We, at Islington United Church, are an Affirming congregation of the United Church of Canada. We are committed to including everyone: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirited persons and others (LGBTQ2+); those who are marginalized for any reason, including race or age; economically disadvantaged; developmentally or physically challenged. We stand in solidarity with Black and Indigenous communities and all people of colour in our community, our country and throughout the world. We acknowledge that racial injustice is pervasive throughout society. We oppose all forms of racism and racialized violence.
living
We at Islington United are looking at the world and looking within as we explore what it means to live actively anti-racist lives. The example of Jesus calls us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed, to make space for marginalized voices and to listen with open hearts as we recognize the extent of systemic racism in our city, country and world.
learning
As a multicultural community (and yet largely white), we know we have much to learn, and no shortage of privilege to explore and share. We are making space for difficult conversations, acknowledging uncomfortable realities, and equipping people to take the step from recognition of systemic inequity toward active support, through advocacy, protest and donation.
sharing
Through our weekly worship, online workshops and individual conversations, we are trying to address and eradicate racism, one day at a time. Please explore some of our offerings and links to various resources.
RESOURCES: ANTI-RACISM
How to Be Antiracist (events on Eventbrite.com)
United Church Anti-Racism Book List (scroll down)
‘Note from Nora’ – General Secretary of UCC
Emmanuel College Resources (lots of great material on offer, various media)
Wide-ranging Resource document shared by GO Project (Created by Anna Stamborski, M. Div Candidate (2022), Nikki Zimmermann, M. Div candidate (2021), Bailie Gregory, M. Div, M.S. Ed)
Whose Lives Matter | Stratford Festival Forum 2017
It’s time to end white privilege and white supremacy in Corporate Canada (article in The Globe and Mail)
How to be Antiracist – Article (article on Mashable.com)
Racial Profiling by stores, landlords and companies: Are we Racist? (CBC Marketplace YouTube video)
My Teenage Life Being Black in Canada (YouTube video)
The Science of Skin Color by Bill Nye (TikTok video)
RESOURCES: indigenous justice
Prayer, Action and Community (United Church of Canada)
Indigenous Rights (KAIROS Canada)
Indigenous Justice: Being Good Relations (United Church of Canada)
RESOURCES: gender & sexuality
Gender, Sexuality and Orientation (United Church of Canada)
A Timeline of Gender and Transgender Justice in the United Church of Canada (United Church of Canada)
The 519 (The519.org)
6 Ways to Respectfully Be a Better LGBTQ Ally (OprahMag.com)
Allyship Is Loud (pinkmantary.com)
