By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Rev. Martin Mwale says his beliefs align perfectly with the United Church of Canada’s quest for social justice.
That’s what led the Zambian-born ordained minister to his new post leading the Rural United Pastoral Charge in Chatham-Kent.
“Social justice is so important,” Mwale said in an interview with The Voice. “I chose the United Church because I wanted to be part of this global movement that uses theology to bring about justice in the world.
“There is so much hate and so much war,” the minister said. “The world needs healing.”
Known colloquially as Rev. Martin, the 35-year-old father of three holds a Bachelor of Theology degree from Justo Mwale University in Zambia and a Master of Arts in Theology specializing in the ethics of dignity and Christian social services from the Protestant Theological University in the Netherlands. He was ordained in 2013 and has worked in Africa as a congregational minister since that time.
Following a recent Covenanting Service, the reverend was officially welcomed as the pastor for congregations of St. Paul’s-Victoria Avenue United Church in Chatham; St. John’s Botany United Church in Kent Bridge and Turin United Church in Thamesville. Collectively, the three churches represent close to 300 local parishioners.
Appropriately, Mwale, his wife Martha, their two sons Maranatha and Martin Jr., and daughter Marianthie, arrived in Toronto on Canada Day in 2023.
“It was an amazing way to start life in Canada,” said the new Canadian.
The family then moved to C-K and now call Blenheim home.
According to Mwale, Canada’s climate and the culture shock of living in a society less connected than the one he left behind are the biggest challenges he’s faced.
His homeland, located in southern Africa, is warm and dry compared to the wet, cold of Southwestern Ontario.
“The climate here has been one of the surprises,” he said, but added that experiencing snow with his children has been an enjoyable experience.
The other noticeable difference, Mwale said, is that people in Canadian society live independently, whereas his home culture emphasizes an “interwoven community” whose members are interdependent.
“There’s a bit of a difference with that,” he said.
Going forward, Mwale said he’ll continue “strengthening” the United Church of Canada’s approach to social justice by supporting the United Church’s many community outreach programs.
“We want to touch the community and be a voice for the voiceless,” Mwale explained. “Our efforts should be to improve our world, our environment, our motherland. I want to be part of this movement.”
A media release from the C-K Rural United Pastoral Charge ministry team said Rev. Martin was a “good match” for the faith-based, inclusive church community.
“We try to recognize and celebrate the diverse abilities and gifts we all bring, being empowered by the teaching of Jesus,” the release stated.
