 Moderator Mardi... 
Moderator Mardi Tindal's blog: Salt, light, and Black historyPosted on: 02/02/2011 14:51Earlier today I passed along a note from Walter Sowa about former Moderator Dr. Bob McClure. I also find myself thinking today about the Very Rev. Dr. Wilbur Howard, the first Black Moderator of The United Church of Canada, 1974–1977, and what a long and often difficult journey Black leaders and members have had in the United Church.
These leaders so often demonstrate what it means to be salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13–20, this Sunday’s gospel), as does the Journeys of Black Peoples in The United Church of Canada, helping to restore the saltiness of our church. I felt privileged to join the journey at last summer’s event by this name.
Among many impressive Black leaders who have been—and are—salt and light, I was introduced to the story of Viola Desmond at that gathering. I had never before known about Viola Desmond, a remarkable Canadian woman. Nine years before Rosa Parks decided to sit at the front of the bus, Viola sat in the “Whites only” section of a Halifax movie theatre. Viola paid the price and went to jail. Last April the government of Nova Scotia finally apologized and issued a posthumous pardon.
Why hadn’t I known about Viola earlier, and why was an apology so long in coming? Whatever the reasons (and some of them obviously have to do with the legacy of racism), I know now, and hearing her story of courage is inspiring.
Particularly throughout Black History Month, we have opportunities to learn more of our history as Canada and as a church of Canada. You’ll want to check out the new DVD, Sankofa: Histories and Heritages of Black Peoples in The United Church of Canada.
My congregation always plans special Black History events during February. How do you celebrate Black History Month in your congregation?
I'd also love to see memories shared here of Wilbur Howard's leadership. He - and your memories of him - are important to the soul and community of The United Church of Canada.
Want to stay up to date on this blog? Subscribe by e-mail or RSS.
|
 EmergingSpirit
Paint Your Faith Vancouver TrailerPosted on: 08/04/2010 17:17Brought to you by Wondercafe.ca and First United Church Mission, the Paint Your Faith project hit the city of Vancouver in April 2010 with a stunning display of contemporary street art. Working as collective, four internationally acclaimed aerosol artists -- Faith47 (South Africa), Titi Freak (Brazil), Peeta (Italy), and Vancouver's own Indigo -- brought their own expressions of faith to a unique and inspiring mural on the city's Downtown Eastside. As it was being created, the mural became a sign of hope for the DTES, bringing together the community in new and surprising ways. For more information, see www.paintyourfaith.ca, or you can visit the Paint Your Faith Vancouver mural at 55-57 W. Hastings Street, across from the Woodwards Building.
|