Usually known as Bill, Rev. Blackmore is an ordained minister of the United Church of Canada. He is now retired after serving in three pastorates, two in Alberta at Elk Point and Vermilion and one in Ottawa. He earned his BA from Victoria College, University of Toronto and his Master of Divinity from Emmanuel College, University of Toronto. His Master of Sacred Theology is from Yale Divinity School, Yale University where he also was a Supervisor of Field Work. Bill has served as a Youth Secretary of the National Board of Christian Education of the United Church and as a National Secretary of the Interboard Committee on Church Vocations. Bill is also a qualified trainer in Human Relations and in Kerygma Biblical Studies. During the latter part of his ministry, Bill taught at Conestoga Community College, in the department of Humanities and Social Sciences, dealing with courses such as World Religions; Exploring Contemporary Moral Issues; Science, Technology and the Human Condition; Group Dynamics; Business Ethics; and Community Development. He is a long-time member and advocate of World Federalism and a strong supporter of Multiculturalism.
"My interest in spirituality began some time ago with my exposure to holistic medicine and the ensuing discovery that prayer and meditation have a very positive impact on the well being of the individual, even when the person has no knowledge of what is transpiring. As I became a senior, I was concerned with what was enhancing or diminishing the human spirit withaging. At this point, Maslow's hierarchy of basic human needs appeared to be very meaningful and helpful for they communicate so well, how fundamental human needs my be realized or not, and under what conditions. In addition, I have always been intensely interested in World Religions and firmly believe that the representatives of these differing expressions of faith could be significant bridge builders for peace in this world if we explored and realized together what we share in common...our passion for peace, justice, fellowship and compassion for all persons, whatever their race, colour or creed and especially so when such is the very essence of how we express our faith. Hopefully persons involved in Worl Religions could express the uniqueness of their faith without being exclusive even of those who have no religious faith. Comprehensive study also indicates that such values or ideals are the stated goals for humankind everywhere for centuries. I find all of the above to be consistent with the enabling discoveries of the sciences as humankind searches for the truth about who we are, why we are here and what life is all about. Surely, all of the above points towards the nature of spirituality everywhere, and why it is so important to what can be a developing global community."