by Jim Hodgson, Unwrapping Development Canada must condemn the ongoing U.S. embargo against Cuba, say two coalitions of Canadian non-governmental organizations (including churches, trade unions, aid groups and human rights defenders). The Americas Policy Group (APG) and Common Frontiers wrote Feb. 20 to Prime Minister Mark Carney,Foreign Minister Anita Anand, and Secretary of State (International Development) Randeep Sarai. Their letter condemned the... Continue Reading →
If in doubt, make a plan
Another chapter in the series Stories from Somewhere, fictional reflections of an unidentified place at an unknown time. Other chapters are listed here. Our paths have not crossed for a couple of weeks now, so I am out of touch. Obviously, Ronni and a few others have been busy making plans, exactly for what, I... Continue Reading →
Traditional Religion meets evolving contemporary needs
Originally published as โChristianity isnโt just in decline โ itโs become obsolete, says sociologist -- The problem isnโt simply about belief. โ[Traditional religion] doesnโt fit ordinary life,โ says Christian Smith.โ by Julie McGonegal - Feb. 6, 2026 on Broadview Christian Smith says that traditional religion hasnโt merely lost adherents โ itโs become culturally obsolete. Thatโs... Continue Reading →
Virginia Theological Seminary awards Stephen Colbert, Evelyn McGee-Colbert Deanโs Cross for Servant Leadership
Virginia Theological Seminary awarded the Deanโs Cross for Servant Leadership to comedian Stephen Colbert and his wife, film producer Evelyn McGee-Colbert, on Feb. 6 at General Theological Seminary in New York. Left to right: Evelyn McGee-Colbert, David Charlton, the Very Rev. Ian Markham and Stephen Colbert. Photo: Virginia Theological Seminary Episcopal News Service staff [Episcopal... Continue Reading →
Pastoral emergency
Another chapter in the series Stories from Somewhere, fictional reflections of an unidentified place at an unknown time. Other chapters are listed here. โThere is no such thing as a hopeless caseโโAA Big Book โMinister, I need you to come over right away. Please. I am in trouble. Come right away.โ I havenโt heard from... Continue Reading →
Waxing elegant
What to do with leftover stubs from altar candles? While some churches have abandoned beeswax or other real wax candles, some parishes continue to use them in worship. They look and smell lovely; better than any battery or oil fueled substitute for my money. The only problem is what to do with the stubs, a... Continue Reading →
Love your neighbour — ICE out
Josephine Walker on AXIOS Christian clergy are deploying spiritual infrastructure โ from organizing prayer circles to acting as human shields โ to resist the Trump administration's immigration agenda. Why it matters: The clergy members who spoke with Axios argue that Trump's immigration crackdown contradicts core biblical teachings about protecting the vulnerable, putting them at odds... Continue Reading →
Prepare . . . Welcome . . . Greet: Discoveries, at the Vatican
A sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour, Penticton, Sunday Feb 8, 2026 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray Writing in Vatican News Tiziana Campisi describes a most unusual Papal event: โAn unusual Sunday Audience took place on 1 February 2026 in the Apostolic Palace, which was reserved for Gentlemen of the Papal Household, Antechamber... Continue Reading →
What Costco, Ikea, and Walmart can teach the church
No questions asked This is what I hear when I return something to my local big box stores. For whatever reason the item I purchased does not work out for my needs or wants. I would like my money back please. Almost always, the money is immediately refunded, with a smile. No questions asked. I... Continue Reading →
Good hearts and troubled minds and sore feetย โ More from Anne Lamott
[Ken Gray] So hereโs an idea. Letโs invite Anne Lamott up to Vancouver to visit with supportive and faithful Canadians. What a great event that would be. My secret agenda would be to welcome her here for an extended period of time; maybe sheโd stay . . . So often I find myself drawn to... Continue Reading →