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Guest Blog: We are Affirming, Now What?

When the Last Piece of Rainbow Cake has Been Eaten

When a community of faith is working with an Affirm United Volunteer Coordinator to become an affirming ministry, there is a lot of energy and excitement. The time of education and exploration of what it truly means to be public, intentional and explicit in their ministry context, culminating in a positive vote and celebration, can invoke a feeling of moving in a positive direction! Communities of faith proudly display the affirming logo on their doors, signalling to all “You are welcome and safe here.” It is a positive sign in a world of rising 2SLGBTQIA+ hate. For those on the margins, this welcome is essential.

But eventually, many communities of faith may ask “We are Affirming, now what?”. After the community of faith has been affirming for a while, it can feel that the community has lost their sparkle. Many communities of faith struggle to find new ways to be affirming. Even participating in Pride festivals can seem ordinary.

Enter: REAFFIRM

With this in mind, and in the spirit of support, the Affirm United team created REAFFIRM to help communities of faith continue in their affirming ministry. REAFFIRM makes space for questions and frustrations from those who are already affirming. Folks can brainstorm ideas to deepen membership in Affirm United and build on participation in Pride events.

REAFFIRM is lived out virtually in monthly events like “Virtual Coffee Hour” and “Virtual Worship”. Through these events, we have experienced a coming together as affirming ministries, sharing stories, joys and challenges.

One aspect that we did not anticipate is communities of faith who are contemplating beginning the affirming process or are mid-process, having an opportunity to connect with those who are already affirming. This has created a cohesive collaboration among communities of faith from coast to coast to coast.

Over the past year, we have seen an increase in communities of faith who are starting or the process of becoming affirming, and this is thanks in part to REAFFIRM. Each day we receive emails from communities of faith wanting information about becoming affirming.

An Affirming Grant

Ultimately, this project would not be possible without the support of a Foundation Seeds of Hope grant, which provides funding for resources and staffing support. Because of the Seeds of Hope grant, we can see that our work as Affirm United is twofold:

• to support communities of faith: congregations, chaplaincy, camps, and Regional Councils become affirming
• provide support in events and resources for those who are affirming to continue their journey

REAFFIRM grows in participation each month and we are happy to share that it will continue! Thank you to The United Church Foundation for supporting the REAFFIRM: A Faithful Response to Anti- 2SLGBTQIA+ Hate!

— Rev. Ruth Noble, Executive Director of Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble