FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO MINISTER HONOURED

Toronto's Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed received an honourary doctorate from the Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California, at its May 22 commencement.

The award honours the Rev. Morrison-Reed’s life work in the Unitarian Universalist movement, his leadership in the Canadian Unitarian Council, his contributions to racial justice and anti-oppressive education, and the inspiration he provides to ministerial colleagues.

Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed is co-minister of the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto with his wife, Donna Morrison-Reed.  The Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed is well known in the Canadian Unitarian movement.  As the out-going President of the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) - the national organization for the country's 5,000 Unitarians - Rev. Morrison-Reed guided the organization to independence from the Boston-based Unitarian Universalist Association in 2002.  The CUC now participates as a full partner in international interfaith and social action initiatives.

Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed is the first Afro-Canadian to hold the Presidency of the CUC.  He is also the co-founder of the Afro-American Unitarian Universalist Ministry and the author of  "Black Pioneers in a White Denomination".

Rev. Morrison-Reed was called to Toronto in 1988 after serving the community of Rochester, NY.  Highly active in the Toronto community, he has served as President of the Family Service Association of Metropolitan Toronto.  In keeping with liberal religious values of the Unitarian Universalist tradition, Rev. Morrison-Reed is an outspoken advocate of gay rights and same-sex marriage.

The prestigious Starr King School for the Ministry was founded in 1904, and prepares students for religious leadership vocations, especially Unitarian Universalist ministry.

The First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto is located at 175 St. Clair Avenue West.  It offers Sunday services, religious education for children, and programs throughout the week to nurture a sense of belonging, spiritual growth, and opportunities to serve the larger community.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Cameron Linton (President, Board of Trustees) 416-924-9654 cameron.linton@sympatico.ca