Mixing analogies with Easter sensibilities
Perhaps it is the season but it has been interesting to see the number of hits my night-time photo of Almuth Lutkenhaus-Lackey’s “Crucified Woman” has been getting at my photo blog photosbykenn.
The dramatic sculpture stands in a clump of birch trees within a courtyard of the University of Toronto’s Emmanuel College, the local theological college of The United Church of Canada. The closest it came to having a conventional church home was when Clifford Elliott, Minister of Bloor Street United Church from 1975-86, had it installed there in 1979. Sufficient discomfort with the sculpture’s controversy led to its relocation to Emmanuel, where it probably enjoys more prominence – and generates a wider variety of comments – than it might have at an individual church.
Dr. Elliott’s ministry had a tremendous influence on my brother’s days as both a student and young minister.
This being the 30th anniversary of the sculpture, this Saturday, April 11, 2009 will see the launch of a year of reflection. At 8:30 PM all are invited to gather at the statue (east side of Emmanuel College at 73 Queen’s Park Crescent) for a short launch before joining in a candlelight procession to Bloor Street United Church for the Easter Vigil service.
