United Church Moderator takes up challenge of sharing the Good News
The relatively new Moderator of the United Church of Canada isn’t one to shy away from controversy.
Besides being the first openly gay leader of a major Canadian Christian denomination, Right Rev. Gary Paterson is also the leader of a church that has “categorically” rejected construction of the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline, which has a proposed route stretching from northern Alberta to Kitimat, B.C.
“I have a real passion for the United Church and think it’s an important voice, particularly its emphasis on a progressive, thinking theology that embraces science and culture and the movement of the world and also its commitment to an inclusivity that is expressed typically through our gay/lesbian welcome and ordination of women,” says Paterson.
“I see we have a number of things we can offer both wider Christendom and the world. And at the same time, like many main line liberal, Protestant denominations — in fact all denominations if one is truthful really — this is a time of real challenge. We are facing aging membership, shrinking numbers, declining finances. A number of churches are feeling a little overwhelmed and even moments of despair. I think we need to face up to the challenge realistically and then say what’s on the other side and where do we find this as an opportunity to change.”
Paterson says a huge number of people say they are spiritual but not religious and he says that expresses a failure of churches to be able to share Good News.
“People are still asking the questions but they aren’t hearing much that feeds them from the traditional church. So I want to figure out how we bridge that,” adds Paterson.
Paterson, of Vancouver, was elected Moderator of the United Church of Canada by the 41st General Council in August. He was ordained in 1977.
In a profile on its website, it says Paterson believes the United Church of Canada must discover once again what “being church” really means. What are the practices that sustain and shape its faith? How can “church” model a different kind of community, so that people want to be part of that? How does it share its faith with visitors, strangers, and the community? What is United Church evangelism?
Paterson is in the Calgary area this weekend for a couple of different engagements including taking part in Sunday service at the Hillhurst United Church.
Because he’s received several emails expressing concern about the church’s stance on the pipeline issue, he will visit Fort McMurray next Wednesday and Thursday to hear people’s opinions.