Pastors Stopping The Harm

Few spiritual interventions cause the degree of harm that efforts to change someone’s sexual or gender identity do. From deeply internalized shame and self-loathing, to depression, high risk behaviours like substance abuse, and suicidal ideation, attempts, and death by suicide, sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts (SOGICE) have caused profound trauma. When these efforts are practiced in the context of one’s faith community, by the spiritual authority figure, the harm goes incredibly deep.

Recently, efforts to ban the practice of conversion therapy, particularly for minors, have intensified. Two Canada-wide petitions asking the government for a federal ban have garnered thousands of signatures. The challenge with legislative efforts is that many SOGICE experiences do not take place in therapists’ offices.

Much of the harm is experienced in churches – perpetrated by well-meaning pastors.

For decades there has been a steady stream of Christian resources published to equip the local pastor to believe they could be used of God to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Exorcisms. Prayer sessions. Bible memorization. Accountability. Church discipline. Counselling attempts.

Energized by a theology that taught that LGBTQ2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, 2 Spirit, plus people) were inherently sinful, disordered, and in need of repair, the damage caused by the Christian community is unfathomable.

Psychological trauma. Emotional trauma. Spiritual trauma. Physical trauma. Financial trauma

It is more than time for: Pastors Stopping The Harm

“After 30 years pursuing SOGICE, and nearly 6 years after coming out, I continue to experience visceral barriers to dating men and I now hate myself for my inability to get over my own homophobia.  I feel deeply alone and hopeless, fearing that I will not be able to love another man after 3 decades of hating the gay man I saw in the mirror every day. All of the rules of ex-gay ministry penetrated so deeply into my psyche. I don’t like being with myself. I can’t befriend my worst enemy yet: the gay man that looks back at me from the mirror.” ~ a SOGICE Survivor

FOR PASTORS

We are calling on Canadian pastors to speak up for the prevention of sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts.

Sign on to commit to the following statements:

• We believe LGBTQ2S+ people are created in the image of God.
• We believe LGBTQ2S+ people are Beloved of God.
• We believe that God’s plans and purposes for people are good and do not result in shame, self-hatred, depression, suicidal ideation, or death by suicide.
• We acknowledge that efforts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity have proven ineffective and harmful.*
• We repent of the harm done to LGBTQ2S+ people in the name of Jesus.
• We pledge to participate in pursuing justice for LGBTQ2S+ people.
• We call on our fellow pastors to cease any spiritual interventions with the purpose of changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

 

FOR EVERYONE

Are you a pastor or church leader? Sign up in support!

Are you a church member? Ask your pastor to sign on!

Spread the Word on Social Media

• Use the hashtag #pastorsstoppingtheharm
• Share on your church’s social media platforms.
• Check our the #PastorsStoppingTheHarm facebook page and Twitter feed

FOR SURVIVORS

Regardless of how long you attempted SOGICE or the degree to which you feel the ongoing impact of those experiences, please know:

• We are sorry. No one should have ever been made to feel that they needed to change an intrinsic part of themselves to be loved by God.
• You are Beloved. You have inestimable dignity and value just as you are.
• You are not alone. If you would like to get connected with other survivors, please contact us.
• There is support. If you would like to talk with someone about your experiences, please contact us.
• Your voice matters. If you would like to share your story, please contact us.

Generous Space is sponsoring this campaign as part of our ongoing commitment to be a living apology for the harm LGBTQ+ people experienced in the history of our ministry. From its beginning in 1985 until the mid-2000’s, people came to the ministry (then known as New Direction) to pursue SOGICE.

Check out:

More about our history 

This letter written to survivors – 2013

This article in Macleans Magazine – July, 2013

This blog post – October, 2018

This article in Broadview Magazine – June, 2019

SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE!

(note: To be included on the signatory list we ask for your name, specific church, and location. Signatures will not be posted immediately – they are reviewed first and may take a day or two to appear.)

