Rev. Anthony Bailey is packing up his workplace at Parkdale United Church, surrounded by a quarter-century of recollections, together with workplace provides and cherished posters. He pauses to unfurl a poster gifted to him from the church’s scorching meal program, “In From The Chilly”.
“As a society, we have now the capability to create houses and help for everybody. It’s an absence of creativeness that frustrates me,” Bailey admits.
His ultimate service at Parkdale United was held final Sunday, that includes gospel singers and a sermon centered on dwelling out one’s religion and “passing the baton” to the subsequent era. Throughout his tenure, Bailey initiated an annual service honoring Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing the battle in opposition to anti-Black racism and the significance of inter-faith concord.
For 2 and a half years, Bailey taught Ottawa Police Service officers about addressing systemic anti-Black racism and engaged with native colleges to help lecturers dealing with racism amongst college students. “The middle of my engagement is my Christian religion. It’s been my north star,” he mentioned throughout a latest interview.
Bailey believes in honoring shared humanity and has labored to unite religion teams in Ottawa, even amidst non secular tensions and world conflicts. “We’re higher collectively,” he acknowledged.
As he prepares for retirement, Bailey displays on the emotional and bodily calls for of ministry. “The ministry just isn’t anchored on one individual,” he defined, acknowledging the help from the neighborhood and elders that formed his journey.
A neighborhood celebration honoring Rev. Bailey will happen this Saturday from 3 to five p.m. at Parkdale United Church, marking the tip of an period and the start of a brand new chapter.
