[Sundaycommunity] Fw: a bold photographic reimagining of The Last Supper

[Dave Snelgrove]

Thank you, Sylvia, for sending this.  My question however is, only 11
disciples?.  Clearly Judas has been removed.  But doesn't a radical
understanding of Christ's message require that Judas be regarded as
forgiven for his betrayal - be considered as having repented.  "He said,
'I  have sinned by betraying innocent blood'" (Matthew27:4).  The *evolution
*of Judas as damned is evident in the Gospels, with John taking the most
extreme position (as he does regarding blaming the Jews).  I am not a
Biblical scholar, so don't know if there is a final decision on whether
Judas could be forgiven.  But at the Last Supper he was at the table.
Doesn't he belong in that great photo??     Rosemary Gray-Snelgrove

On Thu, Apr 17, 2025 at 2:21 PM sylvia skrepichuk via Sundaycommunity <
sundaycommunity at lists.integralshift.ca> wrote:

> fyi
>
> ------------------------------
>
> *Subject:* a bold photographic reimagining of The Last Supper
>
>
> A contemporary photographic interpretation celebrating diversity, faith
> and bold belonging, where everyone has a place at the table
> [image: A modern revisioning of DaVinci's the last Supper photo with
> diverse people and objects in front of a forest]
> *Credit: The United Church of Canada*
> Published On: April 17, 2025
>
> Today, Holy Thursday, The United Church of Canada unveiled a bold
> photographic reimagining of *The Last Supper*, marking a significant
> moment in its centennial celebrations this year. Revealed for the first
> time at Metropolitan United Church in Toronto, this reinterpretation
> challenges traditional depictions of the iconic scene and affirms the
> United Church’s belief in an all-encompassing love that embraces each
> person as their authentic self.
>
> Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, commemorates Jesus’ act of
> radical inclusion—sharing a meal with his followers, washing their feet and
> urging them to love one another. Inspired by this powerful act, the
> Church’s reimagining invites reflection on its core value: that God’s love
> for all is limitless. Everyone, celebrating all backgrounds and identities,
> has a place at the table.
>
> “This is not just a statement for all time, but for our time,” said Rev.
> Michael Blair, General Secretary of The United Church of Canada. “This
> reimagining calls us to rethink what it means to be a faith community—one
> that evolves with the times, embraces diversity and actively fosters spaces
> of bold belonging. It’s not enough to simply have a seat, one must have a
> voice and the space to bring the fullness of all who gather.”
>
> As part of The United Church of Canada’s centennial theme, Deep
> Spirituality, Bold Discipleship and Daring Justice, this photograph brings
> together people from various walks of life, each representing the diverse
> community they embrace. The image serves as a bold testament to the
> Church’s vision—a table where differences are honoured, diversity is
> celebrated, and faith is lived through shared commitment to equity and
> belonging.
>
> A defining feature of this reimagining is the absence of Christ in
> physical form. Instead, Christ’s presence is embodied through the gathered
> community, underscoring the belief that faith is expressed through justice,
> compassion, and service.
>
> “As a member of the United Church, I was honoured and inspired to
> reimagine *The Last Supper* in a way that let each of the Disciples’
> identities shine through,” said photographer Alan Lai. “I wanted the image
> to honour who they each are and reflect the Church’s spirit of unity and
> belonging, showing that Christ’s presence lives in all of us, in all our
> diversity.”
>
> This reimagining also underscores The United Church of Canada’s ongoing
> commitment to advocacy, including support for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights,
> Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, Racial Equity, Disability Justice,
> and engagement in struggles for peace and human rights, including those
> around the globe. It affirms that true belonging requires more than just
> tolerance—it requires action, dialogue and the intentional creation of
> spaces where all are truly welcomed and valued.
>
> “I’ve experienced firsthand how life-giving it is to create spaces where
> 2S and LGBTQIA+ people, and all those on the margins, are not only welcomed
> but celebrated,” said King Julez, past chair of Affirm United/S’affirmer
> Ensemble and one of the Disciples in the photograph. “As a trans person and
> drag performer, I carry the legacy of queer resilience—of people who
> fought, created chosen families and found joy even in struggle. This image
> is about more than representation, it’s about transformation. It challenges
> us to reflect on what it truly means to belong.”
>
> Throughout the Church’s centennial year, the photograph will be shared
> across digital platforms, including on a new dedicated webpage
> <https://united-church.ca/a-place-at-the-table>, sparking conversations
> about faith, identity and community in the modern world. This art is a call
> to action, encouraging the creation of spaces that embrace authenticity and
> promote social justice.
>
> Bringing together individuals from coast to coast to coast, the project
> reflects the diversity of today’s United Church of Canada—spanning cultural
> backgrounds, generations, gender identities and spiritual perspectives.
> Rather than assuming sameness, it celebrates differences while reinforcing
> a shared vision of faith, hope and a bold future.
> --
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