SIGNATORIES

Beth Carlson-Malena 

Pastor, Open Way Community Church 

Vancouver, BC

Rev. Dr. Charles Fensham 

Professor of Systematic Theology, Knox College

Minister in Association, Rosedale Presbyterian Church 

Toronto, ON

Rev. Michael Blair 

Executive Minister, United Church of Canada 

Toronto, ON

Rev. Dr. Trevor Brisbin

Pastor, Progressive Faith Collective

Toronto, ON

Kyle Penner 

Associate Pastor, Grace Mennonite Church 

Steinbach, MB

Melissa Ytsma 

Lead Pastor, The Meeting House 

Richmond Hill, ON

Rev. Rachel Brooks

Worship Pastor, Danforth Church

Toronto ON

Rev. Jeremiah Pacey

Lead Pastor, Brantford Cornerstone Church

Brantford, ON

Rev. Thyra VanKeeken 

Pastor, First Christian Reformed Church 

Toronto, ON

Rev. Dan Chambers 

Lead Minister, St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church 

Vancouver, BC

Rev. Monica McKinlay 

Senior Minister, Kitsilano Christian Community Church 

Vancouver, BC

Rev. Emily Pacey

Associate Pastor, Brantford Cornerstone Church 

Brantford, ON

Rev. Steve Hoffard 

Pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church 

Toronto, ON

Rev. Daryl Meijer 

Pastor, Maranatha Christian Reformed Church

Woodstock, ON

bob paterson-watt

Pastor, Woodbine Heights Baptist Church

Toronto, ON

Elizabeth and Paul Lapsley

Senior Pastors, Shallow lake Community Church 

Shallow Lake, ON

Rev. Greg Smith-Young

Minister for Worship, Spiritual Formation and Pastoral Care, Elora United Church

Elora, ON

Rev. Lindsey Jorgensen-Skakum

Associate Pastor, Holy Spirit Lutheran (ELCIC) 

Edmonton, AB

Rev. Marnie Peterson

Pastor, St. Brigid’s congregation, Christ Church Cathedral

Vancouver, B.C.

Rev. John Vanderstoep

Pastor, The Bridge

Centre Wellington, ON

Joseph Kyser 

Minister of Community Life, Canadian Memorial United Church 

Vancouver, BC

Andrew Stephens-Rennie

Director of Ministry Innovation, Christ Church Cathedral

Vancouver, B.C.

