My son, Cameron, suggested I reach out to Jim as someone also interested and experienced in justice advocacy, knowledgeable in politics, fervent in faith, and a Toronto Blue Jays baseball fan. The two met years ago at a United Nations climate conference (UNFCCC) in Cancún, Mexico. Learning that Jim had retired from global relations work... Continue Reading →
Most North American political watchers applauded the award of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to the Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado. With many others, I originally sighed with relief that Donald Trump was unsuccessful in his brazen attempt to add the Nobel trophy to his glittering oval office junk shop. Advised by friend and... Continue Reading →
“He stood his ground, he knew what was right, he kept his word, and he kept things honest,” says Hamel's widow, Margo Hearne. I first met Peter Hamel at a conference in the Diocese of British Columbia (now “Islands and Inlets”) in 1993. Newly ordained it was an early experience for me of the tempestuous... Continue Reading →
Like most cities, large and small, the City of Victoria in British Columbia still struggles how best to harmonize the lives of rich and poor, of those who live comfortable lives with those who live at great risk, on the streets or elsewhere in the community. Despite massive amounts of money spent on programs, no... Continue Reading →
[Ken Gray] Today I feature a story of how one community frustrated the efforts of ICE agents in one American city. I think it worthwhile to demonstrate particular resistance actions, hopefully to encourage others to implement similar actions elsewhere. The struggle continues; it is nowhere near over. Not at all. Robert Reich received the information... Continue Reading →
The more he rejects Jesus’ teachings, the more MAGA rejoicesSteve Burgess 1 Oct 2025 - The Tyee “Love your enemies,” said Jesus, “and pray for those who persecute you.” “I hate my opponents,” said Donald Trump. Trump’s statement, delivered from the podium at the Arizona memorial for murdered activist Charlie Kirk, makes him anti-Christ. Not... Continue Reading →
A sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour Church, Penticton on Sunday, October 5, 2025 [St. Francis transferred from Oct 4) by the Very Rev. Ken Gray “Preach the gospel at all times, and when absolutely necessary, use words” Attributed to St. Francis, these words embody the thirteenth-century Italian whose greatest honour was to be... Continue Reading →
Moving in to our Summerland home in October of 2022 the first piece of art we broke out of its packing box was a watercolour painted by my friend, Ken Faulks. It Is a lovely plein air painting from the Dewdrop Plateau in Kamloops, our former home. Its size, style, and mood perfectly complement the... Continue Reading →
A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland, Canada — The sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 28, 2025 — The Very Rev. Ken Gray We heard some months ago Jesus’ declaration of blessing and woe: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you... Continue Reading →
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."—Winnie the Pooh Wife, Gine, and family members wrote: "Our dear husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many, Chris Rose, transitioned peacefully from this life on Wednesday Sept. 24th surrounded by his loving family and the loving care of his nurses... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 