United Church Moderator Comments on the Death of Nelson Mandela

TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - As the world mourns the death of Nelson Mandela, the Moderator of The United Church of Canada, the Right Rev. Gary Paterson, reflected on the life and legacy of Mandela.

"We have an opportunity today to remember the man - his determination to confront apartheid and injustice; his commitment to freedom and equality; his capacity to endure twenty-seven years of prison and emerge with his soul intact, able to forgive and embark on a journey of reconciliation, persuading others to follow along with him," commented Paterson.

As we grieve his passing says Paterson, "We are called to give thanks for Mandela's life - not simply to praise him, but to honour his memory with a determination to undertake a similar quest for wholeness, for ourselves and for the body politic."

SOURCE: United Church of Canada

Mary-Frances Denis
The United Church of Canada
416-231-7680 ext. 2016
416-400-7273 (cell)
[email protected]