Networking

Social and Ecological Justice Networks
for Antler River Watershed Region


Scriptural Faith Basis

I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live…. Ezekiel 37.6
When people are joined together, like the bones in Ezekiel, with skin and sinew and muscle and spirit, they can achieve a lot more than they can as dry bones inert and alone. Networks, while not formal governance bodies, are central to the living out of the faith of the United Church of Canada. Their purpose is, like sinews, to link people throughout the church working on specific issues or projects, so that they can work together, more effectively.

Antler River Watershed Region Networks

Since UCC restructuring in January 2019, this network has evolved from the former Division of Social Justice of London Conference. The intent of this network brings together individuals also involved in other networks and working groups particularly those ‘living in covenant with Mother Earth and All My Relations in the Earth community’ (as noted in the Manual C.2.4 Purpose)

Social and Ecological Justice Network of Antler River Watershed Region
Outreach Missions

Supported by United Church of Canada congregations and members

Refugee Sponsorships

Supported by United Church of Canada congregations and members

Affordable Housing

Indwell – Julie Ryan, Fundraising and Community Co-ordinator, jryan@indwell.ca; http://www.indwell.ca

Community Social and Ecological Justice Groups

Individual United Churches and members participate in the following groups:

  • London Social Justice Forum – Jeff Hanks, jeffryhanks@gmail.com, 236-448-3067, Recording of their September 12-13, 2020 event is on the Oxford Coalition Facebook page.
  • Ingersoll and District Inter-Church Committee, https://windsoressex.cioc.ca/record/OXF0297; meal programs – the Supper Club and the Lunch Bunch. Under STICH aka ‘Stronger Together Ingersoll Community Harvest’.
Municipal Programs

https://www.londonenvironment.net (municipal program)

Ontario United Church Networks
  • Palestine and Israel Educational Opportunities – Kathy Douglas, Minister for Faith Formation, Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, and Western Ontario Waterways – KDouglas@united-church.ca ; Curtis Marwood, Canadian Friends of Sabeel – CFOS.Curtis@gmail.com

In the other 2 Regions of this ‘tri-region’ (Western Ontario Waterways Region and Horseshoe Falls Region), there are distinct groups which have been organized specific justice issues. These will be added as suggested.

National United Church Networks
  • Affirm United, https://affirmunited.ause.ca/: ‘Works for the full inclusion of people of all gender identities  and sexual orientations in the United Church of Canada and in society.’
  • United for Mining Justice: https://www.unitedforminingjustice.com/ : ‘A network of United Church of Canada folks and allies working for just extractive sector laws and practices, for an accountable Canadian mining industry, and for local and national sovereign jurisdiction over mineral resources.’
Networks Beyond the United Church, in partnership with the United Church
  • For the Love of Creation https://fortheloveofcreation.ca/, multi-faith based initiative re Climate Crisis
  • United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel (UNJPPI), www.unjppi.org : ‘A network working toward the goal of a just peace in Palestine and Israel by calling for an end to the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and equal rights for all who live in Palestine/Israel through education and advocacy.’
  • Canadian Friends of Sabeel, friendsofsabeel.ca : ‘Committed to standing in solidarity with Palestinians and raising awareness in Canada of the struggle of Palestinian Christians.’
  • Citizens for Public Justice, www.cpj.ca : ‘Seeks human flourishing and the integrity of creation as our faithful response to God’s call for love and justice.’
  • Canadian Foodgrains Bank, www.foodgrainsbank.ca : ‘Working together to end global hunger.’
  • KAIROS Canada, www.kairoscanada.org : ‘Indigenous, settlers and newcomers in Canada working with people of faith or conscience all over the world for ecological justice and human rights.’
  • Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC), www.isarc.ca : ‘A provincial network of faith groups working together for greater social justice.’
  • Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network, www.edan-wcc.org : ‘EDAN works on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of the church and society.’

Network Resources

The Network Weaver Handbook is a good place to start, ‘a practical guide for people interested in catalyzing a new network or enhancing an existing one.’ Available as a pdf at https://networkweaver.com/product/network-weaver-handbook-pdf/

If you have further questions about forming or joining a network, contact:

  • Diane Matheson-Jimenez, Minister for Social Justice, Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, and Western Ontario Waterways – DMatheson@united-church.ca
  • Kathy Douglas, Minister for Faith Formation, Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, and Western Ontario Waterways – KDouglas@united-church.ca
  • Thérèse Samuel, Minister for Right Relations and Social Justice, Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, and Western Ontario Waterways – tsamuel@united-church.ca
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