“Signs, Signs Everywhere a Sign” – Greetings from the Affirm Cluster of Southwestern Manitoba.

As a result of meetings held after the dissolution of Assiniboine Presbytery Justice Committee, some enthusiastic people started to discuss the possibility of forming an “Affirm Cluster”. Initial members were David Howell, Julie Hutton, Laura Crookshanks and Liz Carter-Morgan.  Known as the “Affirm Cluster of Southwestern Manitoba” we identified our goal as one to promote opportunities to come together for support and encouragement as more communities of faith explore how they might strengthen their commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Our first venture was to hold a workshop in October 2019 for churches to get together to share stories of their affirming journey and to encourage others who were just starting or curious to learn more. We considered it to be quite successful, with 21 people from 8 congregations attending from this area and as far away as Steinbach.

Our Cluster had planned a PIE Celebration event for March 2020 for all churches in the area to celebrate PIE. Unfortunately, it had to be cancelled because of the pandemic.

We have maintained an email directory of those interested in sharing information.

We are looking forward to being able to meet in person to continue the journey and we also congratulate Prairie to Pine Region on becoming an affirming region.  We will be with you to celebrate ‘Under the Same Rainbow’ on May 30th 2021.