eNews: June 18, 2025 – Issue 173

This Issue:

 

Letter from Vyda

 

Your CUC Board of Trustees Co-PresidentsRev Debra Faulk and Margaret Kohr

 

 Read the full announcement here.

 

 

 

 

 

Interview With Nicoline Guerrier, New Central/Eastern Congregational Life Lead

Rev. Nicoline Guerrier (she/they) recently began serving as the CUC’s Congregational Life Lead for the Central and Eastern regions. A bilingual lifelong UU based in Montreal, she most recently served as minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh, New York. Her long standing interest in ministering to organizations drew her to apply for the Congregational Life Lead position.

“I tend to have a view to the health of the organization above all,” she says. “So I’m excited about the opportunity to put that care for the health of organizations front and centre, both to individual congregations and communities that might want support from me, and to be part of an organization that’s rethinking its future, so that’s always interesting to me.”

Nicoline believes her long and varied history of involvement in Unitarian Universalism, including her roles as a lay chaplain, minister, and compensation consultant with the Unitarian Universalist Association has prepared her well for her new role.

“I bring long years of collaboration, being with my UU people, ministering to, and also reflecting on what is the purpose of our movement in these changing times when church feels irrelevant to a lot of people?” she says.

Given her return to Canadian UU life after spending the past eight years ministering to an American congregation, Nicoline says her primary focus initially will be to listen and learn from those she’ll be serving and working with.

CUC AGM Highlights

Over 100 Canadian UU participants, of whom more than 70 were delegates, attended the Canadian Unitarian Council’s (CUC’s) Annual General Meeting (AGM), held online Saturday, May 31, 2025. Although there had been discussion about using gradients of agreement instead of a simple yes or no vote prior to the AGM, this tool wasn’t ultimately used. No motions were presented at the AGM other than those concerning the routine business of the CUC.

Delegates received reports from CUC staff, committees, and working groups including the Lay Chaplaincy Committee, Bylaw Review Committee, LIFES Crew, and the Activating Canadian Ecosystem Initiative. Highlights included Executive Director Vyda Ng’s report, which recapped the challenges and successes of the past year, noting that many member congregations are facing similar challenges, and that addressing these collaboratively is the best approach to take going forward. The work of the CUC, in the form of both events and its less visible but equally vital tasks, will continue to be guided by the organization’s vision; the eight principles; and the goal and strategic priorities approved at the 2024 AGM, an updated version of which will be presented next year. 

Joanne Green, the CUC’s Treasurer, presented reports on the audited financial statements and an overview of the CUC’s financial position. She noted that the CUC’s financial position had been impacted by factors such as an increased reliance on investments as source of income over Annual Program Contributions (APCs) from member congregations, while expressing appreciation to all the CUC’s member congregations for paying their APCs in full. Motions to approve the 2024 financial statements, 2025 budget and 2026 budget in principle all passed. Attendees also heard from Alan Harmon, the CUC’s portfolio manager, who noted that the market has been affected by the uncertainty surrounding economic policy in the US and cautioned that this is likely to continue over the coming years.

After the adjournment of the formal part of the meeting, Minister Observer to the Board Rev. Shawn Gauthier installed the CUC’s Board of Trustees, and there were also announcements regarding the recipients of the Sharing Our Faith and Theological Education Fund Grants and the Knight Award.

How many Canadian UUs does it take to put together an online AGM? Check out the CUC’s Facebook post to find out!

Leadership Transitions

Canadian Unitarian Universalism depends on the involvement of dedicated volunteers in a variety of areas  to carry out its mission. Here are some of the transitions happening on a national level.

Canadian Unitarian Council  Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees works mainly in the background, guiding the Canadian Unitarian Council’s (CUC’s) work of “Growing Vital Unitarian Communities” through policy and governance. They ask, on our behalf, big questions about our collective welfare, and engage in planning for our future. This group is formed by dedicated volunteers from across the country, and they juggle many priorities to serve our faith community – family life, job demands, congregational roles, studies.

The current board  has two trustees from the BC region, two from the Western region, and two each from the Central and Eastern regions, plus a minister observer and two youth observers. 

This year, we are saying goodbye to two members of the Board: Yvette Salinas, who served one three-year term as a trustee for the Eastern region, and Liz Goodger, who stepped in to fill a vacancy left in the Western region. Kiersten Moore is also leaving after serving a year as  past-president, as is our non-board member Treasurer Joanne Green. We also thank departing Senior Youth Observer to the Board Lea Bomford-Moore, and departing Minister Observer to the Board Rev. Arran Morton. 

