2004 Companion of the Centre, Alyson Huntly

The Centre for Christian Studies
awarded the 2004 Companion of the Centre
to Alyson Huntly
Diaconal minister, well-known author, advocate and justice seeker

conferred at the 2004 Annual Service of Celebration
March 21, 2004
at St. Matthew's Anglican Church, Winnipeg
and across the country via a telephone link up

Alyson Huntly graduated from the Centre for Christian Studies in 1981, and also holds degrees from the University of Ottawa, the University of Toronto, and is currently working on her MTS in Diaconal Ministry at St. Stephen's College. She has offered her empowering leadership, sharp analytical skills and gifted writing ability to numerous organizations and projects in the United Church of Canada and the community.

Alyson has published five books: Rich World, Poor World; Daring to be United: Including Lesbians and Gays in The United Church of Canada; The Gentle Dark: Nighttime Poems and Prayers for Children; The Painted Truck: A Children's History of the United Church of Canada; and Naomi's Daughters: Bridging the Generations. Alyson has also worked on many educational resources addressing social justice, poverty and sexism, and she is currently the editorial director for Bible Quest, an ecumenical children's Christian Education curriculum.

She is a gifted teacher and facilitator of adults, employing her skills in congregational settings, social justice organizations such as the Christian Movement for Peace and CUSO and as faculty at United Theological College. She uses an action-reflection model of leadership and always practises a collegial approach with colleagues and students. One of her nominators offered this reflection: "She has a very unique and knowledgeable style of leadership. She is able to bring clarity to social justice issues and involve people in on-going commitment...I consider her always my mentor in diaconal ministry and educator in social justice issues."

Alyson has been a passionate advocate for acceptance and equality for gay and lesbian peoples in the United Church for 2 decades. She has served as a member of Affirm United and on committees at all levels of the church. She has been called upon to share her skills as a resource person and facilitator to many congregations as they seek to become affirming congregations.

Alyson has always been supportive of the CCS program for ministry. She is currently a member of the Program Committee and is supporting students on their journey as a diaconal mentor. We are most honoured and pleased to present this award to Alyson and hope that in some small way it recognizes Alyson's gift of time, commitment and leadership to both the Centre for Christian Studies and the wider church.