First United Church, Waterloo

First United Church, Waterloo Building Relationships, Living God's Transforming Love!

08/30/2026
08/14/2026

New StatCan data shows fewer Canadians embracing trans and gender-diverse people since 2018

08/08/2026

One year ago, on August 8, 2025, during the 45th General Council, The United Church of Canada made a significant apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ people and their communities. The apology recognized the deep harm caused by discrimination, exclusion, silence, and systems that failed to respect the dignity, leadership, and contributions of q***r and Two-Spirit individuals. It stated that an apology, while important, would only matter if followed by consistent action.

Moderator Kimberly Heath notes in this year's Pride message that the 2025 apology should be seen "not as an ending, but as a beginning," marking a threshold into deeper healing, accountability, and transformation. This anniversary reminds us that the work is not finished. Voices throughout the church emphasize the need for ongoing focus on pastoral care, theological reflection, and institutional accountability. This ensures that the apology is felt not only in words, but in the everyday life of the church.

As we reflect on the first anniversary of that apology, we remember this crucial moment in our church's history and recommit to its promises. An apology is not an end; it is the start of an ongoing journey toward healing, accountability, relationships, and transformation.

Read the full news statement and explore resources to help your community engage with the apology: https://united-church.ca/news/one-year-later-living-apology-2s-and-lgbtqia-communities

[Photo: Alan Lai]

08/05/2026

As we approach the first anniversary of The United Church of Canada's apology to the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community on August 8, 2025, we share an apology worship resource, adapted from Gathering worship materials.

This includes theological reflection on apology and forgiveness, exploring what it means to practice a “living apology,” and includes worship elements and questions to help communities move from words into faithful action.

Together, these offerings are intended to help communities meaningfully embody the apology and discern faithful next steps—grounding this work in worship, relationship, and a shared commitment to justice.

https://united-church.ca/news/celebrate-pride-month-2s-and-lgbtqia-apology-worship-resources

It is within this spirit that we return to the apology itself, and the ongoing call it places before us:

Living Spirit, you call each of us by name; you call us Loved. Together, you call us Wonderfully Diverse. You call us into community, into church, into this time of listening, healing, and hope.

Living Christ, may our hearts beat with your compassion for all who have lived on the margins because of who they are, who they love, how they express themselves, or the courage with which they live authentically. May we walk together in your way of love and justice, where all are welcomed, valued, and celebrated.

Thank you for calling us to be part of a church where people of every culture, ability, age, income, sexuality, gender identity, and expression are gathered into one joyful community.

Renew our hearts, our church, and our world, that together we may become living, breathing celebrations of your love. Amen.

—This prayer was adapted from "A Prayer for a Colourful Inclusive Church" by Iridesce: The Living Apology Project, 2017. Find the full version of prayer and additional resources at iridesce.ca under Spirituality.

[Photo credit: Pexels/Hert Niks]

Address

16 William Street W
Waterloo, ON
N2L1J3

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 12:30pm

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+15197458487

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