Intercultural

Becoming an Intercultural Church in Western Canada/ Turtle Island

For a number of years, the United Church has pursued a vision for becoming an intercultural church, meaning that we live “together with a respectful awareness of each other’s differences. We do this by examining ourselves, building relationships, and distributing power fairly.” In Western Canada/ treaty and traditional territories, this work is carried forward in part by the Western Intercultural Network.

The Western Intercultural Network: Who are we? We are people and communities in the United Church of Canada committed to a fully inclusive and intercultural church, from northwestern Ontario to the Pacific, and north to Yellowknife. Anyone of any identity is welcome! Please see our mission statement and terms of reference here.

We’re new, trying something different as the United Church continues the major restructuring begun in 2019. We occasionally hold gatherings and online conversations that focus on the communities named above. We work in our own Regional Councils across Western Canada, and we gather as the Western Intercultural Network in person every fall. An executive from the five Western Regional Councils of the United Church offers us leadership.

Our vision of becoming an intercultural United Church encompasses:

Black people and people of colour and communities, which includes ethnic churches within the United Church, lay leaders and ministry personnel who are people of colour or Black, and more.

Indigenous people and communities, within the United Church and beyond, of all traditions.

People with disabilities/ disabled people.

LGBTQIA+ and Two Spirit people and communities.

We honour these identities, and the spaces where they intersect. Our ministry includes courageous (and awkward!) conversations about our diversity, and about the social privilege and history that hinder right relationships. We believe the Good News of Jesus Christ calls us into such conversations and relationship. To get involved with the Network, please get in touch with the Prairie to Pine office, and we will put you in touch with our Regional Council’s representatives. Their contact information is not shared here in order to protect their privacy. 

Interested in knowing more?

You can sign up for occasional updates here; you can unsubscribe at any time, and we don’t share your information with anyone else.

More resources

Overview of the United Church’s intercultural vision
Intercultural worship resources
Round the Table: personal intercultural reflections

Racial justice training program of the United Church (open to all); further details about the online format are here.

Deepening Understanding for Intercultural Ministry program, Canadian Council of Churches
Disabilities and inclusion
Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble, the LGBTQIA2S+ and ally movement within the church

Intercultural news

Regional Affirming update and PIE Day 2023

Regional Affirming update and PIE Day 2023

To see this post in newsletter format, click here. Greetings across the Prairies and North this cold January, as the light slowly begins to return, and we continue our many Affirming journeys and...

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Sharing Across Cultures: Food, Fun and Faith

Sharing Across Cultures: Food, Fun and Faith

Knox United Church in Winnipeg invites youth from across the region, who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour) to explore foods, arts, sports and worship that represent...

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Introducing Korean Rainbow United Network

Introducing Korean Rainbow United Network

Korean Rainbow United is a network of The United Church of Canada for Korean queer people and allies, with involvement and leadership in our Regional Council. Members of the network work along with...

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Korea Peace Appeal reflection 2

Korea Peace Appeal reflection 2

Why are Koreans asking us to work together to end this war? A personal reflection from Rev Kwang Beom Cho. Past Executive co-chairperson Rev Kwang Beom Cho offers this personal appeal to United...

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United Church News

The United Church of Canada gathered with partners in Asia for a consultation on dignity, inclusion, and belonging for LGBTQIA+ communities. Read More

Moderator Carmen Lansdowne encourages communities of faith to celebrate Together for the Love of Creation: Earth Week, April 16–23, 2023. Read More

On March 24-26, The United Church of Canada invites participation from across the country in Lenten actions calling for a guaranteed livable income to be established by the federal government. Read More

Thanks to the generosity of United Church of Canada donors, we have been able to raise over $182,000 to provide support to our partners who are supporting the people of northern Syria and Türkiye. Read More

The 44th General Council has authorized a remit on removing structural barriers so that the Indigenous Church can determine its place and structure within the United Church. Read More

Prairie to Pine Regional Council