An old bridal tale goes: Something old,something new,something borrowed,something blue . . . In a different tone and context, the good book reminds us: No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. (Mark... Continue Reading →
Are there lessons from the Church of England for us in the Anglican Church of Canada?
The report below suggests that in the Church of England at least, a growing number of congregations are moving in a โcongregationalโ direction. This means โlow churchโ where the preaching of the word is prioritized over the sacramental engagement with that Word that is God. Congregationalism also indicates less tolerance for uniformity in practice and... Continue Reading →
Law and (dis)order โ Never stop praying
A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen Anglican Church, Summerland BC on Sunday, October 19th, 2025 โ Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost y the Very Rev. Ken Gray Kathie and I love watching TV legal dramas. Itโs where I can channel my inner lawyer. She can speak to her favourites, but here are my top... Continue Reading →
Prophet and Pastor on the streets of Chicago
An interview heard on US National Public Radio, October 12, 2025 Weekend Edition Sunday NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks to Reverend Quincy Worthington, from Highland Park Presbyterian Church, about what he's seeing on the ground during ongoing ICE protests in Chicago. AYESHA RASCOE, HOST: A federal judge in Illinois issued a temporary restraining order on Thursday... Continue Reading →
Prophet, or Priest โ Can the two coexist?
Fr. Richard Rohr names a tension I have felt throughout my ministry. As a parish priest I represented the tradition of the church, yet always felt (and still do feel) called to push the boundaries. We certainly need both influences, but I continue to wonder how the two can coexist in one person, one leader,... Continue Reading →
Meet my friend Jim
My son, Cameron, suggested I reach out to Jim as someone also interested and experienced in justice advocacy, knowledgeable in politics, fervent in faith, and a Toronto Blue Jays baseball fan. The two met years ago at a United Nations climate conference (UNFCCC) in Cancรบn, Mexico. Learning that Jim had retired from global relations work... Continue Reading →
A most honourable mention โ Remembering Peter Hamel
โHe stood his ground, he knew what was right, he kept his word, and he kept things honest,โ says Hamel's widow, Margo Hearne. I first met Peter Hamel at a conference in the Diocese of British Columbia (now โIslands and Inletsโ) in 1993. Newly ordained it was an early experience for me of the tempestuous... Continue Reading →
Here is a book worth reading โ A focus on Francis
A sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour Church, Penticton on Sunday, October 5, 2025 [St. Francis transferred from Oct 4) by the Very Rev. Ken Gray โPreach the gospel at all times, and when absolutely necessary, use wordsโ Attributed to St. Francis, these words embody the thirteenth-century Italian whose greatest honour was to be... Continue Reading →
Decisions, decisions, decisions
A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland, Canada โ The sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 28, 2025 โ The Very Rev. Ken Gray We heard some months ago Jesusโ declaration of blessing and woe: โBlessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you... Continue Reading →
Remembering Chris โ Kamloopsโ Chris Rose has died aged 89
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."โWinnie the Pooh Wife, Gine, and family members wrote: "Our dear husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many, Chris Rose, transitioned peacefully from this life on Wednesday Sept. 24th surrounded by his loving family and the loving care of his nurses... Continue Reading →