We’re working for you

Meet the members of the Bishop’s Committee on Intercultural Ministry. From top, left to right, and then bottom, left to right, here’s who we are.

André Lyn, ODT, co-chair, actively serves his parish, St. Joseph of Nazareth, Bramalea, and the Diocese of Toronto. Answering God’s call, “Here I am Lord, send me,” he applies strategic, inclusive leadership to advance equity, dismantle systemic barriers and foster belonging in and beyond the Church. Drawing strength from Joshua 1:7, “Be strong and courageous,” André leads with faith, vision and a commitment to inclusion.

Donna Scantlebury, co-chair, is a devoted member of St. Hilda, Fairbank. She teaches equity, inclusion and human rights to law enforcement professionals. Donna’s motivation for racial justice stems from her belief that religious spaces should honour the diversity of our cultures, identities and experiences, while being sacred sanctuaries of safety and belonging. Donna hopes to witness people truly exemplifying the sacred message, “Love thy neighbour as thyself.”

The Rev. Adrienne Clements has been the incumbent of St. Hilary, Cooksville since 2018. She grew up in a diverse area of downtown Toronto, so for her, the world has always been multi-cultural and multi-coloured. Working in Africa and India for 20 years, Adrienne grew to appreciate the concept of “Ubuntu – I am because of you.” She considered it a gift to live in such a rich array of cultures.

The Rev. Susanne McKim is a working retired priest who was formed in anti-racism years ago as her mother modeled radical inclusion when Black and Brown people moved into their all-white town. She’s had a heart for equity ever since, and she’s found that sharing her blind spots can encourage other white people to become aware of their own. Susanne does some writing and continues to preach justice.

Bishop Riscylla Shaw, who has oversight of the North and East archdeaconries, is our diocesan Diversity Officer. Bishop Riscylla has been involved in many concerns for racial justice throughout her years of ministry.

Brother Reginald Crenshaw, OHC, is a member of the Order of the Holy Cross. Working as lay pastoral associate at Holy Trinity, Thornhill, he continues to serve as a parish selection coach, an Appreciative Inquiry coach and a member of the Momentum working group. With a doctorate from Columbia University, he’s been a significant educator in antiracism programs in the dioceses of Chicago, New York and Toronto, and as adjunct professor of theology at New York Theological Seminary.

Elin Goulden is the social justice and advocacy consultant for the Diocese of Toronto. She’s interested in the intersectional aspects of social and ecological justice and is always learning from her Black, Indigenous and other racialized neighbours, colleagues and fellow Anglicans. Elin has provided staff support to the Bishop’s Committee on Intercultural Ministry since 2018.

The Rev. Leonard Leader has served extensively in the Diocese of Toronto, with ties to several parishes, including St. Paul, L’Amoreaux, St. George on Yonge and Epiphany and St. Mark, Parkdale, where he currently worships and serves. He’s interested in sharing ideas and advocating for inclusion. His pre-ordination public service career included staff positions in employment equity and the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Alice Akinwalere, a lifelong member of Trinity-St. Paul, Port Credit, graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in sociology and criminology. Now pursuing a legal career, Alice is deeply committed to social justice and social change. With a strong foundation in faith and advocacy, she strives to influence positive change, using her skills to create a more just and compassionate world.

The Rev. Canon Maurice Francois works with a focus on multilingual and intercultural ministries. Working with three parishes (St. Paul, Runnymede, St. Mary Magdalene, Toronto and Parroquia San Esteban), he also serves as a pastor for immigrant communities and offers pastoral support to the transgender community of downtown Toronto. In addition to these ministries, Canon Maurice produces our artwork.

John O’Dell, an instructor on equity, inclusion and human rights, is a churchwarden, a choir member and a performer of African drumming at Nativity, Malvern. A community volunteer since 2004, John’s work has included negotiating collective agreements and defending employees’ rights against their employers, among many other things. In 2017, John received the African Canadian Achievement Award for Community Service.

This article was written by André Lyn, ODT, and Donna Scantlebury. If you have any questions or want to learn more about how the members of the Bishop’s Committee on Intercultural Ministry can serve you, email them at [email protected]. Your correspondence will be kept confidential.