A Place at the Table: Catherine Faith MacLean

“Jesus gathers people. It’s not just a couple of us, although two or three are present. There’s always somebody else.” Inclusion is a deep respect for someone “who has an experience that I don't know, that isn't mine.”

Catherine Faith MacLean is a retired United Church minister from Edmonton, Alberta whose life and work have been dedicated to fostering diversity, unity, and active collaboration within the faith community. Her journey is a testament to the power of inclusion and the transformative potential of embracing differences.

She views diversity as an irreplaceable strength within the church, emphasizing that it is about identifying differences rather than divides. “Diversity is a deep respect for someone who shares my faith community and has an experience that I don't know, that isn't mine,” she says. This respect and curiosity about differences are what make the community thrive and transform.

By extending this invitation to “A Place at the Table,” Catherine hopes to show that there is a place for everyone in the community of faith. “What we're presenting is respect and reassurance. It’s not just an invitation; it’s a reassuring invitation that there really is a place for you, who you are, and who you want to be. Jesus invited friends to the Last Supper. He said to them, ‘I have called you friends.’ Friends! Someone called John wrote that down so that we would remember it, and so that we could place ourselves at that table too. We are invited, you and me, all of us.”

Catherine sees the United Church’s active involvement in both theological reflection and social justice as crucial for the future. She believes that to be truly justice-seeking, it is essential to consider past failures and inspire future communities. “The reason churches keep going is that we’re continually being gathered by Jesus to be refreshed again and again. The Last Supper marks the first celebration of communion. In the bread and the wine we are called to pay attention. We are called not to forget: God loves us all the time everywhere, all of us”

Catherine smiling and wearing a clerical collar in a turquoise blouse with a white floral print jacket

The Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean teaches, writes, and preaches in congregations, conferences, and seminaries. Catherine is a Past President of the Canadian Theological Society, and a World Council of Churches delegate. She served churches on the East Coast, Yellowknife, the Rockies, and, after 20 years at St. Paul’s United Church in Edmonton, retired from the pastorate.