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After 25 years at Parkdale United, Anthony Bailey is leaving the pulpit

It's been a quarter century since Rev. Anthony Bailey took up his post at the Hintonburg church. He recently spoke to CBC's Ottawa Morning about what his career meant to both him and to so many others.

Often spoke out about systemic racism, interfaith harmony

Isabel Harder · CBC News ·
A Black man smiles in a church office.
Rev. Anthony Bailey spent much of this week packing up his office at Parkdale United Church, including this poster of Martin Luther King, Jr. After 25 years at the Ottawa church, Bailey — who has often spoken out about systemic racism and the need for interfaith harmony — has decided to retire. (Rebecca Zandbergen)

In his office, surrounded by 25 years' worth of office supplies and posters, Rev. Anthony Bailey packs up souvenirs from his career.

He then stops, unfurling a poster he was given as a "thank you" from Parkdale United Church's hot meal program, In From The Cold.

"As a society, we have the capacity to create homes and housing and support for everyone," Bailey says. "It is a lack of imagination ... I get angry about that, I admit."

The meal program is just one of the numerous initiatives Bailey oversaw in the quarter century he led the Hintonburg congregation.

Bailey's final service as a minister at Parkdale United was last Sunday, and it was complete with gospel singers and a sermon on living out one's faith — even in "passing the baton."

Worked with police, teachers

During this time at Parkdale United, Bailey launched an annual service in honour of Martin Luther King, Jr. to recognize his legacy, particularly in fighting anti-Black racism and supporting inter-faith harmony.

For two and a half years, he taught courses for Ottawa Police Service officers on ending anti-Black systemic racism. He also visited schools in the city to support teachers dealing with incidents of racism between students.

"The centre of my engagement and my identity is formed in the Christian faith," Bailey recently told CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning. "That's been my north star."

He said his role as a faith leader involves honouring shared humanity. He made an effort to bring faith groups in Ottawa together despite religious tensions and the war in the Middle East.

"We are better together," he said.

But now, both emotionally and physically, Bailey says it is time for him to retire.

"The ministry is not anchored on one person," he said, adding that support from the community and the congregation's elders helped him to determine the shape his career took.

A community celebration for Bailey will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Ottawa Morning8:40Parkdale United Church minister Rev. Anthony Bailey retires after 25 years.
Community advocate, equity educator and Parkdale United Church minister Rev. Anthony Bailey delivered his last sermon on September 30.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Isabel Harder

Isabel Harder is an associate producer and reporter for CBC Ottawa. You can reach her by email at isabel.harder@cbc.ca.

    With files from CBC's Ottawa Morning.

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