A brightly-dressed group of people, led by drag queen liturgists, parades excitedly down the sidewalk. To the side are several rainbow-coloured doors.

Affirming Ministry

Officially Affirming since June 16th, 2024

We at Shaughnessy Heights United Church actively work to affirm, support, include, and celebrate members of the 2SLQBTQIA+ community through worship, connection, and social justice. We affirm people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, abilities, economic circumstances, ages, cultures, and creeds are welcome in the full worship, congregational life, and ministries of the church.

Shaughnessy Heights United Church became an officially Affirming congregation of the United Church of Canada on June 16th, 2024, developing policies and plans to support our continued Affirming Ministry.

Learn more about Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble.

Drag queen liturgists offer the eucharist to members of the Shaughnessy Heights United Church congregation.

Drag Brunch Communion

Our community of faith developed and hosted a Drag Brunch Communion service in which drag queen liturgists offered the eucharist with unconditional love, welcoming folks to "Come As Who You Are!" Our pilot service was developed in partnership with Christ Church Cathedral and presented with great success on October 6th, 2024 to 200 live attendees and over 500 viewers online.

Our next Drag Brunch Communion is planned for Sunday, April 27th at 10:00am!

P.I.E. Day

P.I.E. Day is an initiative founded by Affirm United and Affirming Connections to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ people with Public, Intentional, Explicit action. For the past four years, we have celebrated P.I.E. Day on during Sunday Worship and fellowship time on the Sunday closest to March 14th.

Our next P.I.E. Day service is Sunday, March 15th, 2026. Join us for a celebration of gender and sexual diversity through scripture, music, prayer, connection, and delicious pie!

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Members of an inclusive church attend a special communion service.

You are welcome

Shaughnessy Heights United Church is an affirming and welcoming community that offers a place for people of all walks of life and at all stages in their faith journey. Whether you’ve been going to church for years, haven’t been in ages, or have never set foot in a church before — from long time believers to the merely curious seekers — we have a place for you.

As an affirming congregation, we are honoured to provide a safe and holy space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

What We Do