I loved playing musical chairs in my early years. Whether it was the running around, the competitiveness, or the music that created the delight I cannot recall. I just loved playing the game and can still picture one or two in my mind. You likely remember the drill. Chairs are set up inside a circle... Continue Reading →
STORMY WEATHER — A rough weather memoir
A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, SummerlandSunday, June 23, 2024The Very Rev Ken Gray Once the decision was made, that Kathie and I would move to Summerland for me to take up the post of Rector of St. Stephen’s in 1994 we came up a few weeks prior to moving in order to... Continue Reading →
Dear Deacons – One note from one particular priest
This past weekend Anglican Deacons, Canada gathered for its triennial meeting at the beautiful Sorrento Centre in the Shuswap region of British Columbia. Approximately sixty attendees from Anglican and Lutheran congregations, with guests from The United Church of Canada worshipped, prayed, sang, and studied for three days together. I was invited to join them for... Continue Reading →
Happy Birthday Richard Howard — A lesson in forgiveness
Today is Provost Richard Howard's birthday (born 12 June 1884). Provost Richard Howard, led the ministry at Coventry Cathedral (UK) during WW2, and during the Coventry Blitz was one of four firefighters who went on the roof to try save the cathedral. The very next day, he stood in the ruins, still smouldering, and said... Continue Reading →
Queer
It’s a word I use advisedly. As a cis-gender male it feels uncomfortable for me to use the word as I have only encountered it used pejoratively. Many in the Queer community welcome it with, yes, PRIDE. In conversation with a couple of clergy colleagues recently, I asked if we had read any Queer theology.... Continue Reading →
Beacons of hope in a time of climate crisis
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 →
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 →