Latest news with #JohnPentland
Calgary Herald
09-08-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Calgary minister falls off ballot for next moderator of United Church of Canada
Calgary minister John Pentland fell short in his bid to become the next moderator of the United Church of Canada. Article content Pentland was nominated this year as a candidate from Chinook Winds and if elected, would have been the first Calgary minister to ascend to the role since Bill Phipps in 1997. Article content Article content Pentland's name was removed from the ballot following a second round of voting at the United Church's 45th annual General Council in Calgary on Saturday. The Council continues until Aug. 11 when the next moderator will be installed. Article content Article content Voting for the new moderator began Friday, with the five nominees narrowed to three by Saturday morning. Article content Article content The third round of voting will commence Saturday evening, wherein voters will choose between Dr. Samuel v. Dansokho from Quebec and Dr. Kimberly Health of Ontario. Article content Members from all across Canada packed the pews, leaned on bannisters, and crowded upper balconies. A pride flag hung on a pole above the congregation. Article content The apology, several years in the making, came in the form of a full church service. Leaders of the church spoke formally, sang their acceptance in call and response with the crowd, read from scripture in four different languages, and prayed for changes in the hearts of Alberta lawmakers. Article content
Calgary Herald
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Calgary minister could be the next moderator for United Church of Canada
Every day, when he leaves the house, John Pentland carries two things with him: the Bible and the iPhone. Article content Perhaps not always literally. But it's a metaphor that the Reverend of Hillhurst United Church in Calgary has carried close to his heart for the over 30 years that he has served as a minister in Alberta. Article content Article content 'When you do that, you have a relevant faith,' Pentland said, one that is current and inclusive. Article content Article content During his 20 years as spiritual leader at Hillhurst United Church, Pentland has grown the church from a financially struggling institution with fewer than 100 core worshippers to a 'corporate' church that today sees 350 worshippers a week. Boasting an 'affirming' nature that is inclusive to all communities, regardless of religion, ethnicity or identity, it has grown to be a success story among the United Church of Canada. Article content Nominated as a candidate by the Chinook Winds region of the United Church, Pentland's potential ascension to the role could mark the first time a Calgary minister has been elected in over 20 years. Article content Article content The last minister from Calgary to take over the role was Bill Phipps who served as moderator between 1997 to 2000. Currently, Dr. Carmen Lansdowne serves as the church's 44th moderator. Article content Pentland and Phipps share a lot in common, namely their views on inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community and their propensity for risk and innovation. Article content 'One of the things I see in the world right now is that we're very good at othering each other,' Pentland said. 'We (say) you're over there and I'm over here, but the distance between us actually won't (help us) get to know each other. Part of my job is to help us not other each other or judge each other.' Article content Regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or identity, Pentland said he believes 'everyone is spiritual.' Article content Bad religion, he said, is when the faith creates a 'separateness .. instead of a connection.'
