A Place at the Table: Alan Lai

“This photograph is an invitation… It’s a welcoming piece, showing the diversity of the church and encouraging people to explore what the United Church is about.”

For Alan Lai, a photographer and ordained minister of The United Church of Canada, “A Place at the Table” exemplifies his deep commitment to authentic representation, active collaboration, and bold reflection. As an ordained minister and former theological educator, Alan approaches his art with a profound sense of purpose.

When the church invited him to capture a photograph inspired by The Last Supper, Alan was honored by the opportunity. He saw it as a chance to authentically represent the diverse identities within the United Church. “I love art, I love photography, and it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase what the United Church is about today,” he explains.

For Alan, this project was not just about creating a beautiful image but about embracing the church’s ongoing journey. Reflecting on the biblical Last Supper, Alan notes, “It was a relationship-building time, preparing the disciples for what might come.” He sees this iconic meal as a powerful symbol of community and preparation for the future, which aligns perfectly with the church’s mission of inclusivity and spirituality.

Although he had not met the participants in “A Place at the Table” before, Alan was confident that the wisdom and talent of the group would bring the project together. “I might not know exactly what will happen, but I trust that this group’s collective effort will make it happen,” he shares. The photograph, ultimately, was a collaborative process, drawing on diverse cultural, ethnic, and theological perspectives to reflect the church’s modern identity.

Alan also recognized the power of “A Place at the Table” as an invitation for reinterpretation. “It is our chance to do our own interpretation,” he says. The photograph was an opportunity to contextualize the message of Christ in the 21st century. For Alan, this was a provocative and empowering challenge to engage in the task of theological interpretation.

He hopes the image will inspire those who view it to explore the vibrant, inclusive spirit of the United Church today. “This photograph is an invitation,” Alan concludes. “It’s a welcoming piece, showing the diversity of the church and encouraging people to explore what the United Church is about.” In this way, Alan’s photograph serves not only as an artistic expression but as a spiritual celebration—a reminder of Christ’s role as a community-builder, servant, and connector in a world that continues to evolve.

Alan wearing dark rimmed glasses and smiling, wearing a black textured shirt.

Rev. Dr. Alan Lai was born in Hong Kong and baptized as a young adult in the United Methodist tradition. He moved to Canada at 19 to pursue his studies, earning a BA in Economics, before completing a Master of Divinity, and in 2004, a Doctor of Education. Ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, he later joined The United Church of Canada. Alan has taught at several seminaries and served as Principal of the Centre for Christian Studies. With more than 30 years of experience, Alan has served Chinese-speaking and English-speaking congregations and is currently minister of Tai Kong United Church in Burnaby, BC. He is also developing a Cantonese language continuing education certificate program at Emmanuel College. Alan enjoys playing the piano and taking photographs. He and Fanly, his wife of 38 years, have three grown children.