At the Annual General Meeting, we welcomed two new Board members: Louise Charach and Tessa Walsh. Please see the separate article in this issue for their bios.

The 2025-26 Board of Trustees is:

    • Co-Presidents: Margaret Kohr – First Toronto, Central Region & Rev. Debra Faulk – Victoria, BC Region 
    • Treasurer: James Garland – Durham, Central Region 
    • Secretary: Margo Ellis – Montreal, Eastern Region 
    • Alexandra Okrainetz – Vancouver, BC Region
    • Louise Charach – Edmonton, Western Region
    • Ilara Stefaniuk-Gaudet – Edmonton, Western Region 
    • Tessa Walsh – Fredericton, Eastern Region
    • Rev. Shawn Gauthier – Minister Observer
    • Daniel LeDuc – Sr. Youth Observer
    • Lila Grierson – Jr. Youth Observer

Contact: board@cuc.ca 

Nominating Committee

The CUC’s Nominating Committee has the important task of searching for Unitarian Universalists (UUs) with the necessary experience and skill to serve on the Board of Trustees. Their members span the country and possess knowledge of the requirements for Board members, and familiarity with congregations and UUs across Canada.

Kim Turner (Halifax) is leaving the Nominating Committee after four years of service, and Lesley Giroday (Comox Valley) is leaving after three years of service. We thank both Kim and Lesley for their dedicated service!

The Nominating Committee welcomes Pam Griffin-Hody, who was acclaimed at the Annual General Meeting (please see the separate article in this issue for her bio). The Western Region position remains vacant as of this time.

The 2024-25 Nominating Committee is:

    • Jamie Struthers, Regina (BC/Western Region)
    • Carey McDonald, Guelph (Central Region)
    • Lillias Cowper, Calgary (Western Region)
    • Cindy Dunning, Kingston (Eastern Region)
    • Pam Griffin-Hody, Halifax (Eastern Region)

Contact: nominations@cuc.ca 

Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada

The professional Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada (UUMOC) provide us with spiritual and pastoral guidance, and are an integral and vital part of our national faith community. They covenant together to promote excellence in ministry, within and outside of congregations. Through personal learning, growth and mutual support, they equip themselves to be visionary leaders within the Unitarian Universalist movement in Canada and internationally. 

The 2025 – 2026 UUMOC Executive Committee is:

    • Co-Presidents – Samaya Oakley (Western Region) and Ben Robins (Eastern Region)
    • Vice-President –  Karen Fraser Gitlitz (BC Region) 
    • Secretary – Melora Lynngood (BC)
    • Treasurer – Rosemary Morrison (Western Region)
    • Minister Observer to the Board – Shawn Gauthier (BC)

We thank Rev. Arran Morton, outgoing Minister Observer to the CUC Board, for his service to our national faith community.

Contact: uumocexec@gmail.com

National Lay Chaplain Committee

The Canadian Unitarian Council’s National Lay Chaplain Committee oversees training coordination for lay chaplains, updates to the Lay Chaplain manual, and changes to policies and practices. It also liaises with congregational lay chaplain committees. 

The 2025 – 2026 National Lay Chaplain Committee is:

    • Beth McLin (Nanaimo)
    • Mary-Anna Louise Kovar (Calgary)
    • Christina Swindells-Nadar (Winnipeg)
    • Lyla Miklos (Hamilton)
    • Anne Coward (Kingston) 
    • Guy Belleperche (Ottawa First)

Contact: lcc@cuc.ca

CUC Welcomes New Board and Nominating Committee Members

The CUC’s Board of Trustees and Nominating Committee welcomed new members by acclamation at the AGM May 31.

Board of Trustees

Teresa Walsh (Eastern Region)
Teresa Walsh has vocational experience in healthcare, customer relations, logistic network, and facility management which has led her to her current profession as a funeral director assistant in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She became a member of the Unitarian Fellowship of Fredericton (UFF) in 2023 and has been involved with a variety of committees including serving as the Co-Chair of the Public Awareness Committee and the Co-Chair of Building & Grounds Committee; she also served as the Associate Vice President and Vice President of Finance and Facilities on the Board. Teresa would like to support the congregations within the Eastern Region, help find solutions for any issues that arise within CUC, bring  back skills to the UFF , and be a good representative /advocate for other young adults involved in Unitarianism. 

