Tuesday, May 19, 2026

E-ssentials: Refugee Rights, Pride Resources, and more!

United Church Raises Alarm Over Bill C-12 Risks to Refugee Communities in Canada

A person holding a posterboard that has the words "Refugees + Immigrants Welcome" with a Large red heart and lines around the heart

[Image credit: Wikimedia / Daniel Arauz]
 

The United Church of Canada has urgent concerns about the implementation of Bill C-12, warning that refugee claimants—including families with young children—are being denied hearings and placed at risk of deportation without adequate protection. Through partnerships with migrant justice and refugee advocacy organizations, the church is hearing growing concern from communities across the country about the impacts of the legislation. The United Church is calling for the repeal of Bill C-12, or immediate amendments to ensure all current applicants have access to a fair hearing and protection from removal while their cases are unresolved.

Contact your local Member of Parliament and help raise awareness of this issue in your community. Read the full story and take action.

Read the full news story

2026 Northern Indigenous Ministers Retreat

A scenic babbling brooke surrounded by trees flowing into a larger body of water with the words Northern Indigenous Ministers Retreat and Mission and Service/The United Church Foundatio
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada Foundation]

The Northern Indigenous Ministers Retreat will once again offer space for rest and renewal in 2026. 

The United Church of Canada Foundation is inviting you and your community to take part in supporting this gathering. A donation link is available for those who wish to make a life-changing gift, or include it in communications.

We invite you to keep an eye on social media and your mailboxes (physical and digital!), and spread the word of this retreat.

Together, let’s act for the well-being of all Canadians.
Make a life-changing gift

New Webinar! Living Into the 2S and LBGTQIA+ Apology 

From Words to Practice: Living Into the 2S and LGBTQIA+ Apology

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
 

Join us on June 9 from 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET for an online session exploring how communities of faith can live into The United Church of Canada’s 2025 apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities. Participants will reflect on the apology, hear stories from communities already engaging this work, and explore practical ways to embody the apology in worship, community life, and public witness. The session will also offer space for conversation, reflection, and identifying meaningful next steps in local contexts. Register now on CHURCHx.

Learn more and register

New Blog! Open Space, A Vibrant Place, and Sacred Connections 

Rainbow Glitter wall at Knox United

[Image credit: Photo by Graham Louden-Khan]
 

On May 17, communities around the world marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. In recognition of the day, read this reflection from Knox United Church in Calgary, where Affirming Lead Graham Louden-Khan describes the congregation’s decades-long commitment to becoming a safe, welcoming, and affirming community through worship, leadership, partnerships, and public witness.

To support reflection, accountability, and action during Pride season, we’re offering resources focused on the church’s apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities, including a national webinar (on June 9), a downloadable apology resource, and a Pride prayer for worship. Read the full blog and explore all the resources.

Read the full blog

The United Church Bookstore: Support the 2S and LGBTQIA+ Community for PRIDE and Beyond

A Young female wearing a white t-shirt with the words "Love is Louder" below a 2S and LGBTQIA+ flag
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
 
Spread love and make a statement with our exclusive “Love is Louder” t-shirt! This comfortable cotton t-shirt not only lets you showcase your support for the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community, but also amplifies the message of love, unity, and acceptance. Get yours today—let's make our voices louder together!

Looking for more more themed apparel? You can shop the entire apparel and gift collection.
Show your Pride today!

Worship Resources

See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations.

Pentecost Sunday - May 24, 2026
Asian Heritage Month 4 - May 24, 2026
Trinity Sunday - May 31, 2026
Asian Heritage Month 5 - May 31, 2026
Union Sunday - June 7, 2026
Pride Sunday - June 7, 2026
Second after Pentecost - June 7, 2026
Indigenous Day of Prayer - June 14, 2026
Third after Pentecost - June 14, 2026
UN World Refugee Day - June 20, 2026
Fourth after Pentecost - June 21, 2026 
Canadian Multiculturalism Day - June 27, 2026

For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.
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