At such a time as this, we are striving to be Anti-Racist
Knowing that we are all One in the Body of Christ, we are committed to becoming an Anti-Racist organization and supporting diversity movements across Canada. This year, we supported anti-racist gatherings, helped universities change course offerings, and provided scholarships to international students.
Awarded through 51 Seeds of Hope grants
Awarded through 13 other grant programs
Introducing newcomers to a diverse church
The Montreal Diocesan Theological College, ‘Dio’ (Montréal, QC) was able to hold a 5-day gathering to provide a supportive and engaging introduction to The United Church of Canada ethos, theology, and values, as well as orient United Church newcomers to the church’s key commitments and work in justice, interculturalism, and reconciliation.
“There was excitement about the church’s strategies to strengthen existing faith communities and to grow new communities of faith! This is a ministry for which many of the group feel a strong passion and call and they rightly recognize that they are a core group who are already engaged in this work,” says Alyson Huntly, Director of United Church Studies at Montreal Dio.
The program invited folks from diverse contexts, cultures, and national origins who are serving in ministry in the United Church as Admission Ministers, Ministers in Diaspora Congregations, and as United Church students in the Candidacy Pathway to participate in the gathering. The program was made possible thanks to a Seeds of Hope grant.
“There are some things we can do [by Zoom] but having the personal connection with our bodies not just our heads, is necessary to really know one another and build networks of support for our ministry in remote places. Otherwise, we are isolated,” shared one participant.
We want to congratulate Montreal Dio for an incredible event of fellowship and diversity. Your work reflects the love and vibrancy of our church!
Photo: Montreal Diocesan Theological College
Examining Anti-Racism in Curriculum
In June, faculty from five United Church theological schools came together at Emmanuel College in Toronto. The group gathered to critically reflect on how anti-racism work is being enacted in their varied theological schools and how to embed anti-racism in the schools’ curricula. The Foundation was pleased to support this important event through a grant from our Convening Fund.
The group also discussed ways to create stronger spaces for collaboration, and how to continue the journey towards strengthening personal and institutional anti-racism work. The conversations were rich and deep and they are excited about the pathway they are creating!
The gathering was co-planned by General Council Office staff Adele Halliday (Anti-Racism and Equity Lead) and Jennifer Janzen-Ball (Executive Minister for Theological Leadership). General Secretary, Michael Blair, also joined the gathering for part of the time.
Photo: PJ Boyd, The United Church of Canada
Supporting International Scholarship
Korea has a long history and deep roots in the United Church. At Emmanuel College (Toronto, ON) alone, over 100 Korean graduates have made important contributions to theology, ministry, social activism around democratization, peace, gender justice and unification issues since it opened in 1928. In October, Emmanuel College held an event to both fundraise for and to celebrate the creation of a new scholarship for international students from Korea and those of Korean descent, bringing together current Emmanuel students, alumnae, and supporters and champions of the College’s work. The Foundation was proud to have attended this event and provide a seed of support towards the creation of the scholarship.
The scholarship will provide support to students as they complete a PhD at the school, easing some of the financial burden that comes with the high cost of international tuition fees.
Sungmin Park also shared thoughts on the struggle of international students: “Studying is survival” and “scholarships aren’t additional, they are necessary”. Thank you to Emmanuel College for a great evening bringing awareness to and funding for this important initiative.
Emmanuel College hopes to grow their scholarship endowment fund to $100,000 in the coming years, to better support international scholars. Congratulations to Emmanuel College as they seek to increase opportunities for students to grow in scholarship!
Photos: Sarah Charters / United Church of Canada Foundation
Vibrant and Multifaceted God,
At such a time as this,
Help us to look beyond differences
And celebrate your love together.
Amen.
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The United Church of Canada Foundation provides service and support to all courts of the Church and United Church-related institutions and organizations.
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