H.U.F. is newly designated as a Welcoming Congregation
The Canadian Unitarian Council, at its recent Annual Conference in Thunder Bay, Ontario presented the Huronia Unitarian fellowship with a plaque in recognition of its commitment to being a Welcoming Congregation.
Kalvin Drake, President of the CUC, presents the Welcoming Congregation plaque.
This designation is given to Unitarian and Universalist congregations in Canada that have completed a formal welcoming program and have passed a congregational vote to affirm that they welcome and celebrate the membership and active participation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) persons in their communities.
“This was a very enriching process”, said Sylvia
Andrews, president of the Fellowship. “Our members
feel that they have learned a lot and have become more understanding
of the issues encountered by GLBT persons. It is the
responsibility of all of us to be intentional and compassionate
in fostering diversity within our congregations.”
Canada’s Unitarians have long supported the GLBT community. In
1974, Rev. Norm Naylor, Unitarian minister in Winnipeg, officiated
at the first same-sex marriage performed in Canada. Today,
98% of Canadian Unitarians are members of congregations that
are certified or in process of being certified as Welcoming
Congregations.