The Kitchen Sink
An occasional piece of paper
December 6, 2009
Vol. 12 No. 47

Everything But...

Religion and politics are never supposed to be mentioned in polite conversation, though the church has been most impolitic throughout its long history. The religious and political life intersect most intriguingly when they are incarnate in a single human being. Perhaps you have guessed this is an introduction to our preacher, Lorne Calvert. Betcha Lorne didn’t think of himself as an example of incarnation during Advent.

The United Church does not have any bishops, intentionally. It is part of our staunch Reformed tradition to focus authority in the collective wisdom of elders, laity and clergy (= the Presbytery) and in the local congregation. So what is a good, competent minister supposed to do when one can’t be a bishop? For generations in the United Church, being elected to public office is a logical and honoured progression for some clergy.

Reverend Calvert is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan and St. Andrew’s College, serving the Gravelbourg pastoral charge initially and then moving to Zion United in downtown Moose Jaw. In 1986 he was elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature as a Member of Legislative Assembly and served until mid-2009. Along the way he was Minister of Health and of Social Services, as well as Premier of Saskatchewan from 2001-2007.

Now retired from political life, Lorne made what is the next logical move - Principal of St. Andrew’s College, the United Church theological college in Saskatoon. It all makes sense! Well, we will see what sense Lorne Calvert has made of his journey during our St. Andrew’s College this Sunday. Something about a gaggle of geese. Given the reputation of geese around the Legislature in Regina, that sounds suspicious and fun.