Residential Schools
Equity and Inclusion
At Erindale we are constantly seeking to grow in faith and in our understanding of what it means to be followers of The Way of Jesus. In 2019 the Erindale congregation officially made the decision to work toward becoming a fully Inclusive Church. We are not perfect, but we continue the journey. As we know better, we do better.
We have a Equity and Inclusion Team who is learning and growing in their awareness as well as sharing with the congregation how we as individuals and as a congregation can be increasingly Equitable and Inclusive. Below we recommend a number of resources for reading and reflection.
Erindale Presbyterian Church
is a congregation of
The Presbyterian Church in Canada
We are an Affirming Congregation
A number of years ago Erindale adopted this Purpose and Values Statement:
As a fully inclusive and open-hearted congregation,
we are joyfully gathered around the presence of Jesus Christ
& guided by the Holy Spirit, as we: Grow in faith,
Worship in community, Share in mission & seek social justice,
Provide pastoral care and prayer, and live life’s deepest questions
so that we might live into the will of God for us in this time and place.
We at Erindale affirm and celebrate all who are a part of our faith family including our 2SLGBTQIA+ siblings. We are learning, working, and are committed to becoming a church where all are welcome and where we actively work against homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism, and the harm they cause.
Erindale is home to people who represent a wonderful diversity of faith and spirituality. Even in our differences, we pray we can all agree that ensuring the safety and well-being of every person in our congregation, from harm, is essential.
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please email or talk to your Elder or contact the church at erindalepc@rogers.com or 905-277-4564.
Erindale's Ministries
Recommended
Resources
re: anti-Black Racism
This is not an exhaustive list of resources. If you have recommendations, please email the church office.
This list is periodically updated.
Growing in awareness:
Books:
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How to be an Anti-Racist -- Ibram Kendi
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Good white racist? Confronting your role in racial injustice -- Kerry Connelly
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The Skin We're in -- by Desmond Cole
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White Fragility -- Robin DiAngelo
Podcasts:
Movies & Videos:
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coming soon
Recommended LGBTQ2+
Inclusion Resources
This is not an exhaustive list of resources. If you have recommendations, please email the church office.
This list is periodically updated.
Adult Books - Non-Fiction
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Shameless: A Sexual Revolution by Nadia Bolz-Weber
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Does Jesus Really Love Me? A Gay Christian's Pilgrimage in Search of God in America by Jeff Chu
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In the Shelter by Padraig O’Tuama Podcasts
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Blue Babies Pink (a coming out story from an evangelical Christian man)
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Un-Erased: The Story of Conversion Therapy in America
Websites:
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Reanimate: Drawn by the Spirit toward acts of courageous, inclusive and creative ministry within The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC).
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Generous Space Ministries: Encouraging Christ-centered spiritual formation by inviting people to work together to dismantle fear, division, and hostility at the intersection of faith, gender, and sexuality.
Picture Books
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Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
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My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis
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Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
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Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman
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Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders
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Heather has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman Middle Grade Books
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George by Alex Gino (trans issues; main character is 10 years old)
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Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart (trans issues)
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Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake Young
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Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli (nonconformity; accepting yourself and others for who they are)
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The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth (older YA--sexual content; evangelical church's response to gay/lesbian teens in the 90s)
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Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro (older YA, touches on sexuality, race, police violence)
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The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang (graphic novel dealing with gender)
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Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan (fantasy)
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Simon vs. the Homosapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (funny, being outed)
Films
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Tomboy (trans issues)
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Boys Don't Cry (trans issues)
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Moonlight (sexual identity)
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Prayer for Bobby (available on youtube)
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For the Bible Tells Me So (available on youtube)
Plays
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The Laramie Project (Matthew Shepard story)
Adult Books -- Fiction
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This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (Trans issues from a parent perspective)
Video: God is love