Originally from Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, in the UK, Malcolm was a university professor in social sciences at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta before moving to Victoria in 2010. He has been a Cathedral member since 2011.
Malcolm is one of three cathedral staff who are unpaid (the others are Canon Ian Powell, and Canon Elaine Ellison). Several months ago, Malcolm accepted the Dean’s invitation to become our first ever “Animator of Community Life.” This is a part-time position, though you’d never know it.
One thing we have heard repeatedly in our “Greater Works than These” consultations is how much people value their experience of community at the cathedral. This ranges from intentional attempts to build community, for example through the work of our Welcoming Committee, the Walking Group, or our monthly “In Conversation” pot-luck, to events and activities which bring us together, such as the bazaar, or which draw people to the cathedral, such as tours and Remembrance Illumination. Malcolm is a natural at building community amongst those who are already here, and bringing newcomers, seekers and strangers into the web of connection.
Perhaps the most telling description of his work is embedded in the “gifts sought” section of his ministry description, which reads:
The Animator of Community life relates well to people of all ages and can negotiate diverse views; works well in a team; is a tactful leader who also pitches in; is well organized and sees administrative tasks as sacred work; can manage complex tasks; and places the work of internal community-building within a theology of the Church and its outward mission. He or she will be familiar and practiced in the arts of recruiting, training, retaining and recognizing volunteers.
One of the great gifts Malcolm brings to us in this role is a deep awareness of the ways in which we can extend the gift of community to all comers – including those who haven’t yet come through our doors.