few, by any means necessary. Strength in numbers. Strength in community.