Charmain Foutner

Pastor, Bedford United Church

Windsor, ON

Rev. Daniel C. Zylstra

Pastor, Athens Christian Reformed Church

Athens, ON

Jen Carter-Morgan

Pastor, United Church of Canada

Rev. Steve Clifton

Pastor, Rideau Park United Church

Ottawa, ON

Philip Kukungulu

Pastor, Reconciliation Baptist Church

Jinja, Uganda

Carrie Martens

Pastor, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada

Kitchener, ON

Rev. Michael Bogert

Pastor, First Christian Reformed Church

Barrie, ON

Jody Balint

Lay Pastor, St. John’s Anglican

Yme Woensdregt

Pastor, Christ Church Anglican

Cranbrook, BC

Bill White

Pastor, City Church

Long Beach, CA

Ann Turnet

Pastor, St. James Anglican

Fergus, ON

Gail Clifton

Pastor, Gathering Table, Anglican

Thunder Bay, ON

Marja Fledderus

Meadowlands Fellowship CRC

Ancaster, ON

Rev. Leah Robberts-Mosser

Pastor, Community United Church of Christ

Champaign, IL

Tamara Shantz

Pastor, Pastors in Exile (PiE), Annabaptist/Mennonite 

Kitchener, ON

Gene Templemeyer

Retired Pastor, CBOQ 

Toronto, ON

Chris Brouillard-Coyle

Rector, St. Paul’s / Trinity Anglican Church 

Windsor-Essex

Michelle Gritter

Pastor, CRCNA 

Calgary, AB

Aaron VanVoorhuis

Lead Pastor, Central Avenue Church 

Glendale, CA

Martin Ketteringham

Retired Officer, The Salvation Army 

Rev. Margaret Rodrigues

Honorary Assistant, St. John West Anglican Church 

Toronto, ON

Tanya Dyck Steinnmann

Pastor, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada 

The Rev. Leigh Silcox  

Pastor, St. Matthias Anglican

Etobicoke, ON

Kristen Steele

Pastor, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church 

Langley, BC

Rev. Paul Gehrs

Assistant to the Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada 

The Rev. Dr. Kayko Driedger Hesselin

Interim Pastor, Advent Lutheran Church 

Calgary, AB

Zsofi Schmiedge

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada 

Regina, SK

Erin Thomas

Interim Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church 

Edmonton, AB

Rosie Wynder

Priest, Anglican Church

Bathurst

Rev. David Steele

Minister, Athens United Church

Athens, ON

The Rev. Canon Kate Merriman

Honorary Assistant, St. James Cathedral

Toronto, ON

Rev. Maxine Pirie

Minister, United Church

Vancouver Island, BC

Rev. Thea Leunk

Minister, Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church

Grand Rapids, MI

Natalie Cooper

Minister, St. John;s Uniting Church

Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia

Deborah Ann Taylor

Bethel Lutheran Church

Camrose, AB

Carolyn Doonan

Major, Salvation Army

Nanimo, BC

Rev. Molly Bosscher

Rector, St. Andrews Episcopal Church

Grand Rapids, MI

Rev. Amanda Nicholas

Minister, East Geelong UCA

Geelong

Rev. Tom Gunbar

Minister, Main Street United Church

Mitchell, ON

The Rev. Dr. Alison Falby

Minister, All Saints Anglican Church

Toronto, ON

Justin Cheng

Incumbant, All Saints Anglican Church

Burnaby, BC

Rev. Lorne Manweiler

Minister, St. Timothy’s Anglican Church / Equally Anglican

Edmonton, AB

The Rev. Andrew Halladay

Minister, St. Andrew’s Anglican Church

Langley, BC

Rev. Canon Bradley Lennon

Priest Emeritas, Anglican Church

Toronto, ON

Anita Giardina

Lead Pastor, The Meeting House

Toronto, ON

Rev. Janet De Wolfe

Minister, Presbyterian Church in Canada

Toronto, ON

Angela J. Cluney

Minister, Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church

Scarborough, ON

Laurence De Wolfe

Senior Minister, Glenview Presbyterian Church

Toronto, ON

Scott McAndless

Senior Minister, St. Andrew-Hespeler Presbyterian Church

Cambridge, ON

Harris Athaniasiasdis

Minister, Armour Heights Presbyterian Church

Toronto, ON

Elaine Saucer

Minister, St. Chad’s Anglican Church

Winnipeg, MB

Rev. James Latour

Canadian International Metaphysical Ministry

Nanimo, BC

Jeff Lackie

Minister, St. John’s Presbyterian Church

Medicine Hat, AB

The Rev. Dr. John C. Carr

Minister Emeritas, PCC; Professor Emeritas, St. Stephen College

Edmonton, AB

Rev. Lynn McKinnon Pike 

Pastor

Alberton, PEI

Rev. Meggin King

United Church

Warkworth, ON

Rev. Andrea Budgey

Anglican Chaplain, University of Toronto

Toronto, ON

Rev. Barbara Fotheringham

Minister, KIT Pastoral Charge

Thetford Mines, QC

Rev. Michael Henderson

Minister, Brookfield Pastoral Charge

Brookfield, ON

Rev. Darrell Clark

Clerk, Presbytry of Waterloo-Wellington

Kitchener, ON

The Rev. Catherine Stuart

Minister, United Church

