United Church regional council sings inclusive songs on rainbow steps of local church

BRIGHTON, ON, Nov. 14, 2024 /CNW/ - The East Central Ontario Regional Council of The United Church of Canada is putting its words into action by extending an invitation to the community to join them in singing songs of inclusion on Saturday.

As an Affirming regional council, they have committed to creating safe spaces for the 2SLGTBQIA+ community. On Saturday, regional council members will sing from the front steps of Trinity-St. Andrew's United Church, Brighton, an Affirming congregation that painted its welcome on the front steps and actively supports the Rainbow Youth Centre in town with funding and volunteers. Targeted by vandalism last autumn, the steps are a symbol of the congregation's commitment to love, care and safety.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 16, 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Trinity-St. Andrew's United Church, Brighton, 56 Prince Edward St., Brighton

WHAT: Photo opportunity and inclusive hymn sing (including in American Sign Language)

WHO:  East Central Ontario Regional Council of The United Church of Canada

The regional council is holding its fall business meeting in Brighton this weekend, and welcomes the community to join them in singing songs on the front steps of the church.

"They say that singing is the equivalent of praying twice," says Stephen Coles, Speaker of the Council of Elders, who leads the regional council. "So, we gather our voices in song to denounce hatred and exclusion. We sing our prayer of making the world a stronger, more inclusive place."

BACKGROUND

East Central Ontario Regional Council of The United Church of Canada (ECORC) is 1 of 16 regional councils of the United Church of Canada. A regional council is a decision-making body responsible to serve and support communities of faith within its bounds and provides necessary oversight.

Affirm United/S'affirmer Ensemble (AU/SE) is a justice-oriented organization of people in The United Church of Canada. AU/SE works for the full inclusion of people of all gender identities and sexual orientations in The United Church of Canada and Canadian society.

SOURCE United Church of Canada

MEDIA CONTACTS: Lori Cooper, chair of council, Trinity-St. Andrew's United Church, 613-475-1311