A big welcome to our newest Board member – Karen Puddicombe!
Karen is a passionate advocate for social justice and an ordained minister with the Community Christian Fellowship Church of Canada. Since February 2024, she has served as the Associate Secretary for Justice and Peace with the Canadian Council of Churches, where she provides staff support to the Commission on Justice and Peace Anti-Sexual Exploitation Working Group.
With 34 years in full-time ministry, including a long tenure with The Salvation Army, Karen has dedicated her career to connecting with marginalized and displaced individuals and creating a place of belonging for them. Her skills in church planting and revitalization are matched by her passion for missional inclusiveness, ensuring all ages and cultural backgrounds are valued.
Karen is a recognized educator and activist on the risks of sexual exploitation. She has developed materials and facilitated numerous seminars for teens, adults, and parents. In 2016, she oversaw the “From Global to Local – Sexual Exploitation Forum,” bringing together a diverse group of voices, including local police, experiential sex workers, and a global perspective from W5’s Victor Malerik.
In October 2016, Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy in November of that year, followed by eight chemotherapy treatments and 28 radiation treatments from January to August 2017. As a breast cancer survivor, Karen attributes her strength to her faith and the unwavering support of her family.
For many years, Karen has been an active participant in the World Day of Prayer, finding deep connection with fellow followers of Jesus—women who rise up to champion the voices of courageous women globally. World Day of Prayer remains a powerful force for justice in our local and global communities. This voice of hope cannot be silenced. We must press on, offering our prayers and working collectively to shine for Christ through action-based love and deep communion with a God of hope and justice for all.
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18