Bedeque, PEI

Wayne Brighton

Arch Deacon, Anglican Church of Australia

Canberra, AU

Cailin Mac|Kenzie

Jerseyville United Church

Brantford, ON

Rev. Debbie McMillan

The Cayuga Pastoral Charge, United Church

Rev. Linda Fuller

Wesley United Church

Pembroke, ON

Anne Anderson

Pastor, thirdspace

Waterloo, ON

Mervin Gallant

Minister, St. Albert United Church

St. Albert, AB

Greg Kay

Spring Garden Baptist Church

Toronto, ON

Rev. Helen Smith

Minister in Association, Guildwood Community Presbyteran Church

Scarborough, ON

Rev. Jenelle Shaw

Minister, Lafleche-Limerick Pastoral Charge United Church

Lafleche, SK

Rev. Bob Shantz

Honorary Assistant, St. John’s West Anglican Church

Toronto, ON

Carl Fraser

Anglican Parish of Fall River & Oakfield

Fall River, NS

Rev. Karen Low

Innerkip Eastwood Pastoral Charge United Church

Innerkip, ON

Rev. Nichola Fish Cumine

St. Mark’s Anglican Church

Halifax, NS

Randy MacKenzie

Pastor Emeritas, United Church

Brantford, ON

Paul Jennings

Rector, Parish of Wilmot

Annapolis Royal, NS

Paddy Ducklow

Minister-at-Large West Vancouver

Vancouver, BC

Rev. Brienna Andrews

Priest, Anglican Parish of French Village

Sandra Matlby-Mills 

Pastoral Care and Youth Ministry, Trinity United Church

Wallaceburg, ON

Rev. Matthew Smedley

Executive Director, Mission Possible

Vancouver, BC

The Rev. Kelly Duncan

Rector, Parish of St. George

Fort Langley, BC

Kadee Wirick Smedley

Minister, Church of the Nazarene

Vancouver, BC

Rev. Meagan Crosby-Shearer

Incombant, Emmaus Community & the Abbey Church

Tena Horneman

Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church

Leduc, AB

J Barrett Lee

Chaplain, Bronson Methodist Hospital

Kalamazoo, MI

Rev. Carolyn Seabrook

Incumbant, Parish of South Carleton

Ottawa, ON

Sarah Schmidt-Lee

Pastor for Faith Formation, Kalamazoo First Congregational Church

Kalamazoo, MI

Elizabeth Plant

Pastor, Spark Church

Sydney, AU

Mark Gladding

Priest, St. John the Evangelist

Niagara Falls, ON

Michael Turman

Program Coordinator, Calvin Presbyterian Church

Kitchener, ON

Alissa Bender

Pastor, Hamilton Mennonite Church

Hamilton, ON

Ian Funk

Pastor, Langley Mennonite Fellowship

Langley, BC

David Sturtevant

Minister, St. David’s Presbyterian Church

St. John’s, NF

Janice Whitelock

Pastor, Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church

Brooks, AB

Kevin Makins

Pastor, Eucharist Church

Hamilton, ON

Lisa Salazar

Spiritual Care Practitioner

Vancouver, BC

Pastor Karen Pitt

Timmins, ON

Cindy Stover

Justice Mobilizer, Christian Reformed Church

Burlington, ON

Tara Glowacki

M.Div. Student, Providence Theological Seminary

Winnipeg, MB

Rev. Ed Hoekstra

Lead Minister, Oakridge Presbyterian Church

London, ON

Jordan Duerrstein

Lead Pastor, The Meeting House

Waterloo, ON

Kate Brown

Community Pastor, The Meeting House

Oakville, ON

Rev. John F K Dowds

Chaplain, Presbyterian Church in Canada

Edmonton, AB

Tiff Semach

Affirming Ministry Coordinator, McKillop United Church 

Lethbridge, AB

Shylo Rosborough

Affirming Ministry Coordinator, United Church

Edmonton, AB

Denise L. Davis Taylor

Diaconal Minister, St. Paul’s United Church

Edmonton, AB

Ben Wright

Pastor, Community Pentecostal Church

Stirling, ON

Dr. Walter Thiessen

Associate Pastor, St. Croix Vineyard Church

St. Stephen, NB

Rev. Emily C. Goodnow

Pastor, First Congregational United Church of Christ

Bridgton

Christopher J. Schievink

Pastor, Kanata Community Christian Reformed Church

Kanata, ON

Nick Trussell

Reconciliation Facilitator, Christ Church, Anglican

Edmonton, AB

Yme Woensdregt

Priest,  Christ Church Anglican

Cranbrook, BC

Brent Babcock

Lead Pastor, The Meeting House Sandbanks

Prince Edward County, ON

Caleb Clark

Leadership Team, Eglise Montreal Vineyard

Montreal, QC

Barbara Fotheringham 

Minister, KIT Pastoral Charge, PCC/UCC 

Thetford Mines, QC

Jacqueline Faingold

Elder, The Meeting House Newmarket

Newmarket, ON

The Rev. Joyce Barnett

Incumbant, St. Matthias, Bellwoods Anglican Church 

Toronto, ON

Christine Gerber

Lead Pastor, The Meeting House 

Brampton, ON

Rachel Twicg

Priest, St. Benedict’s Table 

Winnipeg, MB

Nancy Ringham

Priest Emeritas, ELCIC 

Thunder Bay, ON

Nancy Glover

Deacon, Parish of Georgina 

Sutton, ON

Lynda Hinrichs

St. Pau’ls Lutheran Church 

River Hills, MB

Mary Lysecki

Interim Priest, St. Paul’s Anglican Church

Winnipeg, MB

R. David Lowe

