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!
We hold gatherings and online conversations that focus on the communities named below. 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. Please see our 2020 Mandate and Terms of Reference here.
Interested in knowing more?
Sign up for our email list here (all information is confidential and will not be shared with anyone else. You can leave the list at any time.)
Our vision of becoming an intercultural United Church encompasses:
- Racialized people and communities, which includes ethnic churches within the United Church, racialized lay leaders and ministry personnel, and more.
- Indigenous people and communities, within the United Church and beyond, of all traditions.
- People with disabilities.
- 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.
Related Links
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
Western Intercultural Ministries Network Conference
19-21 October 2023, St Albert AB, Treaty Six
At Star of the North Retreat Centre. Details here.
All welcome to our first in-person gathering since 2019! This conference carries our commitment to being intercultural practitioners in ministry together, uniting perspectives and lived experiences that carry racial, gender, abilities, and sexual diversity.
Song and worship, speakers, workshops, and lots of time for visiting and telling stories are all in the plans.
And October 21 we will join Northern Spirit Regional Council at their Celebration of Ministries service and Affirming celebration.
Full details found here: Daring justiceÂ