Priority:
Anti-Racism
The United Church of Canada Foundation is committed to becoming an anti-racist organization.
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works.
– Psalm 139:13-14
Our Foundational Priorities
In 2022, the Foundation is establishing four priorities: Ideals we will use to guide our organization forward. Learn more about our other priorities by clicking the button below:
We believe that God has created us all with love, and that racism and hatred against others does not belong in Canada and around the world. We believe that we are all wonderfully made, and we all belong in God’s world.
In March 2021, the Foundation’s board confirmed its intention to become an anti-racist organization. At that time the board named several areas of work that have been initially engaged, including:
Racial justice training
for staff and volunteers
Naming racial justice
as an impact investing theme
Requiring prospective grantees to account for the full diversity of their communities
Our Commitment
By striving to become an anti-racist organization, the Foundation commits ourselves to continued training, discussion, revision of processes, procedures, policies and the incorporation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles in all our work as part of our journey to learn, grow, and be transformed.
Becoming Anti-Racist: Works in Action
Funding an Anti-Racism Awareness Project
A recent grant to Fort Saskatchewan Community of Faith in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta benefited an Anti-Racism Awareness Project that focused on the impact of emancipation in Canada.
The project published contributions from writers about the importance of commemorating Emancipation Day.
The project succeeded in raising awareness about the historical reality of African slavery in Canada and to its ensuing effect on present-day society.
Supporting Anti-Racism Scholarship
With our support, McGeachy Senior Scholar Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd examined colonial attitudes and actions throughout the United Church mission mandates both at home and abroad. Her findings identified a new theological approach grounded in community while honouring diverse identities, which we hope will inform new approaches to mission mandates and practices.
Encouraging Racism-centric Conversations
Our grant to the Alberta and Northwest Conference supported An Awkward Conversation in the Church – A conversation about race, discrimination and the mission of The United Church of Canada.
Participants at the 2-day gathering discussed race and discrimination in the context of Canada and the mission of the church. Furthermore, they identified ways the Conference could respond to these issues.
Supporting Immigrants and Refugees
One of the Foundation’s first impact investments was in Windmill Microlending. Windmill offers microloans to enable skilled immigrants and refugees further their careers in Canada.
The loans support new Canadians in their settlement journeys by unlocking their economic potential and advancing their prosperity. This benefits not only new Canadians but the country as a whole.
United, we: will make a difference
Committed to becoming an organization that is truly welcoming and inclusive, we look forward to learning from and being transformed by one another as we journey forward.
Walk with us; let’s take each Spirit-led step together!
Jesus commissioned followers to “Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Mark 12:31, NRSV) Answering this call, as disciples of Christ, let us love one another as wonderfully and unconditionally as God loves us. Your support of the Foundation will help us become an Anti-Racist organization and support Anti-Racism initiatives and conversations across Canada and beyond.
