Anti-Discrimination and Inclusion Committee at St. Andrew’s

Who We Are

We are an advisory committee that reports to Session Our voting members include representation from the following committees: Worship and Music, Communications, Christian Education, Membership and Mission and Outreach.

From our terms of reference: The committee will act as:

  • the eyes of the congregation, looking at ways to ensure no one is excluded in our communion and in our outward service;

  • the ears of the congregation, encouraging diverse voices, and listening within and outside the church on matters that concern Anti-Discrimination and inclusion and,

  • the voice of the congregation, teaching, advocating, proposing, and equipping, with the objective of ensuring all are welcome to partake and be nourished at the table of Christ at St. Andrew's, Ottawa.

Diversity is about the individual. It is about the variety of unique dimensions, qualities and characteristics we all possess. These dimensions can include but are not limited to ethnicity, nationality, culture, ability, birth sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, immigration status, socioeconomic status, language, the geographic region in which we live, and many other qualities. It is about the rich tapestry woven into all that is human and that has been created by the Word of God, mirroring the similarly rich tapestry of God’s other creations - in the natural environment on earth, and in the firmaments.

Inclusion is about the collective, composed as it is of those necessarily diverse individuals. To value inclusion is to value the work of Christ, and to thus create a culture that embraces all, striving for equity, respect, acceptance, and the valuing of difference.

We strive to make aware the issues referred to by the PCC's Social Action Hub - The Presbyterian Church in Canada

St. Andrews Presbyterian has the resources to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. For more info contact office@standrewsottawa.ca

Beginnings

In June of 2021 Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) presented the “Confession to LGBTQI People” document. It was approved in June of 2022. Gender, Sexuality & Inclusion - The Presbyterian Church in Canada

Since 2009 at least, St. Andrew’s, congregation and ministers, have been been advocating for the changes that were adopted in 2021. (more detailed on past inclusive events to come later)

The Terms of Reference were approved by session on October 2021. The committee met for the first time on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

2022

In June we purchased Moose Hide and Orange Shirt Day pins for ushers to wear for National Indigenous Peoples Sunday on June 19th,.

For the first time St. Andrews had an information table at Capital Pride on August 27th and 28th. Many thoughtful and enlightening discussions contributed to its success.

On Saturday September 17th members of the committee met with Moderator Rev. Dr. Bob Faris. It was a great opportunity to discuss the rewards and challenges as an openly gay reverend in the PCC.

For the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, St. Andrew’s hosted an indigenous walking tour. It was in consort to the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.

2023

Our committee is preparing an inclusion calendar, the purpose of which is to highlight celebration, commemoration events of diverse groups and individuals throughout the year. It is a launching point for individual and committee self education. Keep in mind that you don’t have to have a relevant event tied to a specific date. God created our diversity that lasts 365 days of the year.

In 2023 St. Andrew's joined the Presbyterian Church in Canada's national registry for sessions and ministers willing to conduct same sex marriages.

For the 2nd year Presbyterian Pride had a table at Capital Pride info fairs on August 26th and 27th.

Orange Shirt Day, September 30th, will be marked with a special Sunday service


Contact: inclusionstandrewsottawa@gmail.com