"We, the United Church of Canada, express our deepest apologies to all those, who have experienced homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia within the United Church of Canada,"

Clergy members donned rainbow vestments alongside their classic white collars Friday morning, as hundreds of United Church members gathered in downtown Calgary to issue a formal apology to the LBGTQ+ community.

Members from all across Canada packed the pews, leaned on bannisters, and crowded upper balconies. A pride flag hung on a pole above the congregation.

Recommended Videos

The apology, several years in the making, came in the form of a full church service. Leaders of the church spoke formally, sang their acceptance in call and response with the crowd, read from scripture in four different languages, and prayed

See Full Page