A special worship service was created with ecumenical and interfaith leadership for August 1, 2021, the first federally recognized Emancipation Day throughout Canada. Emancipation Day we remember that on August 1, 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect, putting an end to legalized enslavement of people of African and Indigenous ancestry in the territory now known as Canada. This ecumenical service can be used in February (African Heritage Month/Black History Month), or any week to celebrate African heritage, human rights and anti-racism.
The service was created by an interfaith group with financial support from member churches of the Canadian Council of Churches. United Church of Canada support included financial support from the regional councils of Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways.