A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, SummerlandSunday, September 15, 2024The Very Rev. Ken Gray [I must first note the passing of Lois Wilson, long serving justice advocate and onetime moderator of the United Church of Canada and of the World Council of Churches. She died Friday at the age of 97 in Fredericton,... Continue Reading →
Why bother with church in the age of climate crisis?
Jasper, AB, Anglican Diocese of Edmonton John J. Thatamanil -- From FaithTides, a publication of the Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets, September 2, 2024 Church and world: how are we to think about the relationship between the two? Once upon a time, the question would have made little sense. When the church was the... Continue Reading →
Ready, set, go — The 2024 Season of Creation begins today
And Father Richard Rohr from the Centre for Action and Contemplation set the scene so very well for us. He describes how creation-centered spirituality opens us to a deeper connection to God: Creation spirituality reveals our human arrogance, and maybe that’s why we are afraid of it. Maybe that’s why we’re afraid to believe that... Continue Reading →
The Martyrs of Papua New Guinea — A note from the annals of missionary history
One of the PNG martyrs was Lucian Tapiediucian Tapiedi He is one of the ten Modern Martyrs of the Anglican Church in the 20th century. The Martyrs statues were unveiled in 1998 above the west door of Westminster Abbey, he is second from the right [Art More, Summerland BC writes] I am pleased to share... Continue Reading →
I missed preaching on Ephesians chapter 6, and that’s a shame
I return to these words often: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of... Continue Reading →
Agonizing Anglicans
With other mainline Christian denominations the Anglican Church of Canada increasingly struggles to maintain ministry especially in rural settings though also in some urban centres. Simple truth: Fewer people invest energy and money in parish churches now, saving their financial commitments for special projects or secular organizations like the Sierra Club or Doctors Without Borders... Continue Reading →
Voices from Israel — Mosaic, or Monolith?
My publication of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s recent advisory statement on the need for Israel to heed the decision of the International Criminal Court drew some very helpful thoughts from a longtime and trusted friend, Lance Weisser. Archbishop Justin Welby says the State of Israel has been “denying the Palestinian people dignity, freedom and hope”... Continue Reading →
Tevye’s dilemma
Sunday, August 18th, 2024A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen Summerland Anglican ChurchThe Very Rev. Ken Gray Remembering the late, great, Canadian Norman Jewison, who produced the 1971 film based on the earlier Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof, let’s sing Tevye’s song: [TEVYE, spoken]Oh dear Lord, you made many, many poor people. I... Continue Reading →
A Wave of Prayer washes over the world
Introducing Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center Mission To strive towards theological liberation through instilling the Christian faith in the daily lives of those who suffer under occupation, violence, injustice, and discrimination. Vision Local Christians inspired by the life and teaching of Jesus Christ stand for the oppressed, work for justice, engage in peace-building The Wave... Continue Reading →
Archbishop of Canterbury statement on the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
02/08/2024 Jeroen Bouman ICJ In a statement Saturday Aug 3, 2024welcoming the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion on Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the Archbishop of Canterbury has urged governments around the world to reverse the "deeply damaging trend" of upholding international law "in a selective manner". Archbishop Justin Welby says... Continue Reading →