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

Rev. David Malina

Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church 

Waterloo, ON

Lisa Chisholm-Smith

Anglican Campus Minister 

Kingston, ON

Rev. Heidi Wachowiak

Senior Pastor, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Ellerslie 

Edmonton, AB

Karen Stepko

Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church 

Rhein, SK

Rev. Dr. Allen Jorgenson

Professor of Systematic Theology, Martin Luther University College 

Waterloo, ON

Stephen Weber

Pastor, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 

Cambridge, ON

John Meiboom

Elder, Willowdale Christian Reformed Church

North York, ON

The Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer

Bishop, Snyod of Alberta and the Territories, ELCIC 

Edmonton, AB

Rev. Vivian S. Roberts 

Vice Pastor, St. John’s Lutheran Church 

Neudorf

Kirk Tastad

Pastor, Holy Family Lutheran Church 

Yellowknife, NT

Chris Krejlgaard

Pastor 

Owen Sound, ON

Rev. Jennifer Martor

Pastor, St. Columba 

Tofino, BC

Elaine Sauer

St. Chad’s Anglican Church Parish 

Winnipeg, MB

The Rev. Erik Parker

Pastor, Sherwood Park Lutheran Church 

Winnipeg, MB

Jason Zinko

Bishop, MNO Synod of the ELCIC 

Winnipeg, MB

Rev. Erin Sterling

Pastor, Cedar United Church 

Nanaimo, BC

Heidi Koschzeck

Pastor, Gordon United Church 

Victoria, BC

Jenni Leslie

Pastor, Kitchissippi United Church 

Ottawa, ON

Rev. Barbara Groote

Pastor, Ascension Lutheran Church 

Edmonton, AB

Heidi De Jonge

Pastor, Westside Fellowship Christian Reformed Church 

Kingston, ON

Telmor Sartison

Bishop, Retired, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

Glenn McNabb

Church Council 

Owen Sound, ON

Rev. Duane Kelderman

Pastor Emeritas, Christian Reformed Church

James Prette

Hollydene Community Church

Victoria, BC

Barb Smith-Young

Children and Youth Minister,  Elora United Church

Elora, ON

Rev. Jonathan Gonyou

Pastor, Newmarket Alliance Church

Newmarket, ON

Rev. Bonita E Garrett

Retired Minister, United Church

Winnipeg, MB

Andrea Wheaton

Minister of Word, Sacrament, and Pastoral Care

Barrie, ON

Rev. Michelle Bull

Pastor, Emmanuel Anglican Church

Halifax, NS

Jennifer Stinson

Children & Young Families Ministry Lead, North Bramalea United Church

Brampton, ON

William Blake Eady

Pastor, Selkirk Baptist Church

Selkirk, ON

The Rev. Kristy Reimers-Loader

Chaplain, Medicine Hat College 

Rev. Margaret L G Cole

Retired Deacon, Anglican Diocese of New Westminster

Maple Ridge, BC

Jamie Arpin-Ricci 

Pastor, Little Flowers Community

Winnipeg, MB

The Reverend Canon Dr. Judy Rois 

Executive Director, Anglican Foundation of Canada 

Toronto, ON

The Rev. Susan C. Johnson 

National Bishop 

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The Rev. Amanda Currie 

Moderator, 2019 General Assembly 

The Presbyterian Church in Canada

Fr. James Martin, SJ

Jesuit Priest, Consultant to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication

Simon Downey 

Lead Pastor, The Meeting House 

Newmarket, ON

Michele Rae Rizoli 

Pastor, Toronto United Mennonite Church 

Toronto, ON

Matt Vincent 

REUNION Church Planting Network 

Oakville, ON

Rev. Lynn J. Marsh 

Pastor, Danforth Church 

Toronto, ON

Dr. Peter and Mary Ellen Fitch

Lead Pastors, St. Croix Vineyard

St. Stephen, NB

Rev. Donaldson Uhryniw 

Pastor, Emmanuel United Church 

Peterborough, ON

The Reverend Wes Denyer 

Minister, Rosedale Presbyterian Church 

Toronto, ON

Donna Ellis

Youth Children and Family Ministry Coordinator, St. John’s Anglican Church

Ancaster, ON

Rev. Dr. Robert Faris 

Associate Minister, St. Andrew’s Church, Toronto, ON

Co-Convenor of Rainbow Communion: G.A Special Listening Committee: LGBTQI People, The Presbyterian Church in Canada

Rev. Beth Hayward

Lead Minister, Canadian Memorial United Church 

Vancouver, B.C.

Mike Hogeterp 

Christian Reformed Center for Public Dialogue 

Ottawa, ON

Rev. Heidi Brear

Rector, St. Margaret Cedar Cottage Anglican Church

Vancouver, B.C.

Rev. Dustin Schellenberg

Lead Pastor, Crestview Park Free Methodist Church

Winnipeg, MB

Rev. Curt Allison 

Minister of Urban Outreach, St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church 

Vancouver, BC

Ha Na Park

Minister, Immanuel United Church

Winnipeg, MB

Rev. Clare Elisabeth Morgan

Associate Priest, St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, Cedar Cottage 

