Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Sep 02/05) - Answering a call to the priesthood is no easy task in a secular world but 31-year-old Matthew Ihuoma is taking it in stride.

Not only has his chosen career-path made his life austere by modern consumerist standards, it has brought him to a place in which the climate is nearly the exact opposite of his Nigerian homeland.

Ordained as a deacon in Yellowknife, Nigeria's Matthew Ihuoma is continuing his quest for the priesthood by serving parishioners at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church before returning to his home country to fulfil his calling. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

Walking back to the church after our conversation, Ihuoma dodged mud puddles in his sandals.

"I'm going to have to get some different shoes," he said with a chuckle.

While his outdoor attire will have to be modified, Ihuoma's convictions remain firmly planted in Catholic doctrine.

Being relatively the same age as myself, I couldn't resist asking Ihuoma about where he stood on certain issues, in particular the Roman Catholic Church's controversial position on contraceptives, namely condoms.

Not surprisingly, Ihuoma rolled out the "it's telling people that it's OK to have sex" argument. However, he punctuated this with an interesting concept.

"In my country, I think this idea is contradictory to the empowerment of women," he said, adding that a condom campaign doesn't get to the heart of the bigger moral dilemma. "And it gives men the impression that women are objects for sexual satisfaction."

Taking the "saving lives" tact and upping the ante by tossing in 'what Jesus would do with a box of condoms that could potentially save lives in a promiscuous society', Ihuoma held firm, believing that God's son would show people the wholesome way.

Then we both had a laugh about the absurdity of the conversation's direction. After all how does anybody know what Jesus would do?

Regardless of what faith one adheres to or which god one believes in, it's a pretty good bet that Jesus would be less-than-pleased with the state of planet earth and the overall behaviour of its inhabitants.

Which brought me to my next question: how does the church remain relevant and attract new members in a society that has moved towards individuality versus adhering to any one code of moral conduct.

"When the church says 'no' to certain things, the church shouldn't be demonized, as it doesn't create an atmosphere for dialogue," he said, agreeing that the church needs to be relevant but without losing its principles. "Being prophetic might be counterculture, but that's OK."

Counterculture? Hey, I thought that was the label for those who rebelled against the standard?

Ihuoma is in Inuvik for the next 10-months, offering ample time to further explore these ideas in an 'atmosphere for dialogue.'

So if you see this fellow about town, welcome him and, if time permits, have a chat with him. He may just get you thinking.