Revolutionizing Faith With Tech: Tips From Mattie Denise Jackson

Wilhelm Tromp 29 Jul 2025

Mattie Denise Jackson (born 1957) is the first African American woman to be ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada.

Jackson's ordination in 1988 was a significant event in the history of the Anglican Church of Canada. It marked a time of progress and change for the church, as it began to ordain women and people of colour into the priesthood. Jackson's work has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the church.

This article will explore Jackson's life and work, and her impact on the Anglican Church of Canada.

Mattie Denise Jackson

Mattie Denise Jackson is a significant figure in the Anglican Church of Canada, and her life and work have impacted various aspects of the church. These key aspects include:

Ordination
Priesthood
Diversity
Inclusion
Leadership
Role model
Inspiration
Change

Jackson's ordination as a priest in 1988 was a watershed moment for the Anglican Church of Canada. She was the first African American woman to be ordained as a priest in the church, and her ordination helped to pave the way for other women and people of colour to be ordained. Jackson has served as a priest for over 30 years, and she has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the church. She has also been a role model and inspiration for many people, both within and outside of the church.

Ordination

Ordination is a rite of passage in the Anglican Church of Canada that marks the beginning of a person's ministry as a priest. It is a solemn and sacred occasion, and it is a privilege that is not taken lightly.

Call to Ministry
The first step in the ordination process is a call to ministry. This call can come from God, from the church, or from both. It is a sense that a person is being called to serve God and the church in a special way.
Discernment
Once a person feels called to ministry, they must discern whether or not this is truly their vocation. This involves prayer, reflection, and conversation with spiritual directors and mentors.
Training
Those who are called to ministry must undergo a period of training. This training includes academic study, practical experience, and spiritual formation.
Ordination Ceremony
The ordination ceremony is the final step in the ordination process. It is a public ceremony in which the candidate is ordained as a priest by a bishop.

Ordination is a significant event in the life of a priest. It is a time of great joy and celebration, but it is also a time of great responsibility. Priests are ordained to serve God and the church, and they are expected to live their lives in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Priesthood

Priesthood is a central aspect of Mattie Denise Jackson's life and work. As an ordained priest in the Anglican Church of Canada, she has dedicated her life to serving God and the church. Priesthood involves a variety of roles and responsibilities, including:

Leading worship
Priests are responsible for leading worship services, including Holy Communion (also known as Eucharist). They also lead other services, such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
Preaching and teaching
Priests are responsible for preaching sermons and teaching the faith. They may also teach Sunday school or other Christian education classes.
Providing pastoral care
Priests are responsible for providing pastoral care to the members of their congregation. This includes visiting the sick, comforting the bereaved, and counseling those in need.
Administering the sacraments
Priests are responsible for administering the sacraments, including baptism, Holy Communion, and confirmation. They may also officiate at weddings and funerals.

Priesthood is a demanding and challenging vocation, but it is also a rewarding one. Priests have the privilege of serving God and the church, and they play a vital role in the lives of many people.

Diversity

Diversity is a core value for Mattie Denise Jackson, and it is reflected in all aspects of her life and work. She has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the Anglican Church of Canada, and she has worked tirelessly to create a more welcoming and inclusive church for all people.

Racial Diversity
Jackson was the first African American woman to be ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada. She has been a strong advocate for racial diversity within the church, and she has worked to increase the number of racialized priests and bishops.
Gender Diversity
Jackson has also been a strong advocate for gender diversity within the church. She was one of the first women to be ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada, and she has worked to increase the number of women in leadership roles within the church.
LGBTQ2+ Diversity
Jackson has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ2+ rights, and she has worked to create a more inclusive church for LGBTQ2+ people. She has been a strong advocate for the blessing of same-sex marriages, and she has worked to create safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ2+ people within the church.
Socioeconomic Diversity
Jackson has also been a strong advocate for socioeconomic diversity within the church. She has worked to create programs and initiatives to help low-income families and individuals, and she has been a vocal critic of poverty and inequality.

