Updike will be a friend to the poor
By John Mohan

I must be the most hated person in CJOB land after last week's public announcement that beloved morning show host Larry Updike is leaving the station after nine years to accept a senior staff position with Siloam Mission.

We first met about four years ago, when I was interviewed about Siloam Mission's responses to Winnipeg homelessness during the summer months. Knowing I led a faith-based organization he commented beforehand about coming from a Pentecostal clergy background to which I responded that was my profession for over 20 years. It was an awkward moment but the interview must have gone fairly well from his viewpoint because we've done several since.

In all our exchanges over the past few years we've talked about many things, but never was there any inclination he was considering a career change. That all changed in early May when I received an e-mail from Larry. He asked if I was available to meet to discuss some questions he had. We arranged for him to drop by the next day. He was candid that after 30-plus years of being at the top of his industry, he felt it was time for a change. He was looking for something that brought new challenges, a heightened sense of fulfilment and something that brought him back closer to his original calling.

Having a clear grasp of the obvious, I saw this as an opportunity for both Siloam Mission and Larry Updike. I suggested Siloam Mission had need for someone of Larry's professional calibre to strengthen our voice on behalf of Winnipeg's poor, homeless and marginalized. I especially wanted to broaden our relationship with local Manitoba congregations to help them better understand the poverty issues of our own province. Decades ago Larry had pastored in our city and was still well-connected with the faith communities.

Although we couldn't match his salary, he was willing to discuss my offer with his wife and meet with me again. The return visit gave opportunity to concretely brainstorm about what his role could be in the organization and community. He could help us better articulate our complex message about domestic poverty. He could be a high-level spokesperson for us and our cause. He could be a prime connection with the church community. He could mentor our overwhelmingly 20-something-aged staff which are passionate about our cause. We would create a staff position that catered to Larry's talents and passions.

For many there is a lingering question. Why would a large, vocal organization like Siloam Mission feel they need a Larry Updike? The answer is simple. As long as people feel at liberty to shoot paintballs at homeless people, or beat them to death with minimal sentences, or mock them as they work their way back to normalcy or governments marginalize them with short-term, unfocused policies or faith leaders and flocks blame them for being poor, we will need strong, credible voices to speak for them. We've given Larry a big job and he's more than qualified for it.

--John Mohan is the CEO of Siloam Mission

Last Updated: 2nd July 2009, 2:18am

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