United Church of Canada issues apology to LGBTQ+ community

The United Church of Canada issued an apology to the LGBTQ+ community in Calgary.

The United Church of Canada has issued an apology in Calgary to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The church has been allowing LGBTQ+ members to become ordained since 1988, but says it’s still important to acknowledge the shortcomings and the harm the church has caused to members of the community.

The church says it’s important to send a message that inclusion and acceptance are critical.

“And as we see across the world now, there’s a push back on people having the opportunity to say, ‘this is who I am’,” said Reverend Michael Blair, the general secretary of the United Church of Canada. “To be accepted and valued, and celebrated for who they are.”

“We hope that that’s one of the messages that we get out.”

The apology was issued during the church’s 45th general council and during the United Church of Canada’s 100th anniversary.