A political calling: faith is a driving force in public life

Presbyterian Record, Nov, 2008 by Connie Purvis

"IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN less about politics and more about service," said Jane Pitfield. "For me, it was about the message. I'm speaking up for people who have concerns that need to be heard." Pitfield ran for mayor of Toronto in 2006, and served for eight years previously as a city counsellor. She attends Leaside, Toronto.

For Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry and Conservative incumbent in Calgary's Centre-North riding, the choice to enter public life was "an extension of serving others and serving the community." He has been involved with Grace, Calgary, for many years.

Pitfield noted that Ward 26, which she served while counsellor, was one of the largest and most diverse in Toronto. It could be difficult making decisions on behalf of others; no one solution was good for all, and "for me to be able to pray for wisdom, insight and confidence when I felt strongly about an issue" was of vital importance.

"It takes a certain amount of courage to stand up and run for election, and certainly that strength came from my faith," she said. For her, running was a clear calling from God.

"It has probably strengthened my faith," said Prentice. "Politics is quite challenging, and being a minister of the crown is also a challenging position, and I think you need strong faith to sustain you and guide you through that."

For many, the road to politics was an unexpected turn in an otherwise apolitical life. Marion Schaffer, a retired Presbyterian minister who ran as a provincial Green Party candidate in Oakville last year, had no political ambitions. "I avoided it," Shaffer said. "I never ever joined a political party. I had no use for any politicians." It was not until she met Elizabeth May at a Green Party event in Toronto that Schaffer found a political affiliation, and it was not until three people--including May herself--had suggested she run that she considered it an option.

Although she intended to run in Etobicoke this fall, Shaffer resigned in September. "As I progressed in the experience of becoming a politician, I realized that I was in the wrong place," she said. "I can never be what people think of as a politician."

For others, the choice to run was a logical step. "I've been a political junkie for years and when the opportunity presented itself to actually participate in the process rather than grumble about it, I took it," said Colin Carmichael, the Life and Mission Agency's new associate secretary of communication and resource production, who ran for the provincial Green Party in Cambridge last year.

For Prentice political life has been the fulfillment of a life-long interest. "I've always been quite interested in public service," he said, adding he always ensured that he was engaged in public service in different ways throughout his professional and business life. "[My wife Karen and I] essentially felt that the time was right in 2003-2004 when I entered public life."

Although she will never be a politician, Schaffer has plans to train young people and urge further involvement in her party. Pitfield has likewise left the immediate political sphere. "I've taken time to think about how I can take my experience and still serve others and serve God," said Pitfield. "For me, it's not about holding the political position--that gives you the opportunity and vantage point to effect political decisions--but there are other ways for citizens who are not elected to any kind of government to serve their community."