Chaplain, St. Jude’s Anglican Home

Vancouver, BC

Hardy and Cindy Steinke 

Pastors, Joshua Creek Church 

Mississauga, ON

Beckie Evans 

Children’s Worship Coordinator, Emmanuel Mennonite Church

Abbotsford, BC

Rev. Robert Dalgleish 

Executive Director, Edge Network 

Toronto, ON

David Vroege

Pastor, All Nations Christian Reformed Church

Halifax, NS

Kirsten Treichel

Pastor of Elders, Children, Youth & Arts, Danforth Church

Toronto, ON

Tama Ward 

Minister of Children, Youth & Families, Canadian Memorial United Church 

Vancouver, BC

Lionel Ketola

Pastor, Goodwood United Church

Goodwood, ON

Rev. David J. Ogilvie

Senior Minister, Burlington Baptist Church

Burlington, ON

Dave Harder

Parish Collective Canada

Ottawa, ON

Meghan Gilholm

Minister, Glen Morris United Church

Glen Morris, ON

Michael Rose

Pastor, Amadeo Vineyard Community

Tabor, AB

Jeremy Keay

Youth & Young Adults, First Baptist Church

Edmonton, AB

Ryan Sato

Senior Minister, First Baptist Church

Edmonton, AB

Rev. Diana Edis

Minister, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Prince Rupert, BC

Rev. Dawn Leger

Minister, St. John West Anglican Church

Toronto, ON

Karen Orlandi

Minister, Silver Spire United Church

St. Catharines, ON

Alicia Good

Minister, North Leamington United Mennonite Church

Leamington, ON

Ray Waters

Minister, The Village Church

Atlanta, GA

Rev. Canon Bradley Smith

Minister, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church

Peterborough, ON

Rev. Alexa Gilmour

Minister, Windermere United Church

Toronto, ON

Melissa May

Minister, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

Nome, AK

Iris Kristjansdottir

Chaplain, Luthercare Communities

Saskatoon, SK

Mary Pataki

Honorary Assistant, St. Stephen Anglican Church

Woodbridge, ON

Rev. Maggie Helwig

Incumbent, St. Stephen in the Fields Anglican Church

Toronto, ON

Rev. Anneeta Saroop

Minister, St. Mary of the Incarnation Anglican Church

Victoria, BC

Ken deBoer

Interim Minister, Grace Christian Reformed Church

Cobourg, ON

Rev. Jennifer Hoover

Pastor, Bethany Lutheran Church

Woodstock, ON

Wilma Woods

Priest, St. Giles Anglican Church

Estevan, SK

Bo Barrington

Co-Pastor, Mosaic

Bangor, Wales

Bobbi Salkeld

Pastor, Kensington Commons Church

Calgary, AB

Sandra Fyfe

Rector, St. John’s Anglican Church

Wolfville, NS

The Rev. Rob Crosby-Shearer

Priest, The Emmaus Community at the Abbey Church, Regional Minister, Church Planting, UCC

Victoria, BC

Lonnie Deslisle

Minister of Music, Canadian Memorial United Church

Vancouver, BC

Daniel Cranley

Priest, Church of the Transfiguration (Anglican)