Louise Charach (Western Region)
Louise Charach lives in Edmonton, Alberta where she has lived her entire adult life. Her career highlights include work in television and film as a writer/producer. After receiving her Masters Degree in Sociology, Louise worked most notably in the field of addictions and held several senior positions with the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC), retiring as an Executive Director in 2007. Louise and her spouse Larry joined the Unitarian Church of Edmonton(UCE) in 2000 where they have both remained active members. Louise served as a board member and participated in several ministries. She co-authored a Governance Report in 2019 with UCE colleagues to lead UCE to best practices and excellence in Governance and has since chaired a Governance Implementation Team to ensure implementation of the recommendations. Louise is currently Chair of The Right Relations Team for UCE and a member of the newly formed UCE Communications and Marketing Team. Louise is honoured to join the CUC Board and looks forward to supporting deep connections and strong communication across the CUC community.

Nominating Committee

Pam Griffin-Hody (Eastern Region)
Pam has been a member of the Universalist Unitarian Community of Halifax (UUCH) since 2018 when she retired home to Nova Scotia. She was previously a member of Ottawa First. Marrying into a Unitarian family, Pam has been hanging out in UU spaces since the 80s in Moncton, Halifax, Ottawa, and Unicamp. Over the years, Pam has been an RE teacher, Youth Advisor, Choir member, and for the past seven years has served in various positions on the Board of UUCH where she is currently the Past President. She also serves on UUCH’s Worship Committee. Pam retired after a long career in university administration at Carleton University in Ottawa and Dalhousie University in Halifax. Her working life included four years as full-time union president and three years as a Governor of Carleton University as well as numerous volunteer positions with her union. She also volunteered with Girl Guides of Canada for 20 years in various leadership roles. Pam’s skills include administrative and people. She wants to play a role in finding diverse, committed, and passionate UUs to fill CUC Board vacancies. 

Charity of the Month: Unicamp

In the early 1960s, members of the Willowdale Unitarian Fellowship were dreaming of a camp in Ontario similar to the Unirondack Camp in New York State. The result was Unicamp, founded in 1969 on a site north of Shelburne. As  the only Unitarian Universalist camp and retreat centre in Canada, Unicamp’s 50-acre property provides opportunities for hundreds of people of all ages to nourish their spirits through UU values-based programs and to experience a multigenerational spiritual community. Programming includes:

    • In July, a sleep-over camp experience, grounded in UU Principles, for approximately 150 children ages 7 to 13. It provides leadership training and spiritual exploration opportunities for youth ages 14  to 17 and summer camp jobs for many youth and young adults. These programs have resulted in generations of young people strengthening their connections to our UU Principles and faith. 
    • In August, family camps allow members of participating congregations to gather for fellowship and fun, strengthening inter-congregational connections; and welcoming many newcomers each year who learn about the UU faith. 
    • Many special events from May to October: weddings, artist workshops, writing workshops, musical and dance events culminating in a great Thanksgiving Dinner.   

Unfortunately, Unicamp faces severe financial challenges for 2025 and 2026. It suffered devastating ice storm damage in April and the loss of a summer jobs grant this year, creating a budget shortfall of over $86,000. We’re grateful for the donors who have contributed approximately $17,000 to date. 

As one Unicamper commented, “Coming to Kids Camp and the CIT (Counsellor in Training) program changed my life and contributed heavily to me becoming who I am, and I would want to see that this is preserved for future generations of kids and youth.” Donating today will ensure that this dream becomes a reality, and that Unicamp will retain its unique role in Canadian UUism in Canada for years to come.

Rev. Nicole McKay Receives Mandate from Chaplain General

Rev. Nicole McKay is currently based out of Canadian Forces Borden in Ontario, where she serves as a Unitarian Universalist chaplain. She is the first person to hold such a position with the Canadian Forces. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s Trinity College, she was ordained by the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto in May of 2023, and serves as its  affiliated community minister.

During a ceremony on May 15, 2025, Rev. McKay received her mandate from the Chaplain General and her chaplain scarf. The mandate outlines her professional responsibility to care for all in her service to Canada. The chaplain scarf can be worn in her military uniform during ceremonial occasions, similar to a stole in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. Her scarf bears the emblem of the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service depicting the tree of life with the branch motto “Vocatio Ad Servitium” (Called to Serve).

Rev. Nicole is pictured here with her spouse after the ceremony. This is a milestone in her ministry and for Unitarian Universalism in Canada.

Summer Dismantling Barriers Events

Join Dismantling Barriers Lead Camellia Jahanshahi for two upcoming events.

June 26: Join us for the last Dismantling Barriers session for the 2024-2025 year and start your summer off on a joyful note! June 26 from 7-8:30pm ET we’ll be talking about how joy sustains us and how we can mobilize with joy. Find the registration at this link here.

