The members of the Unitarian Fellowship of Kelowna participate in many local and international outreach programs, both formally and informally. Here’s just a few of the programs we support:
Partner Church Program
Modern Unitarianism has its origins in 16th century Transylvania, now a part of Romania. Most of Europe at that time was steeped in rigid Roman Catholic enforcement of the church’s Trinitarian Doctrine and the persecution of non-Trinitarians (Unitarians) and yet there in that small corner or the world, religious tolerance was practiced and our faith survived.
And so it is with deep feelings of respect and of history that Unitarian communities across Canada and the United States are partnered with Unitarian villages and churches in Romania.
These communities have suffered much in modern day Europe from both World Wars and subsequently from the repressive communist regime of Nicolae Ceausescu. Today they are a tiny minority that is unsupported in any way by their local government.
And so Unitarian communities world wide support them. We provide our partner church in Csehetfalva with much needed help to maintain the village vehicle, to acquire medicines and to support communications by phone and internet to reduce isolation. We have assisted in flood relief, repair of the church, a new furnace, and care of their 17th century organ.
For more information regarding our partner church program please contact our church office at email: unitarian@telus.net
Inn from the Cold Kelowna
Inn from the Cold Kelowna is a volunteer-based registered charity operating a 35 bed winter shelter and a year-round assistance program, known as Inn Home Support, for persons recently housed or at risk for homelessness. IFTC runs a low barrier, co-ed shelter offering a warm, compassionate and safe refuge for both men and women in Kelowna.
The Unitarian Fellowship of Kelowna is proud of our long friendship with IFTC. Our first principle calls us to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person and we live our values by supporting this program in it’s effort to provide a warm, respectful shelter for those who would otherwise be trying to survive outside in sub zero temperatures.
Our Fellowship continues to participate and support IFTC with volunteers and financial assistance in the form of special collections and fundraising events. Additionally, our RE children participate in the program by having an annual “Angel Tree” at Christmas time, to collect much-needed items for the guests and shelter operations.
UFK members – if you would like to include your social justice or outreach program on this page please let us know!