This is Adam ... Trying SOMETHING new ...

This is Adam, a young man who is training in leadership in the United Church of Canada ... I will let him introduce himself to you later ... he and I have had many interesting discussions via United Online and other internet communications about life, the universe and issues of the Church ... his perspective from that of a non-white, young person is refreshing and necessary in our increasingly multi-cultural world ... He often has some profound things to say, that are worth hearing and reflecting on ...

Recently on his facebook page he posted a link to the upcoming Meeting of the United Church General Council Meeting to be held in BC. The issue he raised is that of Being Church in an Inter-cultural setting ... in short - being an inclusive, open and welcoming Church ...

Unfortunately, as is often the case the UCC is not willing to entertain dissent, and so the conversation will be somewhat one-sided, with contrary views allowed sparingly ... In an effort to balance the conversation and celebrate the role of intelligent, informed and at times argumentative debate - Adam and I are going to engage in a theological dialogue ON LINE ...

I've invited Adam, and he has accepted - to come and engage in conversation here about the issues involved in trying to be an Open, Inclusive and Welcoming Church ... my invitation was from an older curmudgeonly leader to a young, fresh preacher ...

I will promise ONLY ONE THING ... whatever Adam choses to write for posting will appear here uneditted ... the heart of open and honest debate begins with the willingness to dissent ...

Oh and Adam - I will be in Ontario in late August ... we will formally end our discussion over beverages somewhere in the Kitchener-Waterloo area - and we'll post pictures to prove it !!!

For now ... let the games begin ...