From an interview with Vatican News and the World Council of Churches In light of the recent data from Copernicus, the European Union's climate monitoring service, the video statement below from the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay (World Environment Day, 5 June, 2024) is timely and concerning. In... Continue Reading →
THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT
A sermon for the Second Sunday of Pentecost SeasonSunday, June 2, 2024 St. Saviour Church, Penticton BCThe Very Rev. Ken Gray [Singing]1 Hushed was the evening hymn,the temple courts were dark;the lamp was burning dimbefore the sacred ark;when suddenly a Voice Divinerang through the silence of the shrine. [Spoken]2 The old man, meek and mild,the... Continue Reading →
Dignity and inclusion . . . on the sidewalk
Writing for the Centre for Action and Contemplation Rabbi Sharon Brous draws on her Jewish tradition to name the dignity of every human being. She tells a story illustrating how nearness and neighborliness lead to loving action: My friend goes to a church of Caribbean immigrants in downtown Los Angeles. One day his pastor preached:... Continue Reading →
What’s to celebrate? Introducing the “Assisi” initiative
A LITURGICAL OPPORTUNITY; AN ECUMENICAL KAIROS -- AN EMERGING CONSENSUS TO ENHANCE THE “FEAST OF CREATION” AND HONOUR THE CREATOR — The story so far The notes below draw heavily on a published report of Conference proceedings available here. After decades of ecumenical celebrations (since 1989) of the annual “Feast of Creation” of September 1,... Continue Reading →
Anglican Diocese of Kootenay Synod May 23-26 2024
Resources from the Social and Ecological Justice Working Group of the Anglican Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia/Yukon Online Landing Page What a mouthful; feel free to shorten this title to the acronym “SEJ.” It represents a small group of dedicated and creative Anglicans from most of the dioceses throughout the geographical Province of BC and... Continue Reading →
Pilgrimage — A timely spiritual opportunity
Reports and Resources from the Social and Ecological Justice Working Group of the Anglican Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia/Yukon Online Landing Page What a mouthful; feel free to shorten this title to the acronym “SEJ.” It represents a small group of dedicated and creative Anglicans from most of the dioceses throughout the geographical Province of... Continue Reading →
In cathedrals and places where they sing
St. Paul's Cathedral, London, UK Guest Comment by Matthew LarkinSaturday, May 18, 2024 I have huge respect for Matthew Larkin. Our paths crossed briefly many years ago while he was director of music at St. John the Divine Church in Victoria BC. He is not only a brilliant musician who possesses a keen intellect which... Continue Reading →
Charismatic Creation
A sermon for Pentecost Sunday 2024 -- St. Stephen Anglican Church, Summerland BC “So Ken, are you a charismatic Christian? “Not sure how to answer that question. Why do you ask?” “I used to hear about charismatic churches, especially twenty or so years ago. Don’t hear much about them now.” “What stuff?” “Speaking in tongues;... Continue Reading →
An unsolicited review of a timely book
Following a flurry of online and in-person book launches, I was delighted to receive the following review of Partnership as Mission: Essays in Memory of Ellie Johnson by the Rev. Margaret Marquardt. Such a pleasant surprise from one who knows the tough road of advocacy, long before the word "justice" even entered my own vocabulary.... Continue Reading →
The Gift Farm Garden grows, gives, and teaches
The Rev. Canon Anne Privett introduced our readers to the Gift Farm Garden last year. Here is her May 2024 update. Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15) A blessed Ascensiontide to all! We so rarely hear Mark’s version of the Ascension where Christ... Continue Reading →