REV. TERESA BURNETT COLE
COORDINATING MINISTER
GLEBE-ST. JAMES UNITED CHURCH (OTTAWA)
The Rev. Dr. Teresa Ann Burnett-Cole was called to the pulpit of Glebe-St. James in 2014 and currently serves as the Coordinating Minister in the ministry team. Teresa has served both urban, rural, and Indigenous congregations in four different regions of the country. She also served as a Personal Minister in what was Toronto Conference.
Born in London, Ontario, Teresa grew up living in the South-western Ontario village of Mount Brydges. Her heritage is Mohawk, Scot and Irish. Teresa studied music, Canadian history, and religious studies at Western University. Her divinity studies were undertaken at Emmanuel College at the Toronto School of Theology, the same graduate school of the University of Toronto where, earlier this year, she successfully defended her Th.D. in liturgical studies.
Teresa is active in the wider church in the areas of governance, Indigenous issues, and worship. She currently serves on the General Council Executive and is their representative on the National Indigenous Council. Teresa is also on the advisory board of the denomination’s worship planning magazine, Gathering. Closer to home, Teresa serves on the Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council Executive. She serves as the Indigenous representative on the Executive and works on the Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Team.
Teresa is an accomplished visual artist and musician. She has a passion for both creative liturgy and social justice. With her strong commitment to social justice for all, Teresa works hard to support the passions and energy of Glebe-St. James’ congregation members as well as continuing with her activist work in support of First Nations and Queer people.
Teresa is married to Ruth Burnett-Cole, a Registered Massage Therapist and both love their Jack Russell Terrier, Okwaho, better known as “Oggie the Doggie.”