Jackson's commitment to diversity has made the Anglican Church of Canada a more welcoming and inclusive place for all people. She has been a tireless advocate for justice and equality, and she has made a significant contribution to the church and to society as a whole.

Inclusion

Inclusion is a core value for Mattie Denise Jackson, and it is reflected in all aspects of her life and work. She has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the Anglican Church of Canada, and she has worked tirelessly to create a more welcoming and inclusive church for all people.

Jackson's commitment to inclusion is rooted in her belief that everyone is created in the image of God, and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. She has worked to create a church where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Inclusion has been the driving force for all of Jackson's leadership work. Her mission is to create a church for everyone.

Jackson's work on inclusion has had a significant impact on the Anglican Church of Canada and she has been instrumental in making the church a more welcoming and inclusive place for all people.

Leadership

Leadership encompasses a multifaceted array of qualities and actions that have been central to Mattie Denise Jackson's life and work. Her unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice has been instrumental in shaping her leadership style and guiding her actions.

Visionary Leadership
Jackson's ability to envision a more just and equitable church has been a driving force behind her leadership. She has consistently challenged the status quo and advocated for change, inspiring others to join her in working towards a better future.
Collaborative Leadership
Jackson is a strong believer in the power of collaboration and teamwork. She has built strong relationships with people from all walks of life, and she values the contributions of others. Her collaborative approach has allowed her to achieve significant progress on important issues.
Servant Leadership
Jackson's leadership is rooted in the belief that leaders should serve others. She is always willing to go the extra mile, and she puts the needs of others before her own. Her servant leadership style has earned her the respect and admiration of many.
Prophetic Leadership
Jackson is not afraid to speak truth to power. She has consistently used her voice to challenge injustice and oppression, and she has called on others to do the same. Her prophetic leadership has made her a powerful voice for change.

Mattie Denise Jackson's leadership has had a profound impact on the Anglican Church of Canada and beyond. She has been a catalyst for change, and she has inspired others to work towards a more just and equitable world.

Role model

Mattie Denise Jackson has been a role model for many people throughout her life and career. She has shown that it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve great things. She has also been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and she has worked to make the church a more welcoming place for all people.

Inspiration
Jackson's life story is an inspiration to many people. She has shown that it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve great things. She has also been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and she has worked to make the church a more welcoming place for all people.
Leadership
Jackson is a natural leader. She has the ability to motivate and inspire others to work towards a common goal. She has also been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and she has worked to make the church a more welcoming place for all people.
Mentor
Jackson has been a mentor to many young people. She has helped them to develop their leadership skills and to find their own paths in life. She has also been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and she has worked to make the church a more welcoming place for all people.
Advocate
Jackson has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion throughout her life. She has worked to make the church a more welcoming place for all people, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

Mattie Denise Jackson is a role model for many people because she has shown that it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve great things. She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and she has worked to make the church a more welcoming place for all people.

Inspiration

The connection between inspiration and Mattie Denise Jackson is a strong and enduring one. Jackson has been an inspiration to many people throughout her life and career. She has shown that it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve great things. She has also been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and she has worked to make the church a more welcoming place for all people.

One of the most inspiring things about Jackson is her ability to connect with people on a personal level. She has a gift for making people feel seen and heard. This ability has allowed her to build strong relationships with people from all walks of life. She has also been able to use her platform to amplify the voices of marginalized people.

Jackson's work has had a profound impact on the Anglican Church of Canada. She has been instrumental in making the church a more welcoming and inclusive place for all people. She has also been a strong advocate for social justice, and she has worked to make the church a force for good in the world.

Mattie Denise Jackson is an inspiration to many people because she has shown that it is possible to make a difference in the world. She is a role model for anyone who wants to make a positive impact on the world.

