Exploring Apologies and Forgiveness

At the beginning of General Council 45 in August 2025, a significant service was held that marked the United Church of Canada’s long overdue Apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ Communities. 

This apology is to be a living apology, one that does not end with saying, “I’m sorry,” but continues with concrete actions. 

As defined by the Iridesce project,  a living apology commits to ongoing action and change, repairing harm and working toward reconciliation. A living apology includes storytelling by those harmed and careful listening by those offering the apology. It engages an ongoing process of living into a new reality that demonstrates the words of the apology.

In the following Exploring Apologies and Forgiveness section, you will find the complete Apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ Communities service that was part of General Council 45. Materials from this service may be used to shape your own worship. In addition, various articles in the section touch on themes that may be helpful in sermon and worship preparation.

We invite you to explore these materials and consider how they might shape your explorations and celebrations during Pride season.