VIGIL IN A SMALL TOWN, by Betty-Ann Xenis, Summerland, BC The second time we met, it was windy and our candles kept blowing out. It seemed symbolic somehow. Candles, a light in the darkness, being blown out by a force beyond our control. We finally stopped trying to relight them but just stood in the... Continue Reading →
[Ken Gray] The Rev. Chris Parsons (Executive Archdeacon of the Anglican Diocese of Kootenay) and I have been clergy colleagues for many years, now in the Diocese of Kootenay, and previously in the Diocese of Islands and Inlets (BC). We each know the peaks and troughs of working in ordained leadership, especially within the Anglican... Continue Reading →
From Craig Loya, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota Fellow Americans, Things are impossibly hard in Minnesota right now. We are a state that feels under siege, and the people of this place are doing everything possible to resist. The campaign of reckless brutality being waged by the federal government has been well documented,... Continue Reading →
By David Paulsen, Episcopal News Service Washington Bishop Mariann Budde speaks Jan. 22 during a news conference by clergy about immigration actions in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo: Jack Jenkins/Religion News Service [Episcopal News Service] Episcopal clergy and lay leaders are among the hundreds of people of faith from across the United States who have traveled to... Continue Reading →
The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, Episcopal (Anglican) Bishop of Minnesota. At one point in the grand Holy Spirit riff that is the Book of Acts, after Paul and Silas have whirled through town on one of their preaching tours, some local Christians are brought in front of the Roman authorities. The case against them is... Continue Reading →
Excellent thoughts from Bob Rae on substack - Jan 10, 2026 Dedicated to those who are continuing the fight against tyranny around the world, and those who have died in the struggle [Bob Rae] The French philosopher Blaise Pascal is famous for his sharp aphorisms. One of my favourites is this: “Justice without force is... Continue Reading →
"The inevitability of death is what makes us love life"--Dianne Rayson The Rt. Rev. Geoff Woodcroft is the 13th bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ruperts Land in the Anglican Church of Canada having served from 2018-2025. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in October 2024 he went on immediate medical leave then considered palliative. He formally... Continue Reading →
My favourite poetic Christmas tradition it to read this very Canadian piece written by John Terpstra, the Little Towns of Bethlehem. If God arrived in Christ in Bethlehem Christ arrives in the places and spaces of our nation, places familiar and unknown to us, though I am privileged to have lived in, or passed through... Continue Reading →
It is indeed ages since I have read or heard this poem. A marvellous presentation by Louis Armstrong (Sachmo). Not sure of the piano accompanist but might have been Marian McPartland. Brilliant and sensitive playing. Other great seasonal links in the Youtube comments and description. Happy Christmas to all. https://youtu.be/cmt2TZWGoO8
“NOEL” by J.R.R. Tolkien was written in 1936, amidst the gathering gloom of national socialism in Germany. At the time, it provided an antidote to social and political anxiety. May it provide some relief for us now. Grim was the world and grey last night:The moon and stars were fled,The hall was dark without song... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 