Change

Mattie Denise Jackson has been a catalyst for change throughout her life and career. She has challenged the status quo and advocated for justice and equality. Her work has had a profound impact on the Anglican Church of Canada and beyond.

Jackson's commitment to change is rooted in her belief that everyone is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. She has worked to create a more inclusive church where all people feel welcome. Jackson has also been a strong advocate for social justice, and she has worked to make the church a force for good in the world.

One of the most significant changes that Jackson has brought about is the ordination of women. In 1988, she became the first African American woman to be ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada. This was a groundbreaking moment for the church, and it paved the way for other women to be ordained.

Jackson's work has also had a significant impact on the church's understanding of social justice. She has been a vocal advocate for the poor and marginalized, and she has challenged the church to do more to address the root causes of poverty and inequality.

Mattie Denise Jackson is a powerful voice for change. Her work has made a real difference in the lives of many people, and she continues to inspire others to work for a more just and equitable world.

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ section addresses common questions and provides further insights into the life and work of Mattie Denise Jackson:

Question 1: What are Mattie Denise Jackson's most significant contributions?

Jackson's key contributions include her pioneering role as the first African American woman ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada, her advocacy for diversity and inclusion, and her work promoting social justice.

Question 2: How did Jackson's ordination impact the Anglican Church of Canada?

Jackson's ordination was a watershed moment for the church, paving the way for other women and people of colour to be ordained. It marked a shift towards greater diversity and inclusivity within the church.

Question 3: What are Jackson's core values?

Jackson's core values include a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and equality. She believes that everyone is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Question 4: How has Jackson used her platform to advocate for change?

Jackson has used her platform as a priest, author, and public speaker to advocate for change. She has spoken out against racism, sexism, and poverty, and she has challenged the church to do more to address social justice issues.

Question 5: What are Jackson's hopes for the future of the church?

Jackson hopes that the church will continue to become more diverse and inclusive, and that it will play a leading role in promoting justice and equality in the world.

Question 6: How can individuals contribute to Jackson's mission?

Individuals can contribute to Jackson's mission by working to promote diversity and inclusion in their own communities, by supporting organizations that work for justice and equality, and by speaking out against injustice.

These FAQs provide a deeper understanding of Mattie Denise Jackson's life, work, and impact. Her unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice continues to inspire and challenge us to work towards a more just and equitable world.

In the following section, we will explore the ways in which Jackson's work has influenced the Anglican Church of Canada and beyond.

Tips for Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Church

Building a diverse and inclusive church requires intentional effort and ongoing commitment. Here are five practical tips to guide your journey:

Tip 1: Examine Your Own Biases
Identify and challenge your own unconscious biases to create a welcoming environment for all.

Tip 2: Foster Open Dialogue
Encourage open and honest conversations about diversity and inclusion, creating a safe space for sharing experiences and perspectives.

Tip 3: Represent Diversity in Leadership
Actively recruit and support leaders from diverse backgrounds to reflect the diversity of your congregation.

Tip 4: Use Inclusive Language
Adopt language that is respectful and inclusive of all genders, races, abilities, and sexual orientations.

Tip 5: Offer Culturally Relevant Programs
Create programs and events that resonate with the diverse cultures represented in your congregation.

Summary: By implementing these tips, churches can create welcoming and inclusive environments where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and respected.

These practical steps lay the foundation for a more diverse and inclusive church, fostering a sense of belonging and community for all.

Conclusion

Throughout this exploration of Mattie Denise Jackson's life and work, we have gained valuable insights into her unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Her pioneering ordination as the first African American woman priest in the Anglican Church of Canada stands as a testament to her determination to break barriers and create a more just and equitable church.

Jackson's influence extends far beyond her groundbreaking ordination. Her advocacy for social justice, her servant leadership, and her dedication to mentoring and inspiring others have left an enduring legacy. She reminds us that meaningful change is possible through collaboration, compassion, and a deep-rooted belief in the dignity of all human beings.

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