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Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth national gathering (CLAY)

The Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth Gathering (CLAY) brings together youth (ages 14–19) from across Canada for a shared Anglican–Lutheran multi-day gathering of worship, fellowship, learning and faith formation. Hosted jointly by the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, CLAY offers an opportunity for young people to deepen their faith, build community and explore Christian discipleship in an ecumenical context.

Held every two years, CLAY gathers participants from across the country for worship, workshops, keynote teaching, music, small-group discussion, service and community building. Past themes have addressed hope, healing and renewal; future gatherings continue to emphasize inclusion, accessibility and faithful Christian living for young people in a changing world.

Suggested uses

  • Information and invitation for youth groups considering participation in CLAY
  • Parish or synod youth ministry planning and recruitment
  • Youth group discussion and reflection on ecumenical identity and Christian community
  • Resource for clergy, youth leaders and families to understand CLAY’s purpose, structure and opportunities

Key themes

  • Ecumenical fellowship between Anglican and Lutheran traditions
  • Youth faith formation, discipleship and belonging in Christ
  • Worship, music, dialogue and Christian community
  • Inclusion, accessibility and respect for diversity among young people
  • Mission, justice and service rooted in Christian values

Best suited for: youth participants (ages 14–19), youth group leaders, parish youth ministries, diocesan youth committees, clergy and families seeking information on national ecumenical youth gatherings and Christian formation opportunities for young people.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.