E-ssentials: Urging the Government to Address the Refugee Housing Crisis, Emancipation Day Resources, and more!

Moderator Lansdowne Urges Government to Address Lack of Housing for Refugees The Right Rev. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator of The United Church of Canada, has written to the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, urging a more proactive response to the lack of housing for refugee claimants. This is not only a challenge in Toronto, where the government fails to address the crisis at 129 Peter St., Moderator Lansdowne wrote; this situation will continue to expand across the country if there is not a more robust strategy for providing asylum seekers and refugees with a safe and soft place to land. While the current crisis in Toronto particularly impacts Black African refugees, this is not a single-issue affecting people of one identity group. The current crisis also affects LGBTQIA+ people fleeing persecution, as well as people of many diverse identity groups. African and refugee organizations are providing as much amazing leadership and support as they can, but the federal government and other levels of government must join them and fulfill our obligations under international human rights law. For more on Refugee news, sponsorship policies, and stories from newcomers in Canada subscribe to our Refugee Sponsorship News Newsletter. [Image credit: Courtesy of Jennifer Henry] Celebrate Emancipation Day   Emancipation Day is celebrated August 1, in Canada, in the Caribbean, and other former colonies of the British Empire. The United Church of Canada celebrates Emancipation Sunday on the first Sunday in August, which in 2023 falls on August 6. For more on Emancipation Sunday check out our Emancipation Sunday worship resources, including a new service by the Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall, or join The Black Clergy Network at the third annual Emancipation Day panel discussion: A Case for Reparation webinar, on Sunday, August 6, at 6:00 p.m. EDT. During this live webinar, panelists will seek to explain the concept and discuss the biblical foundations for reparations, examine the relevance of truth-telling and reparations in the Canadian context, and consider the intersections of the Indigenous and African Diaspora claims for reparations. Register today! [Image: Nathan Walfall] Activists Not Terrorists!  The United Church of Canada stands with Mission and Service Partner, the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA), in condemning the false designation of terrorist of CPA leaders in the Philippines. The United Church is also calling for the Anti-Terrorism Act to be repealed. You can take action today by using our template to send a letter to Foreign Affairs Minister The Honourable Mélanie Joly, MP, and your local MP calling on the Canadian government to ensure that funding to the Government of the Philippines does not harm human rights defenders.  [Image: Cordillera Peoples Alliance] Remit Process: Counting Your Votes The remit process, about a National Indigenous Organization, is well underway. This process requires a vote from the governing body of every pastoral charge and each regional council. So far, votes have been received from 77 pastoral charges and from 9 regional councils. Information was sent to all pastoral charges back in March. Does your pastoral charge have all of the information it needs to register a vote? Please refer to the General Council 44 website for full information, including a voting card. A video is also available, that responds to many frequently asked questions about the remit. If you still have questions, please email remits@united-church.ca. [Image: The United Church of Canada]

Activate Space: A Place to Share Affordable Activity Rental Options! Activate Space searches thousands of websites and other sources for affordable rental spaces owned by churches, schools, and local governments, so you don't have to! Anyone can submit a space they know of, recommend, or update the public profile. Activate Space grew with community worker Jordana Wright, who sought to share little-known affordable rental options within Canadian churches. It has since expanded thanks to the generous support of The United Church Foundation and the Seeds of Hope grant. [Image credit: Canva] Your Generosity Matters: Ecumenical Youth Leadership Development Program The Zimbabwe Council of Churches will host a youth leadership development program in 2023. 50 youth from 10 provinces will come together to increase their knowledge and skills as active citizens and use what they have learned in their churches and communities. Your gifts to Mission and Service help develop and continue programs like these where young people can flourish. [Image credit: by toubibe from Pixabay] United Church Bookstore: What We're Reading for Emancipaion Day Are you looking for study resources for Emancipation Day? Reflections on Emancipation and Anti-Black Racism for Canada, is an eye-opening read that raises awareness about the history of African enslavement and the legacies of slavery in Canada. Reflections have been compiled by theologians, historians, and pastors from all over the world, with contributions from Rob Fennell, Bob K. Fillier, Rinaldo Walcott, Anthony G. Reddie, Steed V. Davidson, Althea Spencer Miller, Mikie Roberts, Oral Thomas, Paul Walfall, and former Moderators Richard Bott, Jordan Cantwell, and Gary Paterson. Order your copy today from the United Church Bookstore!  [Image credit:The United Church of Canada/Canva] Worship Resources  See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. Eighth after Pentecost - July 23, 2023 Ninth after Pentecost - July 30, 2023 Emancipation Sunday - August 6, 2023 Tenth after Pentecost - August 6, 2023 Eleventh after Pentecost – August 13, 2023 Twelfth after Pentecost – August 20, 2023 Thirteenth after Pentecost – August 27, 2023 For more inspiring worship ideas and resources subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Our gifts for Mission & Service bring healing, justice, and hope to life. Donate today.

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