Toronto, ON

The Rev. Jeff Nowers

Assistant PriestMinister, St. Aidens Anglican Church

Toronto, ON

Paul J. Walker

Rector, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church

Elora, ON

Rev. Lori James

Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church

Estevan, SK

Sandra Hounsell-Drover

Rector, Anglican Church of the Advent

Victoria, BC

Cal Malena 

Pastor Emeritas, First Baptist Church

Prince George, BC

Rev. Dr. Frank Emmanuel

Freedom Vineyard Church

Ottawa, ON

Pernell Goodyear

Senior Pastor, Hillside Church

London, ON

Peace Carefoote

Honorary Assistant, St. James Cathedral

Toronto, ON

Jodie Hatlem

Pastor, Erb St. Mennonite Church

Waterloo, ON

Rev. Jim Dekker

Pastor Emeritas, Jubilee Fellowship Christian Reformed Church

St. Catharines, ON

Adam Kilner

Minister, Dunlop United Church

Sarnia, ON

Rev. Alicia Buhler

Spiritual Care Minister, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada

Kitchener, ON

Krista Wilson

The Bridge 

Abbotsford, BC

Rev. Bart Velthuizen

Minister, Grace Christian Reformed Church

Scarborough, ON

Rev. Joanna Manning

Assistant Priest, Church of the Holy Trinity

Toronto, ON

Rev. Hugh Donnelly

Minister, Guildwood Presbyterian Church

Toronto, ON

Rev. Jane Gingrich

Minister, Hills of Peace Lutheran Church

Kamloops, BC

Tina Conlon

Minister,  Davenport – Perth Community Church

Toronto, ON

Bishop Ken Corbin

St. Francis Community of Faith for All People

Plainview, NY

Rev. Arlen John Bonnar

Minister, St. James United Church

Montreal, QC

Judith Friesen Epp

Pastor, Home Street Mennonite Church

Winnipeg, MB

Rev. Penny Nelson

Minister, Tatamagouche United Church

Tatamagouche, NS

Rev. Anne Hoganson

Minister, St. Paul’s United Church

Halifax, NS

Rev. Keith MacPherson

Minister, Park Royal United Church

Charlottetown, PEI

Rev. Graham K. Brownmiller

Lead Minister, Jubilee United Church

Burnaby, BC

Rev. Wendy Noble

Minister, United Church

London, ON

Emma Seamone

Student Minister, United Church

St. Stephen, NB

Rev. Jennifer Swanson

Minister, St. Andrews IOCO United Church

Port Mood, BC

Jeff Learmonth

Student Minister, United Church

Paris, ON

Cathy Gradante

Minister, United Church

Trent Hills

Deborah Elliott

Minister, United Church

Warkworth, ON

Caroline Ducros

Deacon, St. John the Evangelist

Ottawa, ON

Rev. Katherine Gohm

Minister, Redeemer Lutheran Church

London, ON

Jeremy Ranasinghe

Pastor, Spring Garden Baptist Church

Toronto, ON

Rev. Sean Bell

Chaplain, Luther College

Regina, SK

Lidvaid Haugen-Strand

Minister, Parish of Westmoreland

Sackville, NB

Gretchen Peterson

Diaconal Minister, ELCIC

Kyle Rudge

Pastor, The Hearth

Winnipeg, MB

Woodrow P. Dixon

Minister, Jubilee Fellowship Christian Reformed Church

St. Catharines, ON

Sheila Hagan-Bloxham

Honorary Assistant, St. George’s at the University Anglican Church

Edmonton, AB

Ben Robinson

Pastor, Urban Grace Church

Tacoma, WA

Joel Calabrese

Convener, YWAM Canada

Truro, NS

Joanna Miller

Pastor, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church

Kitchener, ON

Donna Dinsmore

Minister, United Church

Calgary, AB

The Rev. Erin Martin

Minister, St. James the Apostle Church

Sharon, ON

Charleen and Kendall Jongejan Harder

Ministers, North Leamington United Mennonite Church

Leamington, ON

Rev. Scott McAllister

Pastor, University Community Church

Windsor, ON

Susan Lewis

Assistant Curate, Anglican Diocese of Ottawa

Shawville, QC

Rhonda Waters

Priest, Church of the Ascension, Anglican

Ottawa, ON

Joyce Platford

Minister in Association

Pinawa, MB

Bishop Greg Mohr

Bishop, BC Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

New Westminster, BC

Silas Krabbe

Community Theologian and Coordinator, Mosaic Church

Vancouver, BC

Rev. Sue Carr

Pastor, The Meeting Place

Hamilton, ON

Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls

Professor of Hebrew Bible, Vancouver School of Theology

Vancouver, BC

Kathryn Smith

Pastor Emeritas & Congregational Consultant, CBOQ (Baptist)

Brantford, ON

Erin Morin

Incombent, Parish of Renfrew-Pontiac, Anglican

Shawville, QC

The Rev’d Assoc. Prof. Matthew Anstey

Research Fellow, Public and Contextual Theology Strategic Research Centre, Charles Stuart University

Adelaide, AU

Brian Pengelly

Pastor, North Bramalea United Church

Brampton, ON

The Ven. Dr. Dawna Wall

Incombent, St. Michael and All Angels Church

Victoria, BC

Rev. Meg Patterson

Minister, St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church

Ottawa, ON

Rev. Jennifer Sokolowsky

Minister, Erindale Presbyterian Church

Mississauga, ON

Rev. Bruce Adema

Minister, Bethel Christian Reformed Church

Waterdown, ON

Erin O’Neill

Associate Pastor, Eglise Vineyard Montreal Church

Montreal, QC 

Rev. Gail Clifton

Minister, Gathering Table (Anglican)

Thunder Bay, ON

Sue Senior

Elder, Knox Presbyterian Church

Co-Convener of Rainbow Communion: G.A Special Listening Committee: LGBTQI People, The Presbyterian Church in Canada

Waterloo, ON

Michael Pahl

Lead Pastor, Morden Mennonite Church

Morden, MB

Trent Tompkins

Freedom Church

Presque Isle

Allyson Marsh

Dartmouth, NS

Dagmar Morgan-Sinclair

Lead Pastor, The Meeting House

Hamiilton, ON

Tish Schmermund

Pastor, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church

Edmonton, AB

Steve Wiseman

Area Commander / Pastor, Salvation Army Church

Edmonton, AB

Dan and Teresa Bent

Senior Pastors, North Calgary Vineyard Church

Calgary, AB

Peter Gathje

Pastor, Manna House

Memphis, TN

Nina Page

Reverend Deacon, Grace Anglican Church

Milton, ON

Josh Lyon

Elder, Next Church (Free Methodist)

