This month, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton marks 20 years as an official Welcoming Congregation – two decades celebrating and welcoming the presence and participation of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people.
“The congregation has been welcoming people of all sexual orientations and identities for much longer than 20 years,” explains the Rev. James Galasinski. “But in May 1998, after several years of concerted work to better understand all sexual orientations and societal prejudices, and ensure full inclusion, justice, and equity for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in all aspects of church life, we were recognized as an official Welcoming Congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association.”
Being recognized by the UUA as a Welcoming Congregation reflects the diverse makeup of the church’s membership and demonstrates the congregation’s commitment to being a welcoming spiritual home for any and everyone in the North Country. Historically, Unitarian Universalism has been an open and accepting faith, performing civil unions for same-sex couples for decades and ordaining openly gay and lesbian clergy into ministry for more than 30 years.
Read more about the church’s process of becoming a Welcoming Congregation.
A series of programs and services is planned to celebrate two decades being a Welcoming Congregation. All are welcome.
Sunday, May 13, 9 a.m. – At a before-service Coffee, Conversation, & More gathering, church member Ashley Clover will offer a pronoun primer, guiding an understanding of how we can use pronouns to increase our inclusivity across the gender spectrum.
Sunday, May 13, 10:30 a.m. – The Rev. James Galasinski’s sermon “Being Out UUs” will explore the journey of queer clergy and others who have called Unitarian Universalist churches their faith home.
Thursday, May 17, 7 p.m. – Awareness and ally training, a general discussion about the lives and cultures of the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer, intersexual, and Asexual/gender) community.
Friday, May 18, 7 p.m. – The final film in Out in the North Country series, “God’s Own Country,” includes potluck dinner at 6.
Tuesday, May 22, 6:30 p.m. – Panel discussion welcomes LGBTQIA members of our North Country community to share their experiences, both positive and negative, of living their whole lives in the North Country.
Saturday, June 2 –UU marching band will join LGBTQ friends, families, and allies marching in Canton’s Dairy Princess parade. Details here.
Sunday, June 3, 10:30 a.m. – The Rev. Galasinski’s sermon “Out in the North Country for 20 Years” reflects on the church’s commitment to being a Welcoming Congregation.
“Being recognized as a Welcoming Congregation sends an important signal – to members of our church, to our larger community, and to the wider world – that this is a place where gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people will find open acceptance and affirmation,” says Minister Emeritus Anne Marsh. “This is a message, not just for gay people, but for all people who endure oppression in our society, and for all who are committed to building a world of greater justice and compassion.”