A contemporary photographic interpretation celebrating diversity, faith and bold belonging, where everyone has a place at the table
Today, Holy Thursday, The United Church of Canada unveiled a bold photographic reimagining of The Last Supper, marking a significant moment in its centennial celebrations this year. Revealed for the first time at Metropolitan United Church in Toronto, this reinterpretation challenges traditional depictions of the iconic scene and affirms the United Church’s belief in an all-encompassing love that embraces each person as their authentic self.
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, commemorates Jesus’ act of radical inclusion—sharing a meal with his followers, washing their feet and urging them to love one another. Inspired by this powerful act, the Church’s reimagining invites reflection on its core value: that God’s love for all is limitless. Everyone, celebrating all backgrounds and identities, has a place at the table.
“This is not just a statement for all time, but for our time,” said Rev. Michael Blair, General Secretary of The United Church of Canada. “This reimagining calls us to rethink what it means to be a faith community—one that evolves with the times, embraces diversity and actively fosters spaces of bold belonging. It’s not enough to simply have a seat, one must have a voice and the space to bring the fullness of all who gather.”
As part of The United Church of Canada’s centennial theme, Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship and Daring Justice, this photograph brings together people from various walks of life, each representing the diverse community they embrace. The image serves as a bold testament to the Church’s vision—a table where differences are honoured, diversity is celebrated, and faith is lived through shared commitment to equity and belonging.
A defining feature of this reimagining is the absence of Christ in physical form. Instead, Christ’s presence is embodied through the gathered community, underscoring the belief that faith is expressed through justice, compassion, and service.
“As a member of the United Church, I was honoured and inspired to reimagine The Last Supper in a way that let each of the Disciples’ identities shine through,” said photographer Alan Lai. “I wanted the image to honour who they each are and reflect the Church’s spirit of unity and belonging, showing that Christ’s presence lives in all of us, in all our diversity.”
This reimagining also underscores The United Church of Canada’s ongoing commitment to advocacy, including support for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, Racial Equity, Disability Justice, and engagement in struggles for peace and human rights, including those around the globe. It affirms that true belonging requires more than just tolerance—it requires action, dialogue and the intentional creation of spaces where all are truly welcomed and valued.
“I’ve experienced firsthand how life-giving it is to create spaces where 2S and LGBTQIA+ people, and all those on the margins, are not only welcomed but celebrated,” said King Julez, past chair of Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble and one of the Disciples in the photograph. “As a trans person and drag performer, I carry the legacy of queer resilience—of people who fought, created chosen families and found joy even in struggle. This image is about more than representation, it’s about transformation. It challenges us to reflect on what it truly means to belong.”
Throughout the Church’s centennial year, the photograph will be shared across digital platforms, including on a new dedicated webpage, sparking conversations about faith, identity and community in the modern world. This art is a call to action, encouraging the creation of spaces that embrace authenticity and promote social justice.
Bringing together individuals from coast to coast to coast, the project reflects the diversity of today’s United Church of Canada—spanning cultural backgrounds, generations, gender identities and spiritual perspectives. Rather than assuming sameness, it celebrates differences while reinforcing a shared vision of faith, hope and a bold future.
For more information
Ronda Parkes
Director of Communications
647-971-2212
1-800-268-3781