West Hill Podcast

December 6, 2009

This Sunday we celebrate becoming an Affirming Ministry within the United Church of Canada. One of about 50 ministries that have joined Affirm United in support and in celebration of the LGBTQ, West Hill took this step after a year of exploration and following a unanimous vote supporting the motion at our June 2009 Annual Congregational meeting.

At our celebration, we hear again from Calvin Neufeld, who presents the certificate from Affirm United. Calvin spoke movingly to the congregation last February about his journey as a female to male transsexual and today he thanked us for encircling him with belonging. We were also privileged to have with us the Hon. George Smitherman, former deputy premier of Ontario and current MPP. Reflecting on his own positive welcome from his family, his words speak of the need to extend the circle of belonging to those who have been unwelcomed within their own family circles.

Finally, Gretta talks about the need to extend our embrace in ever widening circles, stretching it so far that we will be forever changed.

Calvin Neufeld

Calvin Neufeld speaks to the congregation at West Hill United on February 22, 2009

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