Kingston, ON

Rev. Deborah Ambridge Fisher

Minister, Forest Hills United Church

Fredericton, NB

Caroline Schleir Cutler

Elder, University Community Church 

Windsor, ON

Marianne Emig Carter

Minister, First Presbyterian Church 

Brockville, ON

Trevor Potter

Minister, McKillop United Church 

Lethbridge, AB

Rev. Elina Salonen

Minister, St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 

Ottawa, ON

Rev. Ed Bastian

Minister, St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 

Ottawa, ON

Colin Cameron

Pastor, Holy Cross 

Burlington, ON

Rev. Christie Morrow-Wolfe

Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Eastern Synod, ELCIC 

Stratford, ON

The Rev. Dr. Heather McCance

Diocesan Ministry Developer, Anglican Diocese of Rupert’s Land 

Winnipeg, MB

Rev. Dr. Patti Brace

Interim Incumbant, St. Mary’s Anglican Church 

Nipigon, ON

Rebecca Graham

Rector, Christ Church

Mira Salmelainen

Pastor, New Hope Lutheran Church 

Rev. Marcie Gibson

Minister, Grand River United Church 

Hamilton, ON

Kristine Lund

Martin Luther University College Professor 

Waterloo, ON

Dean Anderson

Minister, Christ Lutheran Church 

Chilliwack, BC

Rebecca M Klages 

Minister, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

Hanover, ON

The Rev. Dr. Michael J. Pryse

Bishop, Eastern Synod, ELCIC 

Kitchener, ON

Rev. Adam Snook

Minister, St. John’s Lutheran Church 

Mahone Bay, NS

Katherine Gohm

Minister, Redeemer ELCIC 

London, ON

Rick Sauer

Minister, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 

Winnipeg, MB

Lidvald Haugen-Strand

Priest-in-Charge  

Sackville, NS

Rev. Tyler Gingrich

Assistant to the Bishop, MNO Synod, ELCIC 

Winnipeg, MB

Bishop Sid Haugen

Bishop, Synod of Saskatchewan, ELCIC 

Regina, SK

Diane Jackson

Parish Nurse, Lutheran Church of our Saviour 

Owen Sound, ON

Rev. Caroline Glauster

Pastor, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church 

North Vancouver, BC

Scott Schellenberger

Pastor, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church 

Peterborough, ON

Miriam Bowlby

Minister, Cochrane St. United Church 

St. John’s, NFLD

Lyrell Bergen

Pastor, Hope Mennonite Church 

Winnipeg, MB

Rev. Courtenay Reedman Parker

Interim Regional Pastor, Interlake  

Winnipeg, MB

Rev. Mickey Wilson

Retired Pastor

Ryley, AB

Rev. Aaron Schnell

Pastor, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church 

Spruce Grove, AB

Richard Glen Engel

Pastor, MNO Synod ELCIC, Brokenhead Shared Ministry 

Whitemouth

Deb Roberts

Council Chairperson, Christ ELCIC 

Regina, SK

Rt. Rev. Joseph McLellan

Progressive Catholic Church of Canada

Lyndon Sayers

Co-Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Cross 

Victoria, BC

Deacon Scott Knarr

Deacon, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church

Kitchener, ON

Reuben St. Louis

Minister, Presbyterian Church in Canada

Campbellville, ON

Brian Walsh

Chaplain, Wine Before Breakfast

Toronto, ON

The Rev. James Pratt

Rector, St. Philip’s Anglican Church

Montreal-West. QC

Susan Lynne Browning

Minister, St. Andrews Westminster and Littlewood United Church

London, ON

Pastor Stephen Gross

Pastor, TWC

Ayr, ON

Rev. Dr. Laura Holck

Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Cross

Calgary, AB

Don Engel

Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Cross

Calgary, AB

Phil Holck

Senior Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Cross

Calgary, AB

Glenn McNabb

Member Church Council

Owen Sound, ON

DeDe Wood

Co-Senior Pastor, Hope Vineyard

Paxton, Il

Rev. Kathy Calkins

Minister, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Lethbridge, AB

Elaine Boone

Pastor, Advent Lutheran Church

Toronto, ON

Rev. Dr. David Saude

Retired Minister, ELCIC

Calgary, AB