A Place at the Table: Franklyn James

“At the table, I stand for justice and bold belonging, ensuring every marginalized voice is heard and valued. Together, we create a community where everyone belongs.”

Franklyn James is a Jamaican-born Canadian resident, theologian, educator, and storyteller with over a decade of experience. As a clergy member, author, and poet, he brings wisdom, authenticity, and creativity to his work, inspiring reflection and action.

His journey to ministry began in 2007 as an act of rebellion against oppressive and restrictive denominational practices.

Franklyn’s call to ministry was driven by a desire to challenge injustice and serve those marginalized by society. In Jamaica, he witnessed the exclusion of individuals based on their marital status, sexual orientation, and other factors. This propelled him into ministry, where he could stand up for the oppressed and marginalized.

Upon moving to Canada in 2017, Franklyn sought a place where he could be his whole self. He discovered this within The United Church of Canada, a community that welcomes a diversity of theologies, perspectives, and personalities. The church’s inclusivity and commitment to social justice resonated with him, providing a space to explore his identity and serve authentically.

Franklyn believes the United Church holds a unique position in Canadian society, offering a voice to the oppressed and addressing various social issues, from ecological concerns to homelessness. He sees the church as a place for activism and genuine engagement with the broader society.

“A justice-seeking community understands that justice is not a side project of faith but its very heart,” Franklyn says. “Many people treat justice as a separate issue, but it should be embedded in everything we do. Justice is a wholesome, embodied, and lived process that has to be present in all aspects of life.”

Franklyn smiling and wearing glasses and a collared yellow and brown striped shirt

Rev. Franklyn James as Minister of Religion at West River United Church in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island. Upon moving to Canada from Jamaica in 2017, he served in ministry in British Columbia, where his first congregation in the Okanagan remains one of his most cherished memories.