August 30: Save the date! The Congregational Lifes Team and Dismantling Barriers Lead will be collaborating for the first of a series of sessions on adrienne maree brown’s book Emergent Strategy on August 30 from 1-3pm ET on Zoom. An event will go up on the CUC website very soon to register. 

In Faith and With Appreciation

Dear Ones, 

On Friday June 13, my 23 years of work with the Canadian Unitarian Council came to an end.  My mind and my heart hold memories of so many of you – all the people I’ve had a chance to work alongside.  We have done good work.  

I am grateful to so many;

    • My CUC colleagues — staff and Board, who have always shown commitment and collegiality.
    • Ministerial colleagues, some who saw the minister in me before I did, and all who cheered me on as I began to imagine myself as an ordained leader.
    • I’ve worked with some great teams, and am grateful to everyone who has said yes to the National Lay Chaplaincy Committee, the Planning for Growth and Vitality team, the Dreams and Dollars project, and the Shining Lights group. 
    • The facilitators and participants in the two key Leadership training programs, Canadian UU Leadership (CUUL) School and Serving with Spirit, which have, I learned, been very meaningful, even many years later, to many.
    • The members and leaders of our UU communities – your care and dedication have always inspired me. 

I’ve been joking a bit when we’ve talked about the future of UUism in Canada, that it wasn’t my problem.  But the truth is, it still is.  UUism is part of me, and I have been part of it. I can’t imagine my future without affiliation with a UU community.  So what happens is, in fact, of concern to me.  My relationship with the work will be different; I’ll become more of a cheerleader than a planner, but my heart will be in it, along with you. 

This work and my connections — with each one of you — have greatly enriched my life.  

Thank you for all that you do. Your efforts and commitment to Canadian Unitarian Universalism are truly appreciated. 

With unbounded gratitude, 

Rev. Linda Thomson

Canadian Unitarian Universalist Recognize Dedication and Innovation with Grants

Each year, the Canadian Unitarian Council recognizes the achievements and aspirations of congregations and individuals dedicated to living out the CUC’s vision, aspirations, and principles. On Saturday, May 31, we were honoured to announce the recipients of the Sharing our Faith grants and Theological Education Fund.

Sharing our Faith Grants

The Sharing Our Faith Grants recognize and support congregational initiatives that enhance ministry, aid congregational projects and outreach, and help grow the Unitarian Universalist movement in Canada. Congregations contribute to a special collection for the Sharing Our Faith fund.  These funds, with contributions from the Foundation Fund held by the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, are allocated as grants to congregations who are implementing growth projects and initiatives.

This year, Sharing Our Faith grants were awarded to:

Theological Education Funds

While the Sharing Our Faith grants are awarded to groups or projects, the CUC also recognizes and supports individuals. The Theological Education Bursaries consist of monies from the Rouff-Mackie Jenkins fund administered by the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, the Percy Simpson Bailey fund, and by special collections at ordinations and installations. 

The bursaries support Canadian Unitarian Universalists (UUs) who are studying to become ministers and those who have continuing education expenses.  The bursaries also provide financial support to congregations that wish to hire an intern minister, or provide internships. 

This year, the Theological Education Funds were awarded to:

    • Ilara Stefaniuk-Gaudet of Edmonton, currently  studying at St. Stephen’s College in the same city.  
    • Casey Stainsby of Vancouver currently studying at  Vancouver School of Theology.
    • Rev. John Adams of Greater Montreal, currently in a  Doctoral program at Claremont School of Theology in California. 

Each recipient will receive $8,000 for a total of $24,000.

Congratulations to all the award recipients, and thank you to those whose generous donations and bequests have made these gifts possible.

John Michell of Calgary Unitarians Receives Knight Award

The Victor and Nancy Knight Living Tribute Award honours the ideals exemplified by the lives and work of Nancy and Victor Knight in furthering the principles of Unitarianism in Canada, and is presented to a living person who has, as a volunteer, contributed at the national level towards furthering these ideals. As an encouragement for others to follow the Knights’ example, an award is made every two years funded by the income of the fund.

Nominations are solicited from across the country, and those who have already become “Knights” deliberate and choose the next honouree.

On May 31, at the CUC AGM, John Michell of Calgary Unitarians was awarded the 2025 Knight Award by Rev. Brian Kiely. Kiely’s remarks were as follows:

“John Michell was a tireless treasurer of the CUC board for 6 years from 2006 to 2012.  After that term came to an end, John accepted a nomination to join the Board of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, serving UU communities in dozens of nations. There he again took on the role of Treasurer in a difficult time.  Aside from his own work, he continued a tradition of having a Canadian on the ICUU Board since its inception.  He is the kind of person who always tried to say yes to requests for his time, who always worked to make sure the money was managed responsibly, who is always happy to fight for his views and to accept the decisions whether they went his way or not.

Closer to home, John has been a longtime member of Calgary Unitarians holding multiple board positions including several presidencies.  He was a long term member of the finance committee, the principal technical person for all computer systems and website issues and a devoted member of the choir.

John has been a constant presence at every Western Regional gathering and a great promoter of attending regional and national CUC conferences. And he always has a contribution for the Saturday Night Talent Show, most often his infamous pirate song. 

John personifies the values of our shared faith and the CUC within Canada and around the world.  It is indeed an honour to recognize John Michell as the newest recipient of the Victor and Nancy Knight Living Tribute Award.”

Remembering the Pride Rainbow Project

June is Pride month, and for five people who grew up in the Calgary Unitarians congregation, it’s sure to hold a special significance.

The group set out in 2003 with the goal of creating a giant rainbow banner in support of equal marriage rights, never imagining that they would eventually create one 500-feet long which they would display on Parliament Hill in June 2005, just a month before the vote that made equal marriage the law in Canada.

Various sections of the banner have appeared at same sex-weddings and in Pride parades, and a part of it is now displayed at the Canadian Museum of History. In this piece, Christine Mishra, one of the five, reflects on the banner’s unlikely journey and its lasting significance.

Help Map UU Reconciliation & Indigenous Solidarity Work

Gathering at Watch house, BC, May 2018As part of the Canadian Unitarian Council’s collective commitment to truth, justice, and right relationship, we are building a database of reconciliation initiatives across the country, including which congregations have repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery and related actions. This reconciliation database will help us:

    • Understand what’s already happening
    • Foster collaboration and peer support
    • Inform Canadian UUs directly about relevant upcoming programming

If you’re involved in this work—or know someone who is—please take a moment to fill out this short form (10 mins). This will allow us to reach out directly with invitations and opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other.

Honouring the 10th Anniversary of the TRC
To mark the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report, the CUC will be hosting a series of Indigenous Solidarity-focused events throughout the month of September. Please stay tuned—more details will be shared soon.

Resources Available
We also want to remind you that we have a wealth of reconciliation and solidarity resources available to support this work, including: 

If you have trouble accessing these resources, or if you need any guidance, please contact Amber Bellemare at amber.bellemare@cuc.ca. As well, some of the materials in these resources may be unlinked or out of date. We appreciate your help in letting us know if you come across any such thing.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to living into our UU Principles through meaningful, sustained relationship-building. We look forward to hearing from you and journeying this path together.

Things to Know About the CUC: 

Members of the CUC Board and Nom

 

  

 

 

What’s Making Us Smile

Ever wondered what it takes to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records? As an Australian town prepares to perform the world’s largest “happy dance”, here are some pointers.

 

 

 

CUC Events from June 18, 2025 to June 26, 2025

Share what’s going on in your congregation. Contact communications@cuc.ca

Dismantling Barriers: Talking About Joy as Resistance
June 26: 4:00 pm PT | 5:00 pm MT | 6:00 pm CT | 7:00 pm ET | 8:00 pm AT | 8:30 pm NT  (90 minutes)

Canadian UU Church Administrators Chat
September 16:  9:00 am PT | 10:00 am MT | 11:00 am CT | 12:00 pm ET | 1:00 pm AT | 2:30 pm NT  (60 minutes)

Dismantling Barriers: Engaging with Conciliation
September 25:  4:00 pm PT | 5:00 pm MT | 6:00 pm CT | 7:00 pm ET | 8:00 pm AT | 8:30 pm NT (90 minutes)

Lay Chaplains Chat
October 27: 4:30 pm PT | 5:30 pm MT | 6:30 pm CT | 7:30 pm  ET | 8:30 pm AT |  9:00pm NT (90 minutes)

Dismantling Barriers: Lessons from Hogan’s Alley
October 23: 4:30 pm PT | 5:30 pm MT | 6:30 pm CT | 7:30 pm  ET | 8:30 pm AT |  9:00pm NT (90 minutes)

Dismantling Barriers: Engaging with Queer and Trans Solidarity
November 27:  4:30 pm PT | 5:30 pm MT | 6:30 pm CT | 7:30 pm  ET | 8:30 pm AT |  9:00pm NT (90 minutes)

 

Enews written by Kenzie Love, CUC Writer, and Prepared and Formatted by Brigitte Twomey, CUC Website Specialist