Affirming Ministry at Harmony
Harmony United Church is an Affirming Ministry.
As a community of faith, we publicly, intentionally and explicitly share our commitment to inclusion and social justice for all people. We celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our community. All are welcome no matter your gender identity or sexual orientation, whether you are old or young, whether you are rich or poor, whatever your ethnicity, whether you’re indigenous, settler or immigrant, whatever your ability, whatever your spiritual beliefs. All are encouraged to share in all aspects of our spiritual life including membership, leadership, celebration of marriage and life passages.
For more information about the Affirming Committee at Harmony please contact our church office: 306 586-3613 | harmonyunited.office@gmail.com
ALL ARE WELCOME at Harmony United Church.
Affirm United | S'affirmer Ensemble is a Canadian Christian organization associated with the United Church of Canada that aims to include and support 2SLGBTQ+ people in the Church.
CONTINUING ACTION PLAN
At Harmony United our goals are to:
- Maintain a permanent Affirming Committee with the focus of providing ongoing support and direction.
- Hold a minimum of 2 services per year specifically devoted to issues of diversity and inclusion.
- Lead an annual Affirming celebration.
- Offer speakers and presentations on an ad hoc basis.
- Be an active participant in Pride activities; march in the Pride parade carrying a new re-designed Harmony United Affirming banner.
- Hold a public Pride worship service along with other faith communities.
- Possibly support an 2SLGBTQI+ refugee.
- Offer respite for 2SLGBTQI+ people living in dangerous parts of the world.
- Offer support for URPride and 2SLGBTI+ Resource Center.
Affirming Committee Program Report 2025
Harmony United is an Affirming Ministry and we continue our mission to promote inclusion, diversity and justice for all. As a community of faith, we publicly, intentionally and explicitly declare our commitment to these ideals. Your Affirming Committee provides support to inform, acknowledge and celebrate and to ensure that we continually grow and evolve as we seek to live more fully into God’s way of welcome, love, and justice for all creation.
This was a particularly historic year for the Affirming movement in the United Church of Canada. On August 8, 2025, General Council 45 formally apologized to the LGBTQIA+ and 2 Spirit communities for ongoing and past harm caused by the church. With this action, the church re-affirmed its commitment to radical hospitality and full inclusion of 2 Spirit and LGBTQIA+ in all aspects of church life including leadership, and governance, strengthening the church’s witness to justice and love in action. The event was live-streamed and Laura Sundberg and Lorna King organized a gathering to watch. This was followed by a time of refection and discussion.
Regina Affirming Ministries gathered at Knox Metropolitan Church in March for National Affirming/PIE day, “Sing Out Proud” a celebration of LGBTQIA+ and 2S people. It was a great evening including an inspirational speaker and wonderful music performed by a joint choir. Of course, we enjoyed PIE following the service.
Thanks to all for making such a memorable occasion.
As Part of our Affirming commitment, we again participated in Pride activities. It was great to join in the parade with friends from other Affirming faith communities. This was followed by activities in the park including our “Glitter Blessing” which is always a memorable event.
An Affirming Service on June 15, provided an opportunity to come together and celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our community. We re-affirmed our commitment to the values of inclusion, diversity, and social justice.
“We light the Rainbow Candle with its beautiful multiple colours that symbolizes our diversity; race, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, old and young, rich or poor, and varying abilities. All Are Welcome!”
As we move forward, we look forward to sharing our common commitment to the important ideals of Affirm.
Respectfully submitted
Kent Stewart
On behalf of your Affirming Committee
Sing Out Proud at Knox-Met United Church, Regina
Celebration cake at the Affirming Service at Harmony
Glitter Blessing at Wascana Park after the 2025 Regina Pride Parade