The East End United regional ministry came about in 2018 as a partnership between the Cosburn, Glen Rhodes, and Eastminster United Churches. These three charges chose in June 2017 to chart a new path that would allow them to define the legacy of their individual churches and become an agile, creative ministry that is responsive to opportunities arising from the relationships built within our neighbourhoods.
The discussions that led to this new form of ministry began over a decade ago and involved a number of United Church congregations in the east end of Toronto that chose not to continue in this project at this time. One of the principles of the new regional ministry reflected in this constitution is the concept that we will welcome and embrace new congregations as members of this ministry, giving others the opportunities to bring and amplify their gifts of ministry.
We will live out our mission to be a sustainable, social justice, and faith seeking spiritual community.
We acknowledge our presence on the traditional lands of the Mississauga, Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat peoples. Our history of colonization, also comes with a history of policing racialized people. As we draw our attention to the original peoples of this land who continue to seek justice, we also name black lives matter and add our voices to their cry for justice.
We declare publicly our commitment to creating a community where people of all ages, genders, races, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, differing abilities, cultural backgrounds, spiritual beliefs and economic circumstances are welcome.
All persons are welcome to take part in every aspect of church life including membership, leadership and celebrating life passages. We celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our church, even as it challenges us. We for God’s spirit to guide us as we work for reconciliation and justice for all persons in both church and society.