With thanks to June Maffin I am pleased to share an insightful poem by Brian Bilston. June writes: “I believe that living in the US these days is 'Freedom with a Trigger.' ... 'Justice in a Holster' ... 'The Pulled Vote, Not the Cast Vote.' Thank you, Brian Bilston. Your words in your "America is... Continue Reading →
Creator, from the depth and breadth of creation, we thank you. The message below is from Tomás Insua, Laudato Si' Research Institute (Oxford University) on behalf of Bishop Bedford-Strohm (chair of Feast of Creation process) and fellow conveners. Additional context added by KJG. For months now many global ecumenical partners including Anglicans have participated in... Continue Reading →
I have long lasting ties with Scotland’s Iona Community. During the 1990s while ministering at Sooke on Vancouver Island I discovered their music and liturgies. Initially created by John Bell, Graham Maule, and the Wild Goose Worship Group the liturgies were scripturally based, socially relevant, and justice-centred. The music was very well crafted, easy to... Continue Reading →
A few days ago I published a blog describing Pope Leo’s citation of the faithful witness of the Algerian Martyrs during the Algerian civil war between 1994-1996. Mission, the pope insisted, is never “a form of self-display, in opposition of identities, but the gift of self, even to the point of martyrdom, by those who... Continue Reading →
Taking a rest today from some of the horrible news from down south, and elsewhere. Please find below a truly good news story. Enjoy. Back to the awfuls (new word) tomorrow. Promise. As a child growing up in Victoria through the 1960s I remember the “Chinese grocery stores.” I especially remember one on the corner... Continue Reading →
Thanks to Gary Schmidt for this lovely little piece. My father is in his eighties, and every morning he insists on walking to the little grocery store at the end of the street. I’ve told him a hundred times, “Dad, you don’t need to do that. I can order everything online. One click, and it’s... Continue Reading →
[Ken Gray] I spent my first nineteen years in Victoria. I return to visit frequently. I have lived in neighbouring communities from Sooke to Sidney and places in between. I know it well. Obviously things change over time; I get that. But what Gene Miller proposes below is a transformative vision which could, if enacted,... Continue Reading →
Posting on David’s Facebook page, Joan Bubbs, David’s wife shared the sad news: “I have signed on to David's Facebook page to share the heartbreaking news that David died yesterday [Sunday], after a short illness. Some of you will also know that David was suffering from severe dementia. The combination of physical and mental deterioration... Continue Reading →
Dog-blogger, Juno, a six-year-old Labradoodle, lives with her MaPaw and PaPaw in beautiful Summerland in the British Columbia interior. She is a healthy, happy dog, but today we see a side of her few people or animals witness. When she gets angry, well, look out. Hello everyone. I hope you are enjoying August as much... Continue Reading →
I am always pleased to share posts from friend and activist, Jim Hodgson, who lives just down the road from me in Summerland. Now retired from global justice work with the United Church of Canada Jim has a special passion for human rights respect in the Americas. He is